The Barrier Between Two Seas
The Quran states in 55:19-20: "He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together: Between them is a Barrier which ...
Summary
The Quran states in 55:19-20: "He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together: Between them is a Barrier which they do not transgress."
Modern oceanography proves that when two seas meet, a barrier (halocline) forms due to density differences, preventing complete mixing.
Sources:
• Quran 55:19-20
• Quran 25:53
• NOAA: Ocean Fronts
Related Verse
وَالسَّمَاءَ بَنَيْنَاهَا بِأَيْدٍ وَإِنَّا لَمُوسِعُونَ
Surah Al-Furqan • آیه ۵۳ Surah Ar-Rahman • آیات ۱۹-۲۰
Key Vocabulary
Interpretive View
Great Islamic commentators including Allamah Tabatabai in Al-Mizan and Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi in Tafsir Nemuneh have considered this verse as a reference to the continuous expansion of the universe. The word "lamūsiʿūn" comes from the root "awsa'a" meaning to expand and is in the intensive form, indicating the continuity of this expansion.
The Claim
This article claims that the Holy Quran, more than 1400 years ago, referred to the scientific fact of the expansion of the universe; a fact that humanity only achieved in the 20th century through Edwin Hubble's observations.
Scientific Evidence
The following scientific evidence supports this claim:
Historical Review
In the 7th century CE, the common belief was that the universe was static and eternal. Aristotle and Ptolemy had presented the geocentric model, and this belief continued until the 16th century and the Copernican revolution. In 1929, Edwin Hubble proved through his observations that galaxies are moving away from each other.
Opposing Views
Proponents' View
- Precise match of words with scientific concepts
- Humanity's lack of access to this knowledge at the time of revelation
- Consistency with definitive astronomical discoveries
- Reference to credible scientific and Islamic sources
Opponents' View
- Possibility of multiple interpretations of verses
- Uncertainty of some scientific theories
- Retrospective matching may be incorrect
- Need for more careful examination of historical texts
Conclusion
Based on scientific and Quranic evidence, it can be concluded that the Holy Quran has remarkably referred to scientific facts that were discovered centuries later. This harmony is a sign of the miracle of the Quran and an invitation to reflect on the divine verses.
Sources
Tafsir Nemuneh
A Brief History of Time
NASA Official Website
Al-Mizan
User Comments
No comments yet