Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time—A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 118)
The Scientific Miracle of the Efficiency of Bones and Muscles in the Light of Contemporary Scientific Discoveries (Continued)
Coordination Between Muscles and Bones
One of the most astonishing aspects of human creation is the harmony between muscles and bones.
Each bone is usually connected to two muscles:
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A flexor muscle (for bending),
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An extensor muscle (for straightening).
This dual system enables movement in different directions. Without such coordination, human movement would be impossible.
Had this system not existed, man would have remained like a lifeless object, incapable of movement. This is the profound meaning of the Qur’anic expression: “And We strengthened their structure” — meaning that Allah established a firm structure through which movement, work, and life become possible.
Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles
The human body contains more than 600 muscles, which are divided into two categories:
1. Voluntary Muscles
These muscles are under human control, such as:
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Moving the hands and feet,
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Turning the head,
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Performing daily activities.
2. Involuntary Muscles
These muscles function without human will, such as:
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The heart muscles,
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The muscles of the digestive system,
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The respiratory muscles.
For example, the pupil of the eye automatically contracts and expands according to light intensity without human control. This automatic functioning is itself a sign of precision and wisdom in creation.
Energy and Muscle Efficiency
One of the great scientific mysteries that has not yet been fully uncovered is how chemical energy (food) is transformed into mechanical energy (movement) within the muscles.
Scientists know that:
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Nutrients are stored within muscle cells,
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These substances are converted into energy,
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This energy causes muscle contraction.
However, the complete details of this process are still under investigation. This demonstrates that despite humanity’s tremendous scientific progress, many secrets of creation remain beyond full human understanding.
The Astonishing Capability of the Human Body
To better appreciate the greatness of this system, consider a simple example:
If a 70-kilogram person climbs a staircase and lifts his body several meters upward, the amount of energy consumed is equivalent to a considerable force which, in engineering terms, can be compared to the power of a strong motor.
This shows that the human body is an extraordinarily efficient system:
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Muscles and bones function in perfect coordination,
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This efficiency is the result of precise and wise design.
Manifestations of Scientific Miracle in This Verse
We can now explain the dimensions of the scientific miracle in the verse «وَشَدَدنَآ أَسرَهُم» translation: “And We strengthened their structure” as follows:
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Indication of the Strength of the Human Body Structure
The Noble Qur’an generally refers to the “strengthening” of the body, which corresponds with modern scientific findings regarding the skeletal and muscular systems.
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Expression of Coordination Between Body Parts
The verse indicates that the human body is an integrated and harmonious system, not a random collection of separate parts.
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Precedence Over the Science of Its Time
At the time of the revelation of the Qur’an, there was no scientific knowledge concerning muscle structures, muscle fibers, or the nervous system. Yet the Qur’an pointed to the fundamental reality of this strength and complexity.
The Spiritual and Reflective Dimension
The Noble Qur’an invites mankind to reflect upon their own creation. Contemplating the structure of muscles and bones leads a person to realize that:
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Such order and harmony cannot be accidental;
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A Wise and All-Knowing Creator stands behind this system;
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Understanding this system brings man closer to faith.
As Allah the Almighty says: «صُنعَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِی أَتقَنَ كُلَّ شَیءٍ» Translation: “This is the workmanship of Allah, who perfected everything.” [1]
In summary, the verse containing the concise expression «وَشَدَدنَآ أَسرَهُم» translation: “And We strengthened their structure” points to one of the most complex and astonishing systems within the human body.
Today, contemporary science has demonstrated that:
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The skeletal and muscular systems possess an extremely precise and coordinated structure;
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Human movement and efficiency result from the complex interaction between muscles, bones, and nerves;
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Many secrets of this system still remain unknown to humanity.
This harmony between the Qur’anic statement and scientific discoveries is a sign of the miraculous nature of this heavenly Book and evidence that the Noble Qur’an was revealed by Allah, Who possesses full knowledge of all the secrets of creation.
Ultimately, reflecting upon this astonishing system guides mankind toward a deeper recognition of the Creator and strengthens faith. [2]
To be continued…
References:
- The Qur’an, 27:88.
- Mawsu’at al-I’jaz al-‘Ilmi fi al-Qur’an wa al-Sunnah, 1/113–115.
