Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time—A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 113)
The Miracle of Fingerprints in the Light of Contemporary Scientific Discoveries
The Noble Qur’an, as the final divine book, has always been a source of guidance, knowledge, and miracles for humanity. One of the manifestations of the miraculous nature of this book is its precise and astonishing scientific references—matters that mankind was unable to fully comprehend at the time of its revelation but whose secrets have gradually been uncovered through the advancement of science. Among these references is the subject of “banan” (fingertips), which is specifically mentioned in the verses of Surah al-Qiyamah.
Allah (SWT) says: (أَيَحسَبُ ٱلإِنسَٰنُ أَلَّن نَّجمَعَ عِظَامَهُۥ بَلَىٰ قَٰدِرِينَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن نُّسَوِّيَ بَنَانَهُ) Translation: “Does man think that We shall not assemble his bones? Yes, indeed! We are even able to proportion his fingertips perfectly.” [1]
At first glance, this verse refers to the divine power in recreating human beings. However, with deeper reflection and in light of modern scientific discoveries, a dimension of its scientific miracle becomes apparent, one that has attracted the attention of scholars and commentators alike.
The Meaning of “Banan” and Its Indication in the Qur’an
The word “banan” in the Arabic language refers to the fingertips of the hands and feet. The selection of this word in the verse is extremely precise and thought-provoking, because Allah the Almighty, instead of referring to the entire body or even the bones in general, specifically draws attention to one of the smallest and most delicate parts of the human body.
In this verse, after presenting the doubt of those who deny the Resurrection regarding the possibility of gathering decayed bones, Allah responds that He is not only capable of reassembling the bones but is also able to reconstruct the human fingertips with complete precision and perfection. This emphasis indicates the special subtlety and complexity of this part of the body.
The Views of Early Commentators
Earlier commentators of the Noble Qur’an, according to the level of knowledge available in their time, attempted to explain the wisdom behind the reference to “banan.” They pointed to characteristics such as the delicacy and precision of the finger bones as manifestations of the absolute power of Allah.
Imam al-Qurtubi (RA) says, “Banan means fingers, and its singular form is bananah.”
In Arabic literature, reference is made to the delicacy and subtlety of the fingers, as well as to the absolute power of Allah in reconstructing the human being—even from the smallest parts—and affirming the possibility of resurrection and restoring man to his original form.
Likewise, there is an indication that although Allah is capable of transforming humans into other forms (such as animals), restoring them to their original form is even easier.
However, although these interpretations were valuable, they had not yet reached the scientific depth of this Qur’anic indication, because the science related to fingerprints had not yet been discovered at that time. [2]
The Scientific Discovery of Fingerprints in the Nineteenth Century
In the nineteenth century, scientists in the fields of medicine and criminology made an important discovery: the tiny ridges and lines found on human fingertips are unique to every individual.
These patterns are divided into four main categories:
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Arches
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Loops
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Whorls
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Composite patterns
Research has shown that these patterns are formed during the fetal stage (approximately between 100 and 120 days of development) and remain unchanged throughout a person’s life. Even in cases of burns or injuries, their original pattern remains preserved. No two humans possess completely identical fingerprints, not even identical twins.
This unique characteristic led fingerprints to become recognized as the most accurate method for identifying individuals.
To be continued…
References:
- Al-Qiyamah: 3–4.
- Summarized from: Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī = Al-Jāmi’ li Aḥkām al-Qur’ān, Vol. 19, p. 94.
