Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD

Abstract

The Holy Qur’an has long been venerated by Muslims not only as a spiritual guide but also as a repository of divine signs (ayat) that remarkably conform to modern scientific discoveries. This article explores the Qur’an’s status as a “scientific miracle”, highlighting numerous verses that describe natural phenomena in ways later validated by scientific knowledge. Classical Islamic scholars often interpreted these verses metaphorically or in line with the knowledge of their era, focusing on theological lessons. In contrast, contemporary commentators and scientists have been astonished by the Qur’an’s precise depiction of facts about cosmology, geology, biology, and other sciences unknown in the 7th century. By examining popular classical exegeses alongside modern scholarly analysis – including insights from Dr. Zia H. Shah and others – we illustrate how Qur’anic statements about the origin of the universe, the expansion of space, the structure of mountains, the water cycle, human embryonic development, and more align with or anticipate scientific understanding. We cite extensive references from both historical commentaries and current research to substantiate each case. While the Qur’an is not a science textbook, the convergence of its verses with scientific reality, in an age long postdating its revelation, is presented as a compelling aspect of its miraculous nature. In closing, a thematic epilogue reflects on how these scientific signs bolster faith and underscore the Qur’an’s enduring relevance, suggesting that as science advances, the miraculous wisdom of the Qur’an only becomes more evident.

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