Author: Mufti Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 75)
Divine Signs and the Manifestation of Life on Earth
One of the signs of the greatness of Almighty God is that at times the earth remains dry for many years—its soil barren and its plains devoid of vegetation. This condition may continue for seven or even ten years, without any sign of life being seen. Yet, as soon as abundant rain falls, the land suddenly turns green; plants, flowers, and grasses sprout forth, astonishing every observer.
The question that arises is: “Where did these seeds come from? Why were they not destroyed while lying dormant in the soil for so many years?” The answer to this question itself is a sign of the wisdom and miracle of Almighty God.[1]
The Resistance of Seeds to Erosive Factors
Erosive factors include wind, rain, intense heat, and severe cold forces that affect even the hardest rocks, eventually turning them into soil. The question is: do these factors do not affect seeds?
Botanical scientists have answered: “Seeds are created in such a way that they are protected against erosive factors.”
This means that seeds, even when buried in the soil and invisible to the human eye, can remain resistant for years against heat, cold, frost, and strong winds. The outer coating of the seed, the internal structure of the embryo, the cotyledon, and the stored nutrients all contribute to preserving the life of the seed. With the very first rainfall, the land turns green and young plants begin to grow.
A Practical Example: Seed Resistance Under Harsh Conditions
A striking practical example of this phenomenon is the discovery of wheat seeds in the pyramids of Egypt. These grains had been stored around six thousand years ago, and despite the passage of all that time, they were able to sprout again and produce new plants.
This demonstrates that the embryo within the seed, along with its thin protective covering and stored food, can remain alive for years under harsh environmental conditions without being harmed.
Comparing Seed Resistance with the Function of the Human Stomach
An illustrative comparison to better understand this miracle is the function of the human stomach. The stomach, containing hydrochloric acid, is capable of digesting even the toughest meats and turning them into liquid. Yet, some seeds, even if eaten, pass through the stomach unharmed.
This indicates the astonishing resistance of seeds, which are protected against both mechanical and chemical conditions—another clear sign of divine planning and miracle.
The Importance of the Seed’s Outer Covering (Wheat Bran)
Wheat, as a complete food for humans, is not only resilient in the soil but also has an outer covering that makes up about 9% of the grain’s total weight, known as bran.
Nutrients found in the outer covering of wheat include:
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B-group vitamins (B1, B2, B6, etc.)
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Phosphorus compounds for nourishing the brain and nerves
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Iron for strengthening the blood and improving oxygen delivery
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Calcium for strengthening bones and teeth
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Silicon for strengthening and adding shine to hair
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Iodine for activating the thyroid gland
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Potassium, sodium, and magnesium for tissue health and enzyme function
These components show that consuming wheat with its natural covering provides complete nutritional benefits and reflects a divine miracle. Unfortunately, in many cases people remove the bran and consume only refined starch, which lacks these nutritional values.
Hadith and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)
The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) emphasized, through his dietary practices, the importance of preserving whole grains and not separating their natural components: «عن أبی حازم قال: سألت سهل بن سعد فقلت: هل أكل رسول الله صلىاللهعلیهوسلم النقی؟ فقال سهل: ما رأى رسول الله صلىاللهعلیهوسلم النقی، من حین ابتعثه الله حتى قبضه الله. قال: فقلت: هل كانت لكم فی عهد رسول الله صلىاللهعلیهوسلم مناخل؟ قال: ما رأى رسول الله صلىاللهعلیهوسلم منخلا، من حین ابتعثه الله حتى قبضه. قال: قلت: كیف كنتم تأكلون الشعیر غیر منخول؟ قال: كنا نطحنه وننفخه، فیطیر ما طار، وما بقی ثریناه فأكلناه.» [2] Translation: Abu Hazim (MABH) said: I asked Sahl ibn Sa‘d (MABH) and said: “Did the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ever eat finely sifted white flour?” He replied: “From the time Allah sent him until Allah took his soul, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) never saw finely sifted flour.” I asked: “Did you have sieves during the time of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)?” He said: “From the time Allah sent him until Allah took his soul, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) never saw a sieve.” I asked: “How did you eat unsifted barley?” He said: “We would grind it and blow on it so that what was light would fly away, and what remained we would mix with water, soften it, and eat it.”
This hadith shows that Muslims during the time of the Prophet (PBUH) consumed grains with all their natural properties and benefited from the nutrients present in their coverings.
Conclusion
In summary, seeds not only make life on earth possible, but also possess astonishing adaptations that enable them to withstand erosion and harsh environmental conditions. This resistance and precise design in seeds are clear signs of the wisdom and power of Almighty God. Moreover, the outer covering of seeds and the stored nutrients within them not only protect the seeds but also play a vital role in human nutrition—emphasizing the importance of following natural and divine principles in daily life.
«هَٰذَا خَلْقُ ٱللَّهِ فَأَرُونِی مَاذَا خَلَقَ ٱلَّذِینَ مِن دُونِهِۦۚ» Translation: “This is the creation of Allah; so, show me what those besides Him have created.” [3]
Continues…
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References:
[1] Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Foods, Chapter: What the Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions ate, Hadith no. 5097, vol. 5, p. 2066.
[2] Luqman: 11.
[3] Summarized from: Mawsu‘at al-I‘jaz al-‘Ilmi fi al-Qur’an wa al-Sunnah, vol. 2, pp. 121–126.
