Epigraph:
It is God who sends out the winds; they stir up the clouds; He spreads them over the skies as He pleases; He makes them break up and you see the rain falling from them. See how they rejoice when He makes it fall upon whichever of His servants He wishes, though before it is sent they may have lost all hope. Look, then, at the imprints of God’s mercy, how He restores the earth to life after death: this same God is the one who will return people to life after death–– He has power over all things. (Al Quran 30:48-50)
It is God who sends the winds, bearing good news of His coming grace, and when they have gathered up the heavy clouds, We drive them to a dead land where We cause rain to fall, bringing out all kinds of crops, just as We shall bring out the dead. Will you not reflect? (Al Quran 7:57)
Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times
The Quran, Islam’s holy scripture, is interpreted through vastly different lenses by devout Muslims and individuals harboring Islamophobic sentiments. These contrasting perspectives lead to divergent understandings and attitudes toward the text.
For devout Muslims, the Quran is the literal word of God, serving as a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life. They approach the text with reverence, seeking spiritual guidance, moral instruction, and legal principles. The Quran’s teachings are considered timeless and applicable to contemporary issues. Believers often engage in regular recitation, memorization, and study of the Quran to deepen their faith and understanding. They interpret its verses within the context of the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) and the broader Islamic tradition, emphasizing themes of compassion, justice, and mercy.
In stark contrast, individuals with Islamophobic views often approach the Quran with suspicion or hostility. They may selectively highlight verses that, when taken out of context, appear to promote violence or intolerance, using these interpretations to justify negative stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. This perspective tends to ignore the historical and textual contexts of the verses, as well as the interpretative traditions that inform mainstream Islamic understanding. Such readings can contribute to prejudice and discrimination against Muslim communities.
These polar opposite approaches to reading the Quran underscore the importance of context, interpretative frameworks, and underlying intentions. While devout Muslims engage with the Quran as a sacred and holistic guide, Islamophobic readings often involve selective interpretation aimed at reinforcing negative perceptions. Recognizing these differing perspectives is crucial in fostering informed and respectful dialogues about the Quran and Islam.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) was a German writer, poet, playwright, and philosopher, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western literature. His works span poetry, drama, novels, and scientific writings. His most famous work, Faust, is a monumental play that explores themes of ambition, knowledge, and the human condition. Beyond literature, Goethe made significant contributions to philosophy, natural sciences, and aesthetics, leaving a lasting impact on European intellectual thought. He experienced both sides of the Quranic experience, both poles of response to the Quran. When he was a critic and later when he approached it lovingly like a “shy bride,”[1] he came to admire it. He said:
As often as we approach the Quran, it always proves repulsive anew; gradually, however, it attracts, it astonishes, and, in the end forces admiration.[2]
I hope you read this article like the second phase of Goethe’s life.
There are more than a dozen verses in the Quran that have a bearing on the water cycle. But, before we begin to read them, we need a little history lesson.
Water Cycle Until the 16th Century
Before the 16th century, conceptions of the water cycle were largely speculative and often intertwined with philosophical and theological beliefs. Many early thinkers grappled with understanding how rivers and springs maintained their flow, leading to various hypotheses about the origins and movement of water on Earth.
Ancient Perspectives
In ancient times, it was widely thought that the landmass floated on a body of water and that most of the water in rivers originated from beneath the earth. This belief is evident in the works of Homer. By around 500 BCE, Greek scholars speculated that much of the water in rivers could be attributed to rain, but they also believed that water rising up through the earth contributed significantly to river flow. Thinkers like Anaximander and Xenophanes of Colophon held such views. Aristotle, in his work “Meteorology,” proposed that the sun played a role in the Earth’s hydraulic cycle, suggesting that water evaporated, rose, condensed, and returned as precipitation. However, he also believed that water could condense within the Earth, contributing to springs and rivers. en.wikipedia.org
Medieval Interpretations
During the medieval period, the understanding of the water cycle remained limited. It was commonly assumed that precipitation alone was insufficient to sustain rivers. Instead, scholars believed that underground water, pushing upwards from the oceans, was the primary contributor to river water. This perspective was held by figures such as Bartholomew of England (1240 CE) and persisted into the Renaissance, influencing thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci (1500 CE) and Athanasius Kircher (1644 CE). en.wikipedia.org
Challenges to Prevailing Beliefs
Despite these longstanding beliefs, there were early challenges to the idea that subterranean sources were the main contributors to surface water. For instance, the Eastern Han Chinese scientist Wang Chong (27–100 AD) accurately described the water cycle in his work “Lunheng,” emphasizing the role of evaporation and condensation. However, his ideas were dismissed by his contemporaries and did not gain widespread acceptance. en.wikipedia.org
In summary, prior to Bernard Palissy’s contributions in the late 16th century, the understanding of the water cycle was fragmented and often based on speculative reasoning. While some early thinkers recognized components of the cycle, such as evaporation and precipitation, the comprehensive concept of a self-sustaining hydrologic cycle driven primarily by rainfall was not widely accepted. Palissy’s assertion that rainfall alone was sufficient to maintain rivers marked a significant departure from earlier theories and laid the groundwork for modern hydrology.
