Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time—A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 111)
The Scientific Miracle of Sensation in Surah An-Nisa
The Noble Qur’an, as a book of divine guidance, is not limited to theological and ethical teachings; it also contains precise and profound indications of scientific realities—many of which have been discovered and explained by human science centuries later. One of the most remarkable examples of this is verse 56 of Surah An-Nisa, which refers to punishment and the renewal of skin: “كُلَّمَا نَضِجَت جُلُودُهُم بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ.” Translation: “Whenever their skins are fully burned, We will replace them with other skins so that they may taste the punishment.” [1]
At first glance, this verse describes a scene of punishment in the Hereafter. However, with deeper reflection and scientific consideration, it reveals astonishing aspects of the Qur’an’s scientific precision—particularly regarding sensation and the human nervous system.
Linguistic and Exegetical Meaning of the Verse
The word “نَضِجَتْ” (nadijat) linguistically means fully cooked or completely burned, indicating the total destruction of the skin to the extent that it loses its natural function.
The phrase “بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا” translation: refers to replacing the burned skin with new skin.
The purpose of this replacement is clarified in the continuation of the verse “لِيَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ,” translation: so that they may taste the punishment.
This expression implies that experiencing punishment depends on the presence of a mechanism capable of transmitting sensation—and that mechanism is the skin.
Scientific Theories on the Origin of Sensation
Throughout the history of science, the origin of sensation and pain has been a central question in biology and medicine. Various theories have been proposed:
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Some scientists considered the brain as the primary center of sensation.
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Others emphasized the role of the spinal cord and reflex responses.
However, modern scientific research shows that sensory receptors in the skin (nerve endings) play a fundamental role in receiving and transmitting pain.
Simple experiments support this fact. For example, during an injection, pain is primarily felt when the needle penetrates the skin—not when it reaches deeper muscle layers. This demonstrates that the skin is the primary site where pain sensation begins.
Scientific Analysis of the Verse in Light of Modern Knowledge
Based on scientific findings, the verse highlights a highly precise reality:
When the skin is severely burned, its nerve endings are destroyed, leading to a reduction or loss of pain sensation. Therefore, if the continuity of punishment is intended, the mechanism of sensation must be restored.
The Qur’an expresses this reality as follows: “كُلَّمَا نَضِجَت جُلُودُهُم بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ” Translation: “Whenever their skins are fully burned, we replace them with other skins so that they may taste the punishment.” [2]
This statement aligns remarkably with modern medical knowledge and shows that the Qur’an, without entering into complex scientific detail, points to a fundamental biological principle.
The View of Sheikh al-Sha‘rawi (RH)
Sheikh al-Sha ‘rawi, with a deep analytical perspective, explains that the center of sensation in the human body lies in the network of nerve fibers spread across the skin. When the skin is burned, these fibers cease to function, and pain is no longer felt.
Therefore, Allah creates new skin to ensure the continuation of sensation, maintaining the connection between the body and perception so that pain can be experienced.
He further emphasizes that the Qur’an does not present this scientific fact in explicit technical terms; rather, it expresses it in a way that becomes understandable as human knowledge progresses. This itself is a form of the Qur’an’s eloquent miracle.
Philosophical Dimension and Divine Wisdom
The verse concludes with the statement: “إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا.” Translation: “Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [3]
The attribute Al-‘Aziz (All-Mighty) signifies absolute power—nothing can escape His authority.
The attribute Al-Hakim (All-Wise) indicates that this power operates with perfect wisdom and justice.
Thus, the Continuation of punishment through the renewal of skin is not an act of arbitrary severity, but a manifestation of precise divine justice—justice that corresponds to human actions.
The Scientific Miracle
The miraculous nature of this verse can be observed on two levels:
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Biological Scientific Level
The Qur’an, long before the scientific discovery of sensory receptors in the skin, pointed out that the skin is the primary medium for sensation and pain. It indicates that when the skin is destroyed, sensation ceases—therefore, new skin must be provided for the continuation of pain. [4]
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Philosophical and Human Level
The verse not only addresses the physical mechanism of pain but also emphasizes divine justice and wisdom. It combines scientific insight with spiritual reflection, guiding human to understand the deeper reality of existence.
The miracle of the Qur’an is not limited to its linguistic eloquence; it also lies in its precise scientific indications and its harmony with the realities of creation.
This verse invites human beings to reflect deeply on their own creation and to recognize the infinite power, wisdom, and justice of Allah. This is ultimately the central purpose of the Qur’an: to guide humanity toward truth.
To be continued…
Previous Part
Sources:
- Surah An-Nisa 56.
- Surah An-Nisa 56.
- Surah An-Nisa 56.
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A summary from: Tafsir al-Sha‘rawi, vol. 4, pp. 2337–2338.
