Author: Mufti Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (Part 55)
The Wonders of the Peritoneal Membrane and the Stomach in the Human Digestive System
Reflecting on the human body and the complex structure of the digestive system reveals the clear signs of God Almighty’s wisdom and power. Every cell, tissue, and membrane of our body is created not randomly but with complete wisdom to sustain life. The Holy Qur’an mentions this: “أَیَحسَبُ ٱلإِنسَٰنُ أَن یُترَكَ سُدًى”[1] Translation: “Does man think that he will be left neglected, without guidance, and without divine laws, accountability, and retribution in this world or the Hereafter?”
One of the remarkable scientific and divine signs is the human peritoneal membrane and stomach, which coordinate vital and defensive functions of the body.
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The Peritoneal Membrane and Pain Sensation in the Intestines
The small and large intestines are supported and protected by a thin, yet vital membrane called the peritoneum, which serves several important roles:
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Maintaining Flexibility and Movement of the Intestines:
During digestion, the intestines require movement. The peritoneum facilitates this movement and precisely enables mechanical contractions and motions.
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Defensive Function:
The peritoneum is equipped with nerve endings and lymph nodes, acting as the body’s defense units. If the intestines become inflamed or perforated, the peritoneum quickly produces inflammatory fluids to destroy microbes and prevent infection spread.
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Source of Warning Pain:
Nerves in this membrane allow humans to feel intense pain when the intestines are severely damaged or inflamed. Importantly, the intestines themselves lack sensory nerves, so the pain originates solely from the peritoneum. For instance, drinking boiling water does not cause intestinal pain, but perforation or severe inflammation does. The Qur’an refers to this reality: “وَسُقُوا مَاءً حَمِیماً فَقَطَّعَ أَمعَاءَهُم”[2] Translation: “They were made to drink boiling water that tore their intestines apart.”
This aligns with modern scientific findings showing that intestinal pain results from peritoneal injury, not the intestines themselves.
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The Stomach and Its Amazing Structure
The human stomach is also among the miracles of creation. Some of its remarkable features include:
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Four-Layered Structure and Diverse Muscles:
The stomach has four membranes and multiple types of muscles:
• Circular muscles
• Longitudinal muscles
• Oblique muscles
This muscular arrangement allows various contractions to optimize both mechanical and chemical digestion.
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Extraordinary Number of Digestive Glands:
The stomach contains over 35 million digestive glands, averaging 800 glands per square centimeter. These glands secrete enzymes and hydrochloric acid capable of digesting even meat.
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Self-Protection:
Despite its digestive power, the stomach does not digest itself. It is lined with a resistant mucous membrane, and its wall cells constantly produce repair substances to maintain the inner surface.
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The “Castle Factor” and Vitamin B12
Another marvel is the stomach’s role in Vitamin B12 absorption, essential for red blood cell maturation. Without the protein Castle factor, secreted by the stomach, Vitamin B12 cannot enter the bloodstream and liver. This factor has a high molecular weight, and only with its help can Vitamin B12 be absorbed and stored. Absence of the stomach or Castle factor leads to severe anemia, neurological disorders, tongue inflammation, spinal lesions, and other health issues.
Vitamin B12 reserves in the liver are sufficient for up to five years, demonstrating the precise coordination and wisdom in human creation.
Summary:
The peritoneum and stomach exemplify divine precision, order, and wisdom in the human body. The peritoneum facilitates intestinal movement and provides immediate warning against damage and infection. The stomach, with its four-layered structure, millions of glands, and self-protective mechanism, digests food and optimally stores nutrients. The Castle factor illustrates the precise coordination between organs and nutrients. Reflection on this system leads humans to glorify God and witness Qur’anic verses in their bodies: “أَیَحسَبُ ٱلإِنسَٰنُ أَن یُترَكَ سُدًى”[3] Translation: “Does man think he will be left neglected, without divine guidance, accountability, and retribution?”
The Wonders of the Liver and Health Considerations in Drinking Water
The human liver is one of the largest and most complex organs, playing a vital role in sustaining life. The Qur’an and prophetic traditions highlight this scientific fact and the importance of its preservation: “فَلیَنظُرِ ٱلإِنسَٰنُ مِمَّ خُلِقَ”[5] Translation: “Man should consider carefully from what he was created.”
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Liver: Factory and Reservoir of Life
The liver is the largest internal organ, and without it, a human cannot survive for more than three hours. Its marvels include:
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Exceptional Regeneration:
Even if four-fifths of the liver is removed surgically, it regenerates rapidly. Liver cells are the fastest-dividing cells, ensuring survival.
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Multiple Vital Functions:
Scientific studies show that the liver performs thousands of functions, including:
• Blood storage: Up to 1500 cc, released in emergencies.
• Nutrient storage: Sugar, fat, protein, vitamins; released during shortages or hemorrhage.
• Metabolic conversions: Sugar, protein, fat sugar, and vice versa.
• Regulation of blood sugar and fats: Ensures optimal blood composition.
• Production of clotting and anticoagulant factors: Maintains blood balance.
• Fluid regulation: Maintains water balance; liver disorders cause edema.
• Detoxification: Neutralizes or eliminates toxins.
• Bile production: Essential for fat digestion and intestinal sterilization.
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Liver Protection
• Hepatitis and Jaundice: Contaminated food or tools can inflame the liver. Prophetic traditions emphasize cleanliness and hygiene.
• Cirrhosis and Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is a major cause of liver damage. The Qur’an prohibits alcohol:
“یَٰأَیُّهَا ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا إِنَّمَا ٱلخَمرُ وَٱلمَیسِرُ وَٱلأَنصَابُ وَٱلأَزلَٰمُ رِجسٌ مِّن عَمَلِ ٱلشَّیطَٰنِ فَٱجتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُم تُفلِحُونَ”[6]
Translation: “O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and arrows are abominations from Satan. Avoid them so that you may prosper.”
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Proper Water Consumption
Prophetic guidance highlights healthy water consumption:
• Three-step drinking: The Prophet drank water in three sips, breathing between each, avoiding over-stimulation of the vagus nerve and protecting heart health.
• Drinking in hot conditions or during exertion: Excess water in these situations can harm the body. The Qur’an also emphasizes moderation in water consumption during challenges: “قَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُبتَلِیكُم بِنَهَرٍ فَمَن شَرِبَ مِنهُ فَلَیسَ مِنِّی وَمَن لَّم یَطعَمهُ فَإِنَّهُۥ مِنِّیۤ إِلَّا مَنِ ٱغتَرَفَ غُرفَةَ بِیَدِهِۦۚ”[7] Translation: “God will test you with a river. Whoever drinks from it is not from me, and whoever takes only a handful is from me.”
Summary:
The liver exemplifies precise creation and divine wisdom. Its coordination, attention to health, and proper water consumption demonstrate the link between science and revelation, inspiring humans to glorify God. [8]
“أَم خُلِقُوا مِن غَیرِ شَیءٍ أَم هُمُٱلخَٰلِقُونَ”[8] Translation: “Were they created from nothing, or are they their own creators?” [9]
Continues…
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References:
[1] Al-Qiyamah: 36
[2] Muhammad: 15
[3] Al-Qiyamah: 36
[4] Summarized from: موسوعة الإعجاز العلمي في القرآن والسنة, Vol. 1, pp. 162-166
[5] At-Tariq: 5
[6] Al-Ma’idah: 90
[7] Al-Baqarah: 249
[8] At-Tur: 35
[9] Summarized from: موسوعة الإعجاز العلمي في القرآن والسنة, Vol. 1, pp. 166-171
