The Mother's Womb With Its Secure Protection
Did We not create you from a base fluid, then place it in a secure repository for a recognized term? It is We Who determine. What an excellent Determiner! (Surat al-Mursalat, 20-23)
We created man from the purest kind of clay; then made him a drop in a secure receptacle; then formed the drop into a clot and formed the clot into a lump and formed the lump into bones and clothed the bones in flesh; and then brought him into being as another creature. Blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators! (Surat al-Muminun, 12-14)
The above verses about the Creation of human beings contain fundamental information from the field of embryology. The reference “a secure receptacle”, a description of the womb, indicates certain technical and biological truths which are of great significance to modern scientists. (Allah knows the truth.) A “zygote” is the term given to what is produced by the sperm and egg cells coming together. This process continues until we witness the emergence of a complete human being, made up of trillions of cells all working in harmony: this all takes place in the safety of the mother's womb. This remarkable place, where the embryo completes its nine months of development is, as the verse tells us, “a secure receptacle..”
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| The ligaments that tightly bind the bones together in the pelvic region can be seen. |
The word “makeenin" translated as “secure” above, also suggests such meanings as “unshakeable, sound, resolute, powerful, fixed and safely put in place.” The word “qararin" also means “location, stability, permanence and place of settlement.” These words very wisely describe the womb as a sound and safe location.
The mother's womb provides insulation against external agents such as light and sound. It also provides a strong shield against shock and pressure, thus protecting the baby from any discomfort or inconvenience. Located in the pelvic cavity, the womb is well protected by the thick and strong bones that surround the “endometrium” on the inside – and this helps to bear the weight of the embryo until the end of pregnancy. This structure, made up of powerful muscles, is ideally constructed for the baby's growth and development. During pregnancy, the ligaments attaching the bones in the region together become thicker and longer. These ligaments that attach the top of the womb to the strong pelvic bones make the womb very strong and stable.
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| Although the embryo is foreign to the mother’s womb, it is not attacked by the defense system. This is a miraculous state of affairs intended to protect the embryo. |
Yet, despite blocking out so much, the embryo still has unrestricted access to what it needs to develop: heat, water, oxygen and nutrients all contribute to its miraculous development. The mother's womb undergoes many changes that enhance its strength during pregnancy. Together with the muscles, ligaments and elastic tissues it contains, there is also an increase in the number of blood vessels and nerves. The womb is thus able to increase 20 times in weight and 1,000 times in capacity without coming to any harm.71 The fallopian tubes that support the womb, the ovaries and other connective tissues all expand and become more elastic.72 The constant changes in the womb continue even after the embryo has grown into a healthy baby many hundreds of times larger than its initial state. The womb now changes in such a way as to permit the baby to exit in a healthy manner.
During pregnancy, another extraordinary state of affairs regarding the protection of the baby comes about. The baby is also protected against internal threats. When a foreign body enters the body, such as during an organ or bone marrow transplant, the host's defense system begins reacting, and this can sometimes lead to fatal consequences.73 But that never happens to the fetus, and the mother's immune system does not regard it as a foreign body. It is quite amazing that the mother's immune system tolerates foreign genes from the father; because the baby is, after all, 50% foreign body. Marianne van den Heuvel, a scientist from Guelph University, describes this as “fascinating” and continues: “That was always a puzzle from an immunology standpoint because the fetus is actually foreign. It's part of the mother and also part of the father. It should be rejected by the body.”74
One would expect the defense system to declare war on the fetus's cells in much the same way that an army should declare war on foreign occupiers of their country. This defense system, when working properly, swiftly identifies viruses and tumors as foreign bodies – and then kills them. But, by the will of Allah, no such thing happens, and the womb remains a very safe and secure place for the baby to develop.
All the information about embryology provided in the Qur'an is in full agreement with modern medicine. This information, which has emerged through advanced technology, is one of the clearest proofs that the Qur'an is the revelation of our Lord, the Creator of all. The following is also revealed:
And in your Creation and all the creatures He has spread about there are Signs for people with certainty. (Surat al-Jathiyya, 4)
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Oxidation In The Blood
No indeed! Rather what they have earned has rusted up their hearts. (Surat al-Mutaffifin, 14)
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| Blood cells |
The term “rusted” is here used to describe the constitution of the hearts of some human beings. Whilst the verse contains spiritual elements, the verse may also refer to the biochemical reaction that takes place in the heart. (Allah knows the truth.) Rust is the result of iron reacting with oxygen – this is the process known as oxidation.75 The oxygen we absorb from the air is carried through the body by means of the iron present in the hemoglobin in the blood. During this process, the oxygen reacts with the iron in the blood. This means there is a constant resemblance to “rusting” in our blood. This “rusted” blood is then carried to the heart and around the circulation system of the human body.
An excess of iron in the blood can even lead to premature aging in all of the body's cells by causing rust-like oxidation. In the disease known as “hemochromatosis,” caused by excess iron accumulating in the body, iron produces a toxic effect and causes organs such as the liver to collapse. Since this is the result of iron oxidation, this phenomenon is often described as organs “rusting” or ”rust accumulation” in organs”.76 In the journal Science News Dr. Sharon McDonnell describes the iron oxidation in cells making up organs as 'rusting'.77
Another reference says this about the disease: "… those with hemochromatosis absorb iron, storing it in their organs. Over time, it accumulates in toxic amounts, causing organs to fail because they literally rust."78
It is only possible to identify the reaction of iron with oxygen in the body–oxidation in the blood–in laboratories with highly advanced equipment. The fact that such a comparison, so compatible with the scientific data, appears in the Qur'an is an evident miracle, given the era of the Qur’anic revelation. The Qur'an also contains countless other pieces of information which are in complete agreement with modern science. Surely, this is another sign that it is the revelation of Omniscient Allah, our Lord and the Creator of all things.
