In the unfolding of human knowledge, many truths about the universe came to light gradually. We now speak of exploding galaxies, expanding space, microscopic cells, and oceans with hidden boundaries. Science has given names, theories, and measurements to these discoveries. Yet, what often goes unnoticed is that many of these truths were already there in the Qur’an more than fourteen centuries ago – not as technical explanations, but as signs meant to awaken the human mind.
The Qur’an does not present science as a rival to faith. Instead, it invites tafakkur (deep reflection) – a thinking that leads somewhere, a reflection that changes the way a person sees existence. Understanding the universe, in the Qur’anic sense, is not only an intellectual exercise; it is a spiritual journey that connects observation with belief and knowledge with recognition of Allah’s qudrat (power) and tadbir (perfect planning).
The Beginning of the Universe: Big Bang
Modern cosmology confirms that the universe had a beginning. The Big Bang theory explains that everything – time, space, matter – emerged from a single, compact origin before expanding outward.
The Qur’an speaks of this reality with striking clarity:
أَوَلَمْيَرَٱلَّذِينَكَفَرُوٓا۟أَنَّٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِوَٱلْأَرْضَكَانَتَارَتْقًۭافَفَتَقْنَـٰهُمَا
“Do they not see that the heavens and the earth were once joined together, then We split them apart?”(The Qur’an 21:30)
The word ratq means something fused or closed together, while fataq means to split or open. The verse does not present a scientific formula; it presents a concept – that the universe was not eternal or random, but began with intention.
This verse invites tafakkur, not blind acceptance. It teaches that the universe’s beginning is purposeful, pointing to a Creator whose knowledge and hikmah (wisdom) are far beyond human reach.
The Expansion of the Universe
Modern science confirms that the universe is still expanding. The Qur’an mentions this expansion clearly:
وَٱلسَّمَآءَبَنَيْنَـٰهَابِأَيْي۟دٍۢوَإِنَّالَمُوسِعُونَ
“We built the universe with great might, and We are certainly expanding it.” (The Qur’an 51:47)
This verse speaks of continuous expansion – a universe sustained by Allah’s will at every moment. It teaches that creation is not running on its own, but exists within Allah’s power and tadbir (perfect order).
To realise that the universe is expanding by Allah’s command reshapes faith. Allah is not distant from the cosmos; He is Al Qayyum – the One who sustains every atom, every star, every movement.
Human Creation and Development
The Qur’anic description of human creation combines scientific accuracy with deep emotional insight:
ثُمَّجَعَلْنَاهُنُطْفَةًفِيقَرَارٍمَّكِينٍ
“Then We placed him as a tiny drop in a secure place.” (The Qur’an 23:13)
Nutfah refers to the sperm – tiny and fragile. Every human begins life in complete dependence on Allah.
Then the Qur’an continues:
ثُمَّخَلَقْنَاالنُّطْفَةَعَلَقَةًفَخَلَقْنَاالْعَلَقَةَمُضْغَةًفَخَلَقْنَاالْمُضْغَةَعِظَامًافَكَسَوْنَاالْعِظَامَلَحْمًاثُمَّأَنْشَأْنَاهُخَلْقًاآخَرَ ۚ فَتَبَارَكَاللَّهُأَحْسَنُالْخَالِقِينَ
“Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump of flesh, and We made from the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.” (The Qur’an 23:14)
Alaqah means something that attaches. Science calls this the embryo attaching to the womb. The Qur’an presents this not as scientific proof but as a reflection point: every human being begins small, dependent, and unseen by the world – yet fully known by Allah.
The next stages – formation of bones, muscles, and flesh – mirror modern embryology. These descriptions remind us of the miracle in our creation and the delicate planning behind every life.
Mountains: Earth’s Stability
Modern geology confirms that mountains have deep roots that stabilise the earth’s crust.
The Qur’an states:
وَالْجِبَالَأَوْتَادًا
“And the mountains as pegs/stakes.” (The Qur’an 78:7)
Mountains penetrate deep into the ground while rising above it. They are signs of balance, structure, and design. Observing this inspires reflection and insight – the world is not chaotic; it follows precise laws set by the Creator.
