Quran and Science (2)

Makkah, Center of the World

After the time of Ibrahim pbuh, Makkah became the center of worship of Allah. But being humans, we started straying from the path of righteousness and in turn it became the center of pagan worship. But by that time, it had become the center of worship, and people from all over the world came to worship some 360 idols, placed in and around the Holy Ka'aba. And because of this, it became the center of trade as well as being a major place in the trade industry and in the trade route. That’s why it became an ideal place to reveal the Holy Qur’an, where people from all over would come, embrace Islam then depart to spread the message of truth whilst completing their journey. Also, Muslims were one of the first to draw up accurate maps of the world, thus making Makkah the center of the world. It is also the city where our beloved prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam was born and raised.

When Neil Armstrong went into space, after analysing pictures taken (or he might have noticed visually himself as well), he noticed how the earth is a hanging sphere, dark in its colour. He quoted: “Earth is a dark, hanging sphere - who hung it.” Who hung it indeed. By this he meant that Allah (swt) hung it. Also in his examinations, he noticed that the Earth emits radiation. Tracking the source of radiation, he came down to Saudi Arabia, more specifically Makkah. After further analysis, he noticed that the radiation had a specific difference, the difference being that it was everlasting, it never ended. It is thought that the Ka'aba in the heavens is directly above the worldly Ka'aba, therefore this radiation is percieved as connecting the heavenly and worldly Ka'aba together.

Furthermore, the magnetic equilibrium point, i.e. the center of the world has the same amount of magnetic force from the North and South. If you placed a compass at this point, it would be neutral, because of the equal amount of force from both poles. This is the reason you get charged with energy when you circle the Holy Ka'aba. This is also the reason why you naturally live longer and healthier in Makkah. A study shows that the basalt rocks in Makkah are scientifically proven as the oldest in the world, their results were published and it is also proven that the rocks are not from our solar system. These are the facts, the ultimate Truth of the existence of Allah.

Zamzam Water

The Well of Zamzam is a well located within the Masjid al Haram in Mecca, 20 meters east of the Kaaba, the holiest place in Islam. Islamic history states that Zamzam Well was revealed to Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim and mother of Ishmael, around the year 2000 BC. According to Islamic tradition, she was desperately seeking water for her infant son, but could find none, as Makkah is located in a hot dry valley with few other sources of water. Hajar ran several times back and forth in the scorching heat between the two hills of Safa and Marwah, looking for water, versions of the story say that the water just suddenly appeared at the feet of Ishmael. The story of Hajar and the divine origin of the Zamzam Well is commemorated in the Islamic rites of pilgrimage, the Umrah and the Hajj. Like Hajar, male pilgrims are required to run or jog (women walk) between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, and then drink from the water of Zamzam.

The difference between Zumzum water and other water (city water) was in the quantity of calcium and magnesium salts. The content of these was slightly higher in Zumzum water. This may be why this water refreshes tired hajis, but more significantly, the water contained fluorides that have an effective germicidal action. In fact, the more you explore, the more wonders surface and you find yourself believing implicitly in the miracles of this water that God bestowed as a gift on the faithful coming from far and wide to the desert land for pilgrimage.

Let me sum up some of the features of Zumzum water. This well has never dried up in over 4000 years. On the contrary it has always fulfilled the demand for water. It has always maintained the same salt composition and taste ever since it came into existence. Its potability has always been universally recognised as pilgrims from all over the world visit Ka'aba every year for Hajj and Umrah, but have never complained about it. Instead, they have always enjoyed the water that refreshes them.

Zamzam water's appeal has always been universal. This water has never been chemically treated or chlorinated, as is the case with water pumped into the cities. Biological growth and vegetation usually takes place in most wells. This makes the water unpalatable owing to the growth of algae causing taste and odour problems. But in the case of the Zamzam water well is that there wasn't any sign of biological growth. Centuries ago, Hagar (raa) searched desperately for water in the hills of Safa and Marwa to give to her newly born son Ismail (pbuh) As she ran from one place to another in search of water, her child rubbed his feet against the sand. A pool of water surfaced, and by the grace of God, shaped itself into a well which came to be called Zumzum water. This is a miracle in itself, as well as the rcent scientific findings.

Death & Decomposition

Medically it is well known that after death flesh decomposes within a period of six months to one year and bones alot longer. Body decomposition depends on the nature of the surrounding atmosphere (humidity, heat, exposure to sun, location and nature of death, and nature of the body). Four minutes after death decomposition starts internally. This is called ‘self-decomposition’ during which oxygen vanishes and the percentage of carbon dioxide and excrements increase, hence cell poisoning. Then some enzymes start decomposing the cells from within due to high acidity percentage.

