The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (Part 52)
A Small and Mysterious Gland in the Depth of the Brain
In the center of the human brain, there is a very small and delicate gland, the size of a white corn kernel, known as al-Ghuddah al-Sanubariyyah or the pineal gland. This gland, although small and seemingly insignificant, is one of the most mysterious parts of the human body and of living beings.
Neglecting the Mistake of Ancient Science
At times, great scholars and famous physicians, without full understanding, considered this gland to be without function and unimportant. One of them told his students: “This gland is useless and has no role in the body.” But the Noble Qur’an says: (1)”وَمَا أُوتِیتُم مِنَ الْعِلْمِ إِلَّا قَلِیلًا” Translation: “You have been given of knowledge only a little (and your human knowledge, considering the vastness of the entire universe and the infinite knowledge of Allah the Exalted, is not even a drop in the ocean).” This means that what humans know is only a small portion of the knowledge and wisdom of Allah Almighty.
A Gland with an Astonishing Background and Ancient History
The pineal gland is the first gland to form in the embryo and the last gland whose secrets and functions are uncovered by medical science. This point by itself shows the particular importance and status of this gland.
Melatonin Hormone: The Commander of Sleep and Health
The pineal gland secretes a hormone called melatonin, which is found in all living beings including plants, animals, humans, and even single-celled organisms. This hormone is only secreted at night and in darkness, and it has many important roles, including:
Regulating the sleep-wake cycle and improving sleep quality;
Helping to fight viruses and bacteria;
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
Reducing the symptoms of jet lag (time zone disorder from air travel) and fatigue from long journeys;
Increasing energy and muscle strength.
Modern science believes that melatonin is one of the most active and effective hormones in the human body, playing a fundamental role in the health and survival of the body.
The Great Mistake of Those Who Consider the Pineal Gland Worthless
Those who call this gland useless and consider its function insignificant are, in reality, unaware of the truth and are in a great error; because the removal of, or disturbance in the secretion of, the hormone melatonin can lead to serious disorders and even death.
The Universal and Widespread Presence of the Pineal Gland
This gland is not only in humans, but exists in all living beings, even in plants and microbes; and this indicates its very fundamental role in the cycle of life.
The Qur’an’s Reminder and Scholars’ View About the Limitations of Human Knowledge (2)”وَلَا یُحِیطُونَ بِشَیء مِّن عِلمِهِۦۤ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ” Translation: “And they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He wills.”
Scholars also believe that human beings are still, before the secrets of this gland and the mysteries of life, like small children who have only just begun to discover the world.
Remarkable Growth of Scientific Research
Today, hundreds of precise scientific studies are published annually about this gland, showing its increasing importance in medicine and biological sciences.
At the end of this discussion, it must be said that belittling the pineal gland stems from ignorance and lack of knowledge. Recognizing and understanding the greatness of this gland and its astonishing functions leads a person to prostrate and give thanks to the Wise and All-Powerful Creator. (3)
The Thymus Gland (Ṣaʿtar/ Thymus Gland)
The Ṣaʿtar gland, also known as thymus, is one of the vital glands in the human body. This gland grows after birth, and its activity continues until about the age of two; then it gradually begins to shrink (atrophy). This process had caused some scientists to think that the thymus gland has no role or function in human life, but this understanding was due to lack of knowledge and incorrect perception. With the advancement of medical sciences, it became clear that this gland is one of the most vital and critical glands for maintaining human health and survival.
The Role of the Thymus Gland in the Adaptive Immune System
The adaptive immune system is one of the most complex and important defense systems of the body, operating like a well-equipped, organized army. This system includes various groups, such as reconnaissance units, weapons manufacturers, combat forces, support services, and special forces. Our focus here is on the combat groups.
White blood cells produced in the bone marrow and assigned to combat missions are sent to the thymus gland to participate in a specialized training period. After passing rigorous examinations, these cells become known as trained T cells (transliteration).
Training of White Blood Cells in the Thymus “Military School”
In this “military school,” two main subjects are taught to the white blood cells:
Recognition of self and friends
In this part, the cells become familiar with the hundreds of thousands of proteins present in the human body so they learn that these molecules are “friends” and must not be attacked. Attacking these molecules would mean the body destroying itself.
Recognition of enemies and pathogens
In this stage, the cells are introduced to pathogens known from previous generations of humans; this information is obtained through maternal immune defense passed from mother to child and through direct encounters with pathogens in the early years of life. In this section the cells learn how to identify and destroy these agents or alert the immune system to them.
Examination and Selection Process
White blood cells pass individually through the examination gates and take two specialized tests:
First exam: If a cell attacks the body’s own molecules, it fails and is killed to prevent damage to the body.
Second exam: If a cell cannot recognize pathogens and respond to them, it fails and is removed, because such a cell cannot protect the body.
Only the cells that successfully pass these two examinations are permitted to enter the bloodstream and take part in defending the body.
Continuation of Function and Weakening of the Gland
The thymus gland actively performs this training from birth until about the age of three. After that, the trained T cells (transliteration) take over this duty and pass on their knowledge to future generations.
With increasing age, especially after the age of 70, the gland’s activity decreases, which weakens the education of white blood cells. As a result, the defensive cells may attack the body’s own healthy cells and tissues instead of protecting them, leading to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, kidney problems, and other disorders.
In summary, the thymus gland — which many may consider insignificant — is in fact one of the most important and vital glands in the human body; a military school for training defensive cells that play a key role in preserving health. With the advancement of science and knowledge, we come to realize the greatness and precision in the design of this gland, and we believe even more in the power and wisdom of the One Creator. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Qur’an: (4)”سَنُرِیهِم ءَایَٰتِنَا فِی ٱلآفَاقِ وَفِی أَنفُسِهِم حَتَّىٰ یَتَبَیَّنَ لَهُم أَنَّهُ ٱلحَقُّ أَوَلَم یَكفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَیء شَهِیدٌ” (Translation: “We shall show them Our signs in the horizons (of the heavens and the earth, the greater world) and in their own selves (the smaller world) until it becomes clear to them that this Qur’an is the truth. Is it not sufficient that your Lord is, over all things, a Witness? (What presence and testimony can be greater than this — that with the script of creation, He has inscribed the signs of His power and wisdom upon every particle of existence?)”)