The Water Cycle: A System of Measure and Control
Water on earth does not move randomly. It follows a precise system – evaporation from seas and oceans, formation of clouds, rainfall, absorption into the soil, and return through rivers and springs. Modern science calls this the water cycle, but the Qur’an described its balance long before humans understood its mechanics.
وَأَنزَلْنَامِنَٱلسَّمَآءِمَآءًۢبِقَدَرٍفَأَسْكَنَّـٰهُفِىٱلْأَرْضِ
“We sent down water from the sky in due measure, and We caused it to settle in the earth.” (The Qur’an 23:18)
The phrase bi-qadar (in precise measure) is critical. Rain does not fall endlessly, nor is it withheld without reason. Too much causes destruction; too little causes drought. The Qur’an highlights this balance to show that survival depends on controlled systems designed by Allah, not coincidence.
Underground water reserves, springs, and rivers are not accidents of nature. They are part of a continuous cycle that sustains agriculture, ecosystems, and human life. This verse reminds humanity that even the most ordinary blessing – water – is governed by divine order. When this balance is disturbed, human power proves fragile, revealing the limits of control and the reality of dependence.
The Wisdom of Bees
Allah draws attention to even the smallest of His creations to teach profound lessons.
وَأَوْحَىرَبُّكَإِلَىالنَّحْلِأَنِاتَّخِذِيمِنَالْجِبَالِبُيُوتًاوَمِنَالشَّجَرِوَمِمَّايَعْرِشُونَ
“And your Lord inspired the bees: build your hives in the mountains, in trees, and in what people construct.”(The Qur’an 16:68)
The bee does not act randomly. It follows divine guidance – building precise homes, gathering from varied sources, and producing honey that carries healing. This reflects nizam (perfect order) placed by Allah in creation.
The lesson is clear: when a creation follows Allah’s guidance, its existence becomes beneficial. For humans, true purpose and goodness emerge not from impulse, but from living in alignment with divine direction.
The Barriers Between Seas
One of the most remarkable phenomena in the world’s oceans is the existence of barriers between different bodies of water. Large oceans such as the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans meet, yet maintain differences in salinity, temperature, and density due to underwater boundaries and currents.
وَهُوَالَّذِيمَرَجَالْبَحْرَيْنِهَذَاعَذْبٌفُرَاتٌوَهَذَامِلْحٌأُجَاجٌوَجَعَلَبَيْنَهُمَابَرْزَخًاوَحِجْرًامَّحْجُورًا
“And He is the one who has let free the two seas – one sweet, one salty – and He made a barrier between them, a forbidden partition.” (The Qur’an 25:53)
Even where oceans like the Pacific and Atlantic appear to merge, scientific research confirms the presence of physical and chemical boundaries that prevent full mixing. The Qur’an describes this reality with the word Barzakh– a separation that exists without being visible.
Knowledge and Its Limits
The Qur’an values learning, but warns against intellectual arrogance:
وَمَاأُوتِيتُممِّنَالْعِلْمِإِلَّاقَلِيلًا
“And you have been given of knowledge only a little.” (The Qur’an 17:85)
No matter how much humans discover, mysteries remain. This verse protects reason from becoming self-destructive. It teaches that knowledge should lead to balance, not denial of the unseen (Ghayb).
Between Faith and Reason
The Qur’an shows that reasoning and faith are partners. Prophets asked questions, sought proof, and reflected deeply –Prophet Ibrahim questioning the stars, moon, and sun, or Prophet Musa seeking signs from Allah.
Curiosity is not disbelief; it is the path to conviction. When the mind (aql) and heart (qalb) engage together, faith becomes aware, informed, and alive.
Wrapping Up
The Qur’an does not ask the human mind to switch off; it asks it to look carefully. Its scientific signs are not meant to replace research, but to guide reflection. As knowledge expands, these verses continue to remind humanity that discovery without purpose is incomplete. Between faith and reason, the Qur’an offers direction – where thinking leads to belief, and belief rests on understanding.