The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 73)
The Divine Miracle in the World of Plants
The Effect of the Qur’an on Plant Growth and Behavior
Plants, like all other creations of Allah the Exalted, respond to environmental stimuli, and it can be said that at a limited level they possess “sensation” and “perception” of their surroundings. Scientific research has shown that these living organisms give positive or negative responses to external stimuli, and they may even be influenced by spiritual energy. This phenomenon is in harmony with the emphasis of the Noble Qur’an on the glorification (tasbīḥ) of all living beings: “تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتُ ٱلسَّبعُ وَٱلأَرضُ وَمَن فِیهِنَّۚ وَإِن مِّن شَیءٍ إِلَّا یُسَبِّحُ بِحَمدِهِۦ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَفقَهُونَ تَسبِیحَهُمۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حَلِیمًا غَفُوراً [1] ” Translation: “The seven heavens and the earth and all who are in them glorify Him; and there is not a thing except that it glorifies Him with His praise, but you do not understand their glorification. Indeed, He is Most Forbearing, Most Forgiving.”
One of the prominent researchers in the field of plant physiology conducted an experimental study in 1997 that examined the direct relationship between plants and the recitation of the Noble Qur’an. In the courtyard of his university’s science faculty, he prepared four identical plastic enclosures, and in each one he planted identical soil and wheat seeds under the same conditions. All plants received equal amounts of water and fertilizer. Then four different methods were assigned to each enclosure:
The First Enclosure: Recitation of the Noble Qur’an
One of the students regularly recited verses of the Noble Qur’an to the plants twice a week (Sūrat Yā Sīn, Sūrat al-Fātiḥah, Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, and Āyat al-Kursī).
The Second Enclosure: Verbal Abuse and Harm
A student caused harm to the plants in this enclosure by cutting leaves and branches and using harsh and abusive words.
The Third Enclosure: Physical impacts and Cutting
The plants were subjected to harsh impacts, cutting of leaves, and direct physical damage.
The Fourth Enclosure: Control Group
No special intervention was applied, and the plants continued their natural growth.
The Results of the Experiment Were Astonishing:
The plants exposed to the recitation of the Noble Qur’an grew 44% taller than those in the control enclosure, and their yield increased by 140%.
The plants subjected to impacts and abuse showed a 35% reduction in height and an 80% decrease in yield.
This experiment demonstrates that the spiritual effect of the Noble Qur’an is not limited to the human soul and psyche, but also influences nature and plants, and it is an indication of the scientific miracle of the Noble Qur’an, as Allah the Exalted says: “لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ عَلَىٰ جَبَلٍ لَّرَأَيْتَهُۥ خَاشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ ٱللَّهِ [2]” Translation: “If We had sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbled and splitting apart out of fear of Allah.”
Water Storage in Plants
Some plants, especially those in dry and desert regions, have evolved to store water. These plants are able to retain water in specific tissues and benefit from these reserves during times of drought. This system of water storage follows a hierarchical order of consumption:
First, water from the leaves is used.
Then water from branches and secondary organs is consumed.
After that, water from the stems, and finally water from the roots is used.
If the water in the roots is depleted, the plant dies. This precise order is a sign of the wisdom and knowledge of Allah the Exalted, as He says: “قُلِ ٱنظُرُوا مَاذَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِۚ وَمَا تُغْنِى ٱلْـَٔايَٰتُ وَٱلنُّذُرُ عَن قَوْمٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ [3] ” Translation: “Say: Look at what is in the heavens and the earth. But signs and warnings do not benefit a people who do not believe.”
Some species of desert plants are capable of storing up to three thousand liters of water during the dry season. This enormous capacity for water storage is an example of the perfect and wise creation of Allah the Exalted, who has anticipated the needs of humanity and the environment.
Plant Orientation and Light Absorption
Plants respond to light and moisture and grow toward sources of light and water. Leaves are arranged in a way that maximizes light absorption and minimizes interference between leaves. Roots grow downward toward water and moisture, while stems grow upward toward light. These characteristics reflect a precise and purposeful system and provide a clear answer to the question posed by the Noble Qur’an: “أَءِلَٰهٌ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِۚ تَعَٰلَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ [4] ” Translation: “Is there any deity with Allah? Exalted is Allah above what they associate with Him.”
The Harmony of the Noble Qur’an with Nature
Just as plants show a positive response to the recitation of the Noble Qur’an, this indicates that the Noble Qur’an, as a source of guidance, has an effect upon all of creation. Plants do not possess intention, yet they respond to the divine verses, while human beings who are the primary audience of the Noble Qur’an may neglect it, as Allah the Exalted says: “وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًا [5]” Translation: “And the Messenger will say: O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as something abandoned.”
In Summary Plants respond to both natural and spiritual stimuli.
The recitation of the Noble Qur’an leads to increased growth and yield in plants, which is an example of the scientific miracle of the Noble Qur’an.
The systems of water storage and orientation in plants are signs of divine knowledge and wisdom.
Every behavior of plants from growth to water consumption and light absorption is a sign from among the signs of Allah the Exalted, calling human beings to reflection and gratitude. [6]