Bernard Palissy
Bernard Palissy (c. 1510 – c. 1589) was a French Huguenot potter, hydraulics engineer, and natural scientist, renowned for his pioneering work in ceramics and his significant contributions to the understanding of natural sciences during the Renaissance.
Innovations in Ceramics
Palissy is best known for creating a distinctive style of rustic pottery, often referred to as “Palissy ware.” These pieces are characterized by intricate designs featuring lifelike representations of animals, plants, and other natural elements in high relief. His relentless experimentation to replicate white enamelled pottery led him to develop unique glazing techniques and artistic expressions that were revolutionary for his time. Reflecting on his journey, Palissy stated, “I have had no other book than the sky and the earth, which is known to all, and it is given to all to know and read in this beautiful book.” libquotes.com
Advancements in Natural Sciences
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Palissy made groundbreaking observations in geology and hydrology. In his 1580 publication, “Discours admirables de la nature des eaux et fontaines,” he challenged prevailing beliefs by asserting that rainfall alone was sufficient to sustain rivers and springs, negating the then-common idea that underground water from the oceans was the primary source. This insight laid foundational principles for the modern understanding of the water cycle. ngwa.org
Palissy also delved into the study of fossils, proposing that they were remnants of once-living organisms. He contested the prevailing view that fossils were mere mineral formations or products of the biblical flood. His empirical approach to studying natural phenomena was ahead of his time, emphasizing observation and practice over classical philosophy.
Legacy and Philosophy
Palissy’s life was marked by perseverance in the face of adversity. His dedication to both art and science, coupled with his Protestant faith, led to multiple imprisonments during the French Wars of Religion. He died in the Bastille around 1589.
His legacy endures through his contributions to ceramics and natural sciences. Palissy’s work exemplifies the Renaissance spirit of inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge through direct engagement with the natural world. As he aptly put it, “That is why a man who works in the art of the earth is always learning because of unknown natures, and diversity of earths.” libquotes.com
Pierre Perrault
Pierre Perrault (c. 1608–1680) was a French scientist whose pioneering work laid the foundation for modern hydrology. His empirical studies challenged prevailing misconceptions about the water cycle and provided a quantitative understanding of the relationship between precipitation and river flow.
Background
Trained as a lawyer, Perrault served as the Receiver General of Finances for Paris. Following financial setbacks, he turned his attention to scientific inquiries, focusing on the origin of springs and the movement of water in the environment. In 1674, he anonymously published “De l’origine des fontaines” (“On the Origin of Springs”), a work that would become seminal in hydrological studies. pubs.usgs.gov
Challenging Prevailing Theories
Before Perrault’s research, many natural philosophers believed that precipitation was insufficient to account for the flow of rivers and springs. The dominant theories posited that underground sources, such as seawater seeping through subterranean channels, were primarily responsible for feeding springs and rivers. Aristotle, for instance, suggested that air within the Earth could condense into water, contributing to subterranean reservoirs. pubs.usgs.gov
Empirical Approach and Findings
Perrault adopted an empirical methodology to test these theories. He meticulously measured the flow of the Seine River and compared it to the amount of rainfall within its watershed. His calculations demonstrated that the volume of precipitation was more than sufficient to account for the river’s discharge. This finding challenged the prevailing notion that underground sources were the primary contributors to river flow. pubs.usgs.gov
In his experiments, Perrault observed that rainwater typically penetrated the soil to a depth of about two feet, suggesting that deeper infiltration was limited. He concluded that surface runoff and shallow subsurface flow were significant contributors to river systems. This insight was pivotal in developing the concept of the hydrological cycle, emphasizing the roles of evaporation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. pubs.usgs.gov
Legacy
Perrault’s work marked a significant departure from speculative theories, grounding the study of hydrology in observation and quantitative analysis. His findings were later corroborated and expanded upon by scientists such as Edme Mariotte, who conducted further experiments on infiltration and streamflow. Together, their research established a scientific basis for understanding the continuous movement of water on Earth. pubs.usgs.gov
In summary, Pierre Perrault’s contributions were instrumental in transforming hydrology into an experimental science. By demonstrating that precipitation could account for river flow, he provided a foundational understanding of the water cycle that continues to inform hydrological studies today.
