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Which surah is about science?

Published in Quranic Science 3 mins read

While it's an oversimplification to say a single surah is entirely about science, Surah Al-Anbiyā' contains a verse (21:30) that is often cited for its scientific implications. This verse speaks about the creation of the universe and the origin of life.

Surah Al-Anbiyā’ and Scientific Implications

Surah Al-Anbiyā' is a chapter of the Quran. It does not dedicate itself purely to science. However, within the surah, verse 30 provides a perspective on the creation of the universe that can be seen as aligned with modern scientific thought. Here is a breakdown:

  • Verse 21:30: "Do not those who disbelieve see that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass, then We opened them out? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?"
    • This verse mentions the heavens and the earth being initially a "closed-up mass." This concept is similar to the idea of the singularity from which the universe expanded, according to the Big Bang theory.
    • The verse also states that "We made from water every living thing." This mirrors the scientific understanding that water is essential for all known life forms.

Table Summary of Scientific Mentions in Surah Al-Anbiyā’ (21:30)

Aspect Quranic Verse (21:30) Modern Scientific Understanding
Initial State of Universe "heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass" The Universe began as a singularity before expanding (Big Bang).
Origin of Life "We made from water every living thing" Water is essential for all known forms of life.

Interpretations

It’s crucial to understand that the Quran is not a science textbook. The verse's primary purpose is to encourage belief in God, the Creator. However, the scientific parallels in the verse have been a topic of much discussion.

  • Theistic Perspective: Many believe that verses like this showcase the divine origin of the Quran. They see that the Quran contained statements that align with modern scientific discoveries long before such discoveries were made.
  • Metaphorical Understanding: Others interpret some parts of these verses metaphorically. They see them as descriptions of God's power in creation rather than necessarily as strict scientific statements.

Conclusion

While not exclusively about science, Surah Al-Anbiyā’ contains verses with significant scientific implications, particularly verse 30. It’s a reminder that the Quran inspires contemplation on both spiritual and natural truths.

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