Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time—A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 116)
The Miracle of the Effect of Atmospheric Pressure on Humans in Light of Scientific Discoveries (Continued)
The Concept of Atmospheric Pressure and Balance in the Human Body
The Effects of Ascending to High Altitudes
When ascending to high altitudes, the following changes occur:
1. Decrease in Atmospheric Pressure
The higher a person ascends, the lower the air pressure becomes. As a result, the internal pressure of the body becomes greater than the external pressure. This imbalance disrupts the normal functioning of bodily organs.
2. Reduction of Oxygen
At high altitudes, the amount of oxygen decreases, leading to:
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Shortness of breath;
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Dizziness;
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Severe fatigue;
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And in extreme cases, unconsciousness.
3. Expansion of Gases Within the Body
The gases present in the stomach and intestines expand due to reduced pressure, which may:
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Cause severe abdominal pain;
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Push the diaphragm upward;
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Negatively affect the heart and lungs.
4. Effects on the Ears and Brain
Reduced pressure may lead to:
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Severe ear pain;
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Rupture of the eardrum;
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Nosebleeds;
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Disturbances in blood circulation.
5. Feeling of Tightness and Pressure in the Chest
One of the most significant effects is the feeling of tightness of the chest (dayq al-sadr), which appears in the form of:
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Intense pressure in the chest;
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Difficulty breathing;
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A sensation of suffocation.
Scientific Correspondence with the Qur’anic Verse
If we now return to the Qur’anic verse, we see that Allah Almighty describes the condition of the misguided person as follows: «يَجعَل صَدرَهُۥ ضَيِّقًا حَرَجا كَأَنَّمَا يَصَّعَّدُ فِي ٱلسَّمَآءِ» Translation: “He makes his chest tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky.” [1]
This description corresponds precisely with what modern science says about ascending to high altitudes:
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“ ضَيِّقًا ” — tightness of the chest;
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“ حَرَجا ” the severity and intensity of this tightness;
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“كَأَنَّمَا يَصَّعَّدُ فِي ٱلسَّمَآءِ ” the actual condition of someone ascending into the sky.
At the time this verse was revealed, human beings had no experience of flying at high altitudes, nor did they possess any scientific understanding of atmospheric pressure. Yet, the Noble Qur’an describes a condition that modern science has now accurately confirmed.
The Scientific Miraculous Aspects of the Verse
This verse contains several dimensions of scientific miracles:
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Precision in the Choice of Analogy
Instead of any other comparison, the Noble Qur’an specifically mentions “ascending into the sky,” a condition that modern science now knows is accompanied by breathing difficulty and intense pressure.
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Accurate Description of a Physiological Condition
The phrase “dayyiqan harajan” precisely expresses the severity of pressure and physical discomfort experienced in such circumstances.
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Scientific Foretelling
This verse pointed to the reality of atmospheric pressure and its effects centuries before these phenomena were scientifically discovered.
The Relationship Between Physical and Psychological States
Another important point is that the Noble Qur’an uses a physical phenomenon (difficulty breathing at high altitudes) to explain a psychological state (refusal to accept guidance). This demonstrates:
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The deep connection between body and soul;
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The use of tangible examples to help understand spiritual concepts;
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Extraordinary precision in describing human conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, the verse under discussion is a clear example of the harmony between divine revelation and scientific discoveries. It was revealed at a time when humanity had no knowledge of atmospheric pressure or its effects, yet today science confirms it with remarkable accuracy.
This reality demonstrates that the Noble Qur’an was revealed from a divine source fully aware of the secrets of nature. As time passes, the scientific indications within the Qur’an become increasingly apparent. Faith and science are not in conflict; rather, they complement one another.
Ultimately, this verse invites us to reflect upon the signs of Allah and to attain a deeper understanding of the Creator of the universe—the One whose knowledge encompasses all things.
To be continued…
Sources:
- The Qur’an, 6:125.
- Mabahith fi I’jaz al-Qur’an, pp. 224–226.
