Author: Mufti Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran; A Miracle Beyond Time-A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (Part 25)
The balance between males and females and the harmonious system of creation
The balance between males and females is one of the important topics in the humanities, biology and theology, which shows the precise order and unparalleled wisdom in creation; After World War II, unusual changes were observed in the ratio of males to females; but these changes were temporary and eventually the natural balance that Allah Almighty has ordained was established. This section examines this balance, its scientific and religious reasons and its importance in the system of creation.
Changes in the ratio of males and females after World War II
After World War II, the ratio of females to males unexpectedly increased to four to one, meaning that there was only one man for every four women. This change was due to the heavy casualties of men in the war and the natural balance of society was disrupted. However, after a few years, this ratio returned to the natural balance that Allah Almighty has ordained: about one hundred and five percent men and ninety-five percent women.
This ratio is not only in one country or region; Rather, it has been constant and stable in all countries and ethnic groups and even throughout history.
Differences in the number of males and females in families and the general system
The number of male and female children may differ in different families; for example, one man has eight daughters, another has four daughters and four sons, and another may be sterile and have no children. These differences are apparent, and ultimately, at the level of the general population, the ratios are regulated systematically and precisely according to divine law.
Human geography and demography scholars study these systems and play an important role in managing resources and regulating policies. Similar to the Ministry of Finance, which closely monitors budget spending, the creation system also records and closely monitors the ratios so that balance is maintained.
The hand of divine power in regulating ratios
The unbalanced ratio of 75 percent men and 25 percent women that was observed after World War II returned to its natural balance after a few years. This return took place without direct human intervention and based on precise divine laws.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: ٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تَحۡمِلُ كُلُّ أُنثَىٰ وَمَا تَغِيضُ ٱلۡأَرۡحَامُ وَمَا تَزۡدَادُۚ وَكُلُّ شَيۡءٍ عِندَهُۥ بِمِقۡدَارٍ Translation: “Allah knows what every female carries (in her womb) (and whether her load is a boy or a girl, and what her physical and spiritual condition is, and what the quality and quantity of her potential talents and powers are), and He knows what the wombs decrease and what they increase (and what their normal cycles, menstruation, and pregnancy are like, and when, how much, and in what manner the period of pregnancy and childbirth is), and everything with Him is in measure and proportion (and has a specific measure and a specific account).”[Ra’ad: 8]
This verse emphasizes the divine knowledge and planning in the precise arrangement and management of vital affairs.
The difference between males and females from a religious and scientific perspective
Allah Almighty says in the story of Maryam (Mary) “peace be upon her” addressing her mother: فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتۡهَا قَالَتۡ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَضَعۡتُهَآ أُنثَىٰ وَٱللَّهُ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتۡ وَلَيۡسَ ٱلذَّكَرُ كَٱلۡأُنثَىٰۖ Translation: “So when she gave birth to her, (she saw that it was a female and raised her hands to the Lord in supplication and asked for forgiveness) she said: My Lord! I gave birth to a girl – but Allah was more aware of what she had brought forth (than Mary herself, and knew better that) a boy is not like a girl (and this girl will be far more beneficial than the boy she desired).” [Al Imran: 36]
Muslim scholars believe that men and women are equal in duties, responsibilities and religion; but they have fundamental differences in physical, psychological, social and cognitive aspects.
For example, boys and girls have different behaviors, interests and tendencies even at a young age, which are indicative of these differences.
The System of Balance in Creation: Verses and Examples
Allah Almighty says: وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ مَدَدۡنَٰهَا وَأَلۡقَيۡنَا فِيهَا رَوَٰسِيَ وَأَنۢبَتۡنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ مَّوۡزُونٖ Translation: “We have spread out the earth, and cast therein firm mountains, and caused to grow therein of all things in due proportion.” [Al-Hijr: 19]
This verse expresses the precise order and balance in the universe, in such a way that no phenomenon overpowers another and everything grows in due proportion and measure.
An example of this balance in nature occurred in the Australian continent; Planting a type of cactus as a protective fence led to its uncontrolled spread and damage to the environment; but Allah Almighty created a special pest for that plant that was growing excessively, which prevented its excessive spread.
Balance in the human body
There are also complex and coordinated systems in the human body to maintain balance:
The pituitary gland stimulates the activity of the thyroid gland; but the thyroid hormones have an inhibitory effect on the activity of the pituitary gland to maintain balance.
The systems for regulating fluids, blood sugar, salts and hormones work with great precision.
Vitamin deficiencies lead to diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies, which in the past led to the death of sailors.
Consequences of Balance in Creation
This balance and orderly system ensures the survival and continuation of life. If this balance were not there, for example, if large fish did not eat small fish, the number of fish would reach such a level that the sea water would be completely filled with fish and the order of the ecosystem would be disrupted.
Also, insects are made in such a way that their breathing is through tubes, not lungs; therefore, their size is limited and they cannot become large and dangerous creatures that threaten humans.
Finally, as a summary, we say that the verses of the Qur’an and today’s science all indicate the existence of a precise and balanced system in creation, which is a sign of the infinite power, wisdom and knowledge of Allah Almighty. It is stated in the Holy Qur’an: ﵟإِنَّ فِي خَلۡقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱخۡتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيۡلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ 190 ٱلَّذِينَ يَذۡكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَٰمٗا وَقُعُودٗا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمۡ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلۡقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقۡتَ هَٰذَا بَٰطِلٗا سُبۡحَٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ 191ﵞ Translation: “Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on their sides (and in all their states and circumstances) and reflect on the (wonderful, terrifying, and mysterious) creation of the heavens and the earth (and its enchanting design and astonishing structure arouses excitement in them and they say in their present and past tense) Our Lord! You did not create this (the wonderful system of the universe) in vain and in vain; Glory be to You! So protect us (by helping us to do righteous and proper deeds) from the punishment of the Fire (Hell).” [Al-Imran: 190-191]
This balanced and harmonious system is an invitation to think and ponder on the divine verses and the greatness of creation, and it emphasizes the existence of divine order in all aspects of life and the world. [1]
Continues…
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References:
Summary of the article: Encyclopedia of Scientific Miracles in the Qur’an and Sunnah, Vol. 1, p. 36.
