Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 90)
Manifestations of Divine Miracles in Creation and Legislation
From the Survival of the Scorpion in a Nuclear Explosion to the Wisdom Behind the Prohibition of Blood and Proper Slaughter
Human beings, within the system of creation, possess characteristics—some shared with other creatures and others unique to themselves. Every attribute in which humans take pride can also be found among other creations of Allah, and often those creatures surpass humans in that very quality. What truly distinguishes the human being is knowledge, wisdom, the power of reasoning, and the honor granted by Allah the Exalted, Who entrusted him with the responsibility of cultivating the earth and purifying his soul. Therefore, when a person focuses on recognition of his Lord, worship, and self-reform rather than competing in qualities where other creatures excel, he approaches true perfection.
This discussion examines scientific observations and faith-based reflections that point toward one central reality: Divine miraculousness in creation and legislation—a miraculousness that appears in creation and in religious rulings whose wisdom science has recognized centuries later.
The Scorpion and the Nuclear Explosion: A Miracle in Creation
Reports indicate that approximately thirty-five years ago, France conducted a nuclear test in the Algerian desert. After the explosion subsided, a scorpion was reportedly found alive near the center of the affected area, astonishing observers [1].
Zoological studies attributed remarkable characteristics to scorpions, including:
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The ability to survive extended periods without food and water.
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High tolerance to environmental extremes.
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Exceptional resistance to radiation compared to humans.
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The presence of hemolymph (a yellowish circulatory fluid) instead of red blood cells [3].
These findings highlight the relative vulnerability of human beings compared to certain resilient species.
The Wisdom Behind Human Vulnerability
Illness and weakness are not random phenomena; rather, they serve profound spiritual purposes, fostering humility, repentance, and awareness of dependence upon the Creator [3]. What appears as weakness is, in fact, part of divine wisdom.
The Prohibition of Blood: The Scientific Miracle of the Qur’an
Allah the Exalted states: «لَّآ أَجِدُ فِي مَآ أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٖ يَطعَمُهُۥ إِلَّآ أَن يَكُونَ مَيتَةً أَو دَما مَّسفُوحًا أَو لَحمَ خِنزِيرٖ فَإِنَّهُۥ رِجسٌ» [2] Translation: “Say: I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to one who eats it unless it be carrion, or flowing blood, or the flesh of swine—for indeed it is impure.”
Modern medical science confirms that blood carries metabolic waste such as urea and uric acid and serves as an ideal medium for microbial growth [3]. Consumption of blood may introduce harmful substances into the body and increase health risks.
The Qur’anic prohibition of flowing blood more than fourteen centuries ago demonstrates remarkable harmony between revelation and scientific discovery.
Flowing Blood and Microbial Growth
The Qur’anic expression “flowing blood” (daman masfūḥan) indicates blood that exits the body. Modern microbiology confirms that once outside the circulatory system or stagnating in a carcass, blood rapidly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
Western regulations prohibiting blood consumption were established centuries after this Qur’anic directive.
Proper Slaughter and Prophetic Guidance
Islam instructs that animals be slaughtered by severing the major vessels of the neck without completely detaching the head. Modern physiology shows that the heart continues pumping after slaughter, enabling maximum blood drainage. Immediate decapitation interrupts this process and leaves residual blood in tissues .
Residual blood promotes microbial growth and toxin accumulation, affecting meat safety.
Allah says: «وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثلُ خَبِيرٖ» [2] Translation: “And none can inform you like the One who is All-Aware.”
The Exception of Fish
Islam exempts fish from ritual slaughter. Scientific observations indicate that fish blood naturally accumulates in the gills after death, effectively allowing drainage. The color of the gills is used as an indicator of freshness [3].
Conclusion
Divine power and wisdom are manifest in both creation and legislation. Human vulnerability serves spiritual wisdom. Qur’anic prohibitions align with scientific findings. Divine commands are protections for human health and dignity [3].
Continues…
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References:
[1] Al-Qur’an al-Karim, Al-An‘ām: 145.
[2] Al-Qur’an al-Karim, Fāṭir: 14.
[3] Mawsū‘at al-I‘jāz al-‘Ilmī fī al-Qur’ān wa al-Sunnah, Vol. 2, pp. 170–175.
