Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time—A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 117)
The Miracle of the Functionality of Bones and Muscles in Light of Contemporary Scientific Discoveries
The Holy Quran, the Book of guidance and knowledge, not only explains principles of faith and morality but also contains precise references to the structure of human creation. In many cases, these references were mentioned centuries before scientific discoveries and are now regarded as examples of the scientific miracles of the Qur’an.
One of these important references appears in Surah Al-Insan, where Allah Almighty says: «نَّحنُ خَلَقنَٰهُم وَشَدَدنَآ أَسرَهُم وَإِذَا شِئنَا بَدَّلنَآ أَمثَٰلَهُم تَبدِيلًا» We created them and strengthened their joints and structure, and whenever We will, we can replace them with others like them. [1]
This verse, besides demonstrating divine power in creating and replacing mankind, also points to the strength of the human body structure. The phrase “Wa shadadna asrahum” particularly draws attention to the complex and firm system of the human body, especially the skeletal and muscular systems.
The Meaning of “Wa Shadadna Asrahum” in Qur’anic Interpretation
The word “Asr” has several meanings in Quranic exegesis. The scholar Al-Mawardi (RA) states:
The word “Asr” in interpretation has been understood in three ways:
First, it refers to the joints of the human body, and this meaning was narrated from Abu Hurairah.
Second, it refers to the creation and physical structure of man, as explained by Abdullah ibn Abbas, Mujahid, and Qatadah.
Third, it means strength and firmness, as narrated from Ibn Zayd. [2]
Thus, “Asr” indicates solidity and coherence in human creation—whether in the connection of joints, the structure of creation itself, or the strength hidden within it.
In reality, this demonstrates that the human body is not merely a collection of scattered parts; rather, it is a coordinated, organized, and remarkably strong system in which every part is precisely connected with the others.
The Skeletal System: The Pillar of Bodily Strength
The human skeletal system consists of approximately 206 bones that:
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Form the main framework of the body;
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Protect vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs;
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Provide attachment points for muscles.
Bones, despite their hard and solid appearance, are living tissues that:
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Contain blood vessels;
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Possess the ability to repair and regenerate;
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Play a role in the production of blood cells.
From an engineering perspective, bones combine strength and lightness in such a way that they can bear the body’s weight while simultaneously allowing movement. These characteristics are manifestations of the “strength and firmness” mentioned in human creation.
The Muscular System: The Secret of Movement and Functionality
If bones form the framework of the body, it is the muscles that give it life and movement. Muscles are tissues composed of millions of fibers.
Structure of Muscles
Each muscle contains:
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Millions of muscle fibers;
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A network of nerves;
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Sources of energy (nutrients stored within cells).
Each muscle fiber contracts when it receives a nerve signal.
Principles of Muscle Contraction
When the brain commands movement:
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A signal is transmitted through the nerves to the muscle;
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The muscle fibers contract;
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The length of the muscle decreases (up to about 60%);
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The attached bone moves.
This process forms the basis of all bodily movements—from the simplest actions such as picking up an object to the most complex activities such as walking, running, and performing heavy physical work.
To be continued…
Sources:
- The Qur’an, 76:28.
- Tafsir al-Mawardi, 6/173.