Fats, proteins, and sugars decompose to simpler elements. This stage of decomposition cannot be perceived during the first few days following death. It is concentrated in the liver due to the intensity of enzymes and in the brain due to the availability of fluids there. Blood colour changes to dark green and gathers under the skin. As a result of over-acidity, cytoplasm congeals and then the next stage starts, that is, worn out. Aerial and non-aerial bacteria as well as fungi start decomposing the cells after they put an end to the remaining defences of the white corpuscles which collapse entirely and turn into gases, fluids, and primary materials. The gases that result from decomposition and cause the smell of stench are methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphate, and ammonia. If these gases do not release through the normal orifices, they may cause the explosion of the body.

All this takes place during the third week after death. Afterwards, some insects play an important role in decomposition. They lay their eggs in the open holes and their larvae start feeding on the decomposing body. They then cooperate to decompose the flesh and the bones. Due to its own nature, flesh vanishes before the bones do. Then the stage of dry decomposition starts. Some mosses grow on the bones and help crumbling them according to the available humidity. During the first decade following death, grooves appear on the bones, which peel off. By the passing of time, bones turn into dust: (from dust and unto dust we return).

Martyrs’ Miracles:

From authentic stories, we know from so many documented and recurrent stories told by truthful and reliable narrators that the bodies of some of those who died as martyrs in the way of Allah remained as they were for decades and even centuries. The color of the skin did not change, blood still bled, the musk smell was everywhere, their beards grew, and some bodies remained in the deserts for years and were not eaten by wild animals.

Martyrs of Uhud

In his series (Story of the End) Dr. Tariq Suwaidan mentioned that Sheikh Muhammad As-Sawwaf, one of the scholars who were chosen to rebury the martyrs of Uhud after the flood that uncovered the bodies, told him that their bodies did not change, decompose, or rot even after 1400 years from their death. Sheikh Muhammad As-Sawwaf said that: “Among the bodies was that of Hamza (may Allah be pleased with him). He was big and his abdomen was ripped apart, which is where he put his hand on. When we took his hand up, blood flew down as if he died one hour ago.)

Scientific Explanation

Science has no explanation for this. Atheists have their usual doubts as they call every intangible thing a superstition. Unfortunately, some Moslems are in doubt as well. Yet, Dr .Abdul Hameed Al Qadhah has a sound justification. He tells us that microbes are among the soldiers/ creatures of Allah and they perform His orders. He orders them not to approach martyrs’ bodies and so they do. There are also many other signs such as their smiling faces, bleeding, sweat, beard growth and the musk fragrance.

Merit of Martyrdom

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Think not of those, who are slain in the way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have provision. Jubilant (are they) because of that which Allah hath bestowed upon them of His bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not joined them but are left behind: that there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. They rejoice because of favour from Allah and kindness, and that Allah wasteth not the wage of the believers.” [The Family Of Imran 169-171]

Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him) said: “The martyr has six merits from Allah: with the first gush of blood his sins are forgiven; he sees his place in paradise; he is saved from grave torture; he is saved from the greatest fear; he wears the costume of Iman; he marries houris, and he intercepts on behalf of seventy of his relatives.” (Sonan of Ibn Majah) The annotator of the Tahawi Belief mentioned that: “Allah orders the earth not to decompose the Prophets’ bodies. Some of the martyrs remain intact even after long periods of burial. It is possible they shall remain the same until the Day of Judgement or their bodies shall take longer time to decompose as a tribute for what they did. This may differ from one martyr to another according to the degree of his martyrdom.”

In the fourth section of his Sahih, Imam Al Bukhari devoted a chapter to “The Merit of Jihad and Battles” starting with the verse: “Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is the promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better that Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph.” [Repentance 111] Here the buyer is Allah (SWT) and as we know that good prevails so that the body gets the same merit as the soul.

This divine tribute to martyrs is a sound proof on the rightness of the way and the soundness of the objective. It is Allah’s choice of the truthful worshippers to be honored during their life and even after their death. Through these tributes Allah urges all of us to follow in the steps of martyrs. Martyrs are among the believers whom Allah (SWT) has chosen because they have fulfilled their promise with Him, their commerce prospered and they eventually have won. Allah, the Ever-Living and Sustainer, bestowed on them everlasting life though we do not perceive this.

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “And call not those who are slain in the way of Allah “dead.” Nay, they are living, only ye perceive not.” [The Cow 154] They are the ones who come in order after the prophets and the saints and before the righteous in the verse: “Whoso obeyeth Allah and the messenger, they are with those unto whom Allah hath shown favour, of the prophets and the saints and the martyrs and the righteous. The best of company are they!” [Women 69-70] The part of the first verse that reads, “only ye perceive not” is itself a miracle. For when we die we all decompose; yet, this does not apply to prophets’ bodies as our prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told us in the hadith narrated in the books of Ibn Dawoud and An Nassaey.

Likewise, the martyrs’ bodies remain intact because their souls feed on the Heavenly fruits. This may explain the scent of musk, the bleeding of the wounds, the growth of the beard, the sweating, the intact cells, and the non-existence of microbes, insects and the rodents near their bodies although they may have died long ago.