Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time—A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 114)
The Miracle of Fingerprints in Light of Contemporary Scientific Discoveries (Continued)
The Use of Fingerprints in Forensic Science
In 1884, fingerprints were officially used in England for identifying individuals in criminal investigations. Since then, this method has become one of the most important tools in crime detection.
Fingerprints possess special significance due to the following characteristics:
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Absolute uniqueness;
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Stability over time;
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Ease of recording and comparison;
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Impossibility of precise forgery.
Today, fingerprints are used worldwide in security systems, identity verification, passports, and information databases.
The renowned scholar Al-Sabuni (RH) says, “Allah Almighty specifically mentioned ‘al-banan’ (the fingertips) because of their unique qualities and structural complexity. The delicate lines and ridges found on every human fingertip are unique, and no two people on earth possess identical patterns. For this reason, fingerprints are used in the modern age for identifying individuals.” [1]
The Connection Between Scientific Miracle and the Qur’anic Verse
At this point, an important question arises: Why did the Noble Qur’an specifically refer to ‘banan’ (fingertips) among all parts of the human body?
In light of modern scientific discoveries, it has become clear that human fingertips possess unique characteristics that determine a person’s identity.
The precise reconstruction of these lines requires extraordinarily exact knowledge and infinite power.
Thus, the Qur’anic reference to the “reconstruction of fingertips” is, in reality, an indication of the complete re-creation of the individual identity of a human being, not merely the restoration of the body itself.
In other words, the Noble Qur’an pointed to a reality more than 1400 years ago that humanity only discovered in the nineteenth century. This is considered one of the manifestations of the scientific miracle of the Qur’an.
A Manifestation of Divine Power in the Diversity of Creation
Fingerprints are only one example of the astonishing diversity found in human creation. As the Noble Qur’an states: «وَمِن ءَايَٰتِهِۦ خَلقُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلأَرضِ وَٱختِلَٰفُ أَلسِنَتِكُم وَأَلوَٰنِكُم إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّلعَٰلِمِينَ» “And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.” [2]
In this verse, differences in languages, colors, and human physical characteristics are mentioned. These differences demonstrate the infinite power of Allah in creation and in bringing diversity to His creatures.
Fingerprints also fall within this framework, because within a very small area of skin, infinitely diverse and non-repetitive patterns have been created.
Rational and Philosophical Analysis
If we assume that a human being attempted to create numerous designs within a limited space in such a way that none resembled another, eventually repetition would become unavoidable after a certain number.
However, in divine creation, billions of human beings exist with completely different fingerprints and without any repetition.
This demonstrates the following:
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Divine knowledge is unlimited;
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Allah’s power in creation is infinite and flawless;
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Order and precision in creation are signs of divine wisdom.
In summary, the Qur’anic reference to the “reconstruction of fingertips” is one of the shining examples of the scientific miracle of this heavenly Book. This verse was revealed at a time when humanity had no knowledge whatsoever about the unique characteristics of fingerprints; yet today, modern science clearly confirms this reality.
This harmony between divine revelation and scientific discoveries not only strengthens human faith but also demonstrates that the Noble Qur’an was revealed from a divine source fully aware of the secrets of existence.
Ultimately, it can be said that fingerprints are only a small sign of the greatness of divine creation; and perhaps in the future, more secrets related to the fingertips and other aspects of human creation will be discovered, revealing new dimensions of the Qur’an’s miraculous nature.
قُل أَنزَلَهُ ٱلَّذِي يَعلَمُ ٱلسِّرَّ فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلأَرضِ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ غَفُوراً رَّحِيما [3] “Say: It has been revealed by the One who knows the secrets in the heavens and the earth. Indeed, He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [4]
To be continued…
Previous Part
Sources:
- Safwat al-Tafasir, 3/460.
- The Quran, Surah Ar-Rum (30): 22.
- The Quran, Surah Al-Furqan (25): 6.
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Mabahith fi I‘jaz al-Qur’an, pp. 222–224.
