Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 86)
Divine Miracles in the Creation of the Horse and the Giraffe
The divine signs spread throughout the universe reveal, in every corner, manifestations of the power, wisdom, and unparalleled creation of the Glorious Creator. The Noble Qur’an repeatedly invites human beings to observe and reflect upon natural phenomena—each of which is a book of knowledge and a proof of divine lordship. Among these signs are two remarkable creatures: the horse and the giraffe—two animals whose structure, abilities, and behavior reflect clear signs of divine miracle.
In what follows, the scientific and faith-based characteristics of these two animals are examined in order to highlight the manifestations of divine wisdom in their creation.
The Miracle in the Creation of the Horse
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The Status of the Horse in the Prophetic Hadith (PBUH)
The horse holds a lofty position in the Prophetic tradition. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: «الخيل في نواصيها الخير إلى يوم القيامة» Translation: “Goodness and blessing are tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection.” [1]
This means that the owner of a horse participates in striving (jihad) and gains reward and spoils.
This statement reflects the greatness, blessing, and intrinsic value of this noble creature—one that Allah has subjected to human service and honor.
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Extraordinary Hearing and a Natural Danger-Detection System
One of the most remarkable characteristics of the horse is its powerful sense of hearing. A horse can hear footsteps before seeing a person, distinguish the sound of other horses’ hooves from a great distance, and sensitively alert its owner to potential danger.
This auditory capacity is part of a natural protective system that Allah has embedded within the horse—one that is vital for survival, defense, and social interaction.
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Reproductive Ability at Advanced Age
Even as a horse grows older, it does not lose its reproductive ability. This characteristic reflects the meaning of the Prophetic statement (PBUH): «الخيل في نواصيها الخير إلى يوم القيامة» Translation: “Goodness and blessing are tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection.” [2]
The persistence of this biological capacity is a sign of divine wisdom in preserving the lineage and functionality of this animal.
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Rapid Healing of Wounds and Bone Regeneration
One of the astonishing traits of the horse is the rapid healing of wounds and the remarkably fast recovery from bone fractures.
Compared to humans, horses heal several times faster. This feature is uniquely designed for the survival of a fast-moving animal whose life in the wild depends on mobility, running, and escape.
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Minimal Nutritional Needs and Long-Endurance Capacity
With a relatively small amount of fodder, a horse can perform intense and prolonged running, travel long distances with little food or water, and endure harsh conditions with exceptional resilience.
This remarkable metabolic efficiency is perfectly aligned with the horse’s natural environment and mode of life, reflecting precise biological engineering.
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A Powerful Respiratory System: The Secret of Speed and Endurance
The horse’s running ability is directly linked to its advanced respiratory system, which includes:
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A wide trachea,
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A large and open chest cavity,
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A high oxygen intake capacity.
This system enables the horse to deliver large volumes of air to the lungs in a short time, providing the energy required for long-distance running.
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Load-Bearing Capacity and Physical Strength
A horse can carry up to one-quarter of its body weight. For example, a horse weighing approximately 400 kilograms can easily carry about 100 kilograms.
This physical capability results from strong muscles, solid bone structure, and refined neuromuscular coordination—qualities that Allah has placed in this animal for human service.
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Strong Memory and Exceptional Recognition Ability
The horse is among the most intelligent animals. Its memory is exceptionally precise and durable, especially regarding routes and environments. A horse can:
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Return its injured owner home based on memory,
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Recognize the most subtle paths, scents, and sounds,
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Identify its owner solely by voice, scent, or riding style.
These abilities reflect a complex nervous system combined with social intelligence and innate loyalty.
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Rapid Response to Rider Commands
The horse responds remarkably quickly to the rider’s movements and commands. This coordination results from the precise functioning of the nervous system, skin sensitivity, and the emotional and cognitive bond between the horse and its owner.
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Historical Examples of Loyalty and Awareness
Among well-known stories is that of a horse whose owner’s daughter was riding it when the horse suddenly bolted. It gently lowered her to the ground and then fled, out of loyalty and concern that it might harm its owner’s child.
Such loyalty, awareness, and emotional connection are among the wonders of the horse’s creation.
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The Role of Horse Riding in Human Health
According to some scientific studies, horse riding helps prevent heart, liver, kidney, and digestive diseases. In contrast, excessive use of motor vehicles contributes to cardiovascular and renal disorders.
This reality reflects the deep connection between humans and nature and the positive effects of natural physical movement.
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The Horse in Pre-Islamic Poetry: A Symbol of Loyalty and Awareness
A pre-Islamic poet described his horse as follows:
فازورّ من وقعِ القَنا بَلَبانِهِ … وشكا إلی بعَبرةٍ وتحمحُمِ
لو كان یدری ما المُحاورةُ اشتكى … ولكان لو علمَ الكلامَ مُكلّمی
Translation:
“He turned his chest away from the strike of spears and withdrew,
complaining to me with restrained tears and a sighing neigh.
Had he known how to converse, he would have complained,
and had he learned speech, he surely would have spoken to me.”
These verses beautifully illustrate the horse’s intelligence, perception, loyalty, and emotional connection to its owner.
Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) spoke the truth when he said: «الخيل في نواصيها الخير إلى يوم القيامة» Translation: “Goodness and blessing are tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection.” [3]
Continues…
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References:
[1]. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Jihad and Expeditions, Chapter: “Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection,” Hadith no. 2694, vol. 3, p. 1047.
[2]. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Jihad and Expeditions, Chapter: “Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection,” Hadith no. 2694, vol. 3, p. 1047.
[3]. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Jihad and Expeditions, Chapter: “Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection,” Hadith no. 2694, vol. 3, p. 1047.