Edme Mariotte
Edme Mariotte (c. 1620–1684) was a French physicist and priest whose empirical research significantly advanced the understanding of the water cycle, establishing foundational principles in hydrology.
Empirical Investigations
Building upon the work of Pierre Perrault, Mariotte conducted meticulous studies to quantify the components of the hydrological cycle. He measured the flow of the Seine River and compared it to precipitation levels within its catchment area. His findings demonstrated that rainfall was sufficient to account for the river’s discharge, challenging prevailing theories that attributed river flow primarily to subterranean sources. thirdworldcentre.org
Quantitative Hydrology
Mariotte’s approach emphasized precise measurement and analysis, laying the groundwork for hydrology as an experimental science. His work, alongside that of Perrault and Edmond Halley, established the modern concept of the hydrological cycle through experimental investigations. thirdworldcentre.org
Legacy
Mariotte’s contributions were instrumental in transforming hydrology into a quantitative science. His empirical methods and commitment to measurement provided a deeper understanding of the water cycle, influencing subsequent research in hydrology and related fields.
In summary, Edme Mariotte’s rigorous empirical studies and quantitative analyses significantly advanced the understanding of the water cycle, establishing principles that continue to underpin modern hydrological science.
The Glorious Quran
The Quran, revealed over 1,400 years ago, contains numerous verses that describe the water cycle—a concept that aligns with modern hydrological understanding. These descriptions highlight processes such as evaporation, cloud formation, precipitation, and the role of winds, reflecting a profound insight into natural phenomena.
Before we embark on the study of the Quranic verses, a word of introduction from Dr. Maurice Bucaille, who first comprehensively wrote about these verses in his seminal book from 1973, the Bible, the Quran and Science, in the chapter on the water cycle:
When the verses of the Qur’an concerning the role of water in man’s existence are read in succession today. they all appear to us to express ideas that are quite obvious. The reason for this is simple: in our day and age, we all, to a lesser or greater extent, know about the water cycle in nature.
If however, we consider the various concepts the ancients had on this subject, it becomes clear that the data in the Qur’an do not embody the mythical concepts current at the time of the Revelation which had been developed more according to philosophical speculation than observed phenomena. Although it was empirically possible to acquire on a modest scale, the useful practical knowledge necessary for the improvement of the irrigation, the concepts held on the water cycle in general would hardly be acceptable today.
Thus it would have been easy to imagine that underground water could have come from the infiltration of precipitations in the soil. In ancient times however, this idea, held by Vitruvius Polio Marcus in Rome, 1st century B.C., was cited as an exception. For many centuries therefore (and the Qur’anic Revelation is situated during this period) man held totally inaccurate views on the water cycle.
Evaporation and Precipitation
In several verses the Quran highlights the evaporation of water triggered by the winds, two of these have been quoted as epigraph as well:
It is God who sends out the winds; they stir up the clouds; He spreads them over the skies as He pleases; He makes them break up and you see the rain falling from them. See how they rejoice when He makes it fall upon whichever of His servants He wishes, though before it is sent they may have lost all hope. Look, then, at the imprints of God’s mercy, how He restores the earth to life after death: this same God is the one who will return people to life after death–– He has power over all things. (Al Quran 30:48-50)
It is God who sends the winds, bearing good news of His coming grace, and when they have gathered up the heavy clouds, We drive them to a dead land where We cause rain to fall, bringing out all kinds of crops, just as We shall bring out the dead. Will you not reflect? (Al Quran 7:57)
Do you not see that God drives the clouds, then gathers them together and piles them up until you see rain pour from their midst? He sends hail down from [such] mountains in the sky, pouring it on whoever He wishes and diverting it from whoever He wishes–– the flash of its lightning almost snatches sight away. (Al Quran 24:43)
It is He who sends the winds as heralds of good news before His Mercy. We send down pure water from the sky, so that We can revive a dead land with it, and We give it as a drink to many animals and people We have created. Many times We have repeated this to people so that they might take heed, but most persist in their ingratitude. (Al Quran 25:48-50)
Incidentally, the Quran’s description of the clouds as mountains (ref:24:43) would have been a complete mystery to humanity before modern airplanes. But now, when we fly above the clouds and look out the window on a cloudy day, the mystery is readily solved. I recently picked this up from a video clip of the well-known Muslim scholar Javed Ahmed Ghamidi, and it is indeed a subtle reminder to all air travelers that the Quran is a word of the All-Knowing God.
Sixteen million tons of water evaporates from the oceans every second. A total amount of 513 trillion tons of water per hour is the rainfall on our planet Earth.
The Quran emphasizes the descent of water from the sky and its role in sustaining life on Earth. For instance:
“And We sent down from the sky blessed water whereby We caused to grow gardens, grains for harvest, and tall palm-trees with spathes piled one above the other.” (Al Quran 50:9-10)
This verse highlights the process of precipitation and its significance in nurturing vegetation.
Infiltration and Storage
The Quran also alludes to the infiltration of water into the ground and its storage:
We sent down water from the sky in measure and lodged it in the ground. And We certainly are able to withdraw it. (Al Quran 23:18)
Say, ‘Just think: if all your water were to sink deep into the earth who could give you flowing water in its place?’ (Al Quran 67:30)
This verse reflects the understanding of groundwater storage and the natural regulation of water resources.
Role of Winds in Cloud Formation and Fertilization
The Quran describes the role of winds in cloud formation and fertilization:
We send the winds to fertilize, and We bring down water from the sky for you to drink –– you do not control its sources. It is We who give life and death; it is We who inherit [everything]. (Al Quran 15:22-23)
It is God who sends forth the winds; they raise up the clouds; We drive them to a dead land and with them revive the earth after its death: such will be the Resurrection. (Al Quran 35:9)
The term “fecundating winds” refers to the role of winds in facilitating fertilization processes in nature, particularly in plant pollination and cloud formation leading to precipitation.
In botany, many plants rely on wind to transfer pollen grains from the male structures to the female structures of flowers, a process known as anemophily. This wind-driven pollination is crucial for the reproduction of various plant species, including grasses, conifers, and many deciduous trees. The wind carries lightweight pollen grains over distances, enabling genetic diversity and the production of seeds.
Beyond plant pollination, winds play a significant role in meteorological processes. They transport aerosols—tiny particles such as dust, sea salt, and organic materials—into the atmosphere. These particles act as cloud condensation nuclei, around which water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets. Without these nuclei, cloud formation would be inefficient, and precipitation might not occur as readily. Thus, winds indirectly contribute to rainfall by “fertilizing” the atmosphere with necessary particles.
The concept of fecundating winds is also mentioned in religious texts. For instance in the above quoted verse from Surah Hijr:
And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water in abundance … (Al Quran 15:22)
This verse highlights the dual role of winds in both fertilizing (pollinating) and bringing forth rain, aligning with modern understandings of their functions in nature.
In summary, fecundating winds are essential components of Earth’s ecological and climatic systems, facilitating plant reproduction and contributing to the hydrological cycle through their role in cloud formation and precipitation.
Cloud Dynamics and Rainfall
The dynamics of cloud formation and the subsequent release of rain are depicted in the Quran:
Do you not see that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap, and then you see the rain emerge from within it? (Quran 24:43)
This verse illustrates the stages of cloud development leading to precipitation.
Conclusion
The Quranic descriptions of the water cycle encompass various stages, including evaporation, cloud formation, wind involvement, precipitation, and groundwater storage. These insights, articulated centuries before the advent of modern science, underscore the depth of knowledge contained within the Quran regarding natural processes.
Maurice Bucaille (1920–1998) was a French medical doctor and author renowned for his exploration of the relationship between religious scriptures and modern science. His seminal work, The Bible, The Qur’an and Science, published in 1976, delves into the compatibility of these texts with contemporary scientific knowledge.
Bucaille asserted that the Qur’an contains statements about natural phenomena that align with modern scientific understanding. He argued that such accuracy is remarkable, given the era of the Qur’an’s revelation. For instance, he noted, “The statements about scientific phenomena in the Holy Qur’an are perfectly in conformity with the modern sciences.” Based on his analysis, Bucaille concluded that the scientific information present in the Qur’an could not have been known by any human at the time of its revelation. He stated, “It is inconceivable that the scientific statements of the Qur’an could have been the work of man.” Bucaille believed that the Qur’an encourages the pursuit of knowledge and reflection upon the natural world. He emphasized that Islam calls for exploration and understanding of the universe, stating, “Far from encouraging renunciation of the world, Islam calls upon its adherents to study the natural world.
Bucaille’s work has had a profound influence, inspiring a movement known as “Bucailleism,” which seeks to reconcile Islamic teachings with scientific discoveries. His conclusions have sparked both support and criticism. Proponents argue that his findings highlight the Qur’an’s divine nature, while critics contend that some interpretations may involve selective readings or anachronistic analyses.
In summary, Maurice Bucaille’s study of the Qur’an led him to conclude that its content is in remarkable harmony with modern scientific knowledge, suggesting its divine origin and encouraging believers to engage in scientific inquiry.
When we profoundly believe in the Quran to be the literal word of the All-Knowing, who knows every secret of the universe then it begins to whisper new insights and meanings to us.
The Glorious Quran and Science 
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