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| The oxygen we take from the air is carried through the body by means of the iron in the hemoglobin in the blood. As this happens, the oxygen enters into a reaction with the iron in the blood. |
The Wisdom Behind The Prohibition of Blood In The Qur'an
He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and pork and what has been consecrated to other than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat it – without desiring it or going to excess in it – commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat al-Baqara, 173)
The wisdom behind Allah's prohibition of blood emerged during the 20th century. By carrying vitamins, hormones, oxygen and substances such as protein, sugar and fat absorbed during digestion to the cells, blood makes it possible for life to survive. On the other hand, it also carries various toxins and waste products that need to be expelled from the body. One of the most important tasks performed by blood is to transport substances such as urea, uric acid, keratin and carbon dioxide that need to be removed from the body.
Therefore, in the event that significant quantities of blood are consumed, the level of harmful products in the body that should be expelled will rise considerably. That will increase the levels of urea: harmful substances transported to the kidneys for expulsion from the body. This can impair brain functions and in the worst case scenario, can even result in coma. That is why, because of its very nature, there will always be harmful compounds in blood, even if taken from seemingly healthy animals. If it is taken from a sick animal, various parasites and germs will also be transmitted in it. In that event, the germs may multiply and spread throughout the body – and that is the ultimate danger. If someone consumes blood, all the germs and waste products in it may spread through the body and lead to such diseases as kidney insufficiency or liver coma. In addition, most of the microbes carried in the blood may cause other diseases by damaging the lining of the stomach and the intestines.
What is more, blood is not a sterile environment. To put it another way, it is absolutely ideal for germs to grow in.79 Since microbes have excellent opportunities to feed in blood, it represents a perfect breeding ground for them. When in equilibrium with the functions of the other fluids in the body and the immune system, blood does not support micro-organisms, and therefore disease. In a healthy individual, these micro-organisms live by making use of one another inside the body. When that environment is seriously impaired - when the internal equilibrium is damaged - micro-organisms may cause disease when they find the appropriate surroundings.
For example, when the blood pH level (acid and alkali balance) is imbalanced because of poor nutrition or harmful chemicals, harmless microbes can begin to cause disease. If the body is to be healthy, the pH level of the blood should be around 7.3. Even small variations in that level may cause that balance to be impaired. In turn, this may cause micro-organisms to become more harmful in order to adapt to their surroundings. Blood becoming sterile is quite similar to milk souring when left outside. Microbes already present in the blood exhibit harmful effects by adapting to their new environment.80
In addition to all this, blood is not suitable for use as a food product. The level of digestible proteins such as albumin, globulin and fibrinogen is low - just 8 grams in 100 milliliters of blood. The same applies to fats. In addition, blood contains a high level of hemoglobin, a complex protein that is very difficult to digest and is unacceptable to the stomach. When blood clots, the protein fibrinogen gives rise to a plate containing erythrocyte - red blood corpuscles. It then transforms into “fibrin,”, one of the hardest proteins to digest. In today’s world, health experts agree that blood is unfit for human consumption in any form.
After saying: "Unlawful for you are carrion, blood and pork, and what has been consecrated to other than Allah, and animals which have been strangled, and animals which have been killed by a blow, and animals which have fallen to their death, and animals which have been gored, and animals which wild beasts have eaten – except those you are able to slaughter properly – and animals which have been sacrificed on altars, and deciding things by means of divining arrows – that is deviance..."Almighty Allah goes on to say…" But if anyone is forced by hunger, not intending any wrongdoing, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful" (meaning that an exception can be made.) (Surat al-Ma'ida, 3)
Abiding this law of Allah, people of the time were protected against a threat of which they were unaware. It is clear that those who believe and trust in Allah are more likely to prosper. Those who comply with His commandments and prohibitions will enjoy auspicious lives in this world and the Hereafter, living under our Lord’s Protection and Infinite Mercy.
The Tsunami Effect In The Prophet Moses’ (As) Parting of The Sea
So We revealed to Moses, 'Strike the sea with your staff.' And it split in two, each part like a towering cliff. (Surat Ash-Shu'ara', 63)
The Egyptian monarchs known as the pharaohs regarded themselves as divine beings. This was fundamental part of the polytheistic, superstitious religious beliefs prevalent in ancient Egypt. Allah sent the Prophet Moses (as) as messenger to the people of Egypt at a time when they preferred their own superstitious beliefs to the true faith, Islam. It was also during this period of time when the ruling family of Egypt had cruelly enslaved the Israelite tribes in their country. Although the Prophet Moses (as) invited the rulers and the people of Egypt to the faith of the one, true God – Allah – most refused to abandon their pagan beliefs. When they rejected his message, the Prophet Moses (as) reminded the Pharaoh and his court that the wrath of Allah is something to be avoided at all costs. Yet, despite this dire warning from Allah’s Messenger, they rebelled and hurled false accusations at the Prophet in their midst. They accused Moses (as) of madness, sorcery and mendacity. Although various tribulations were inflicted on Pharaoh and his people, they stubbornly refused to submit to the one, true God. They even held the Prophet Moses (as) responsible for what had befallen them, accusing him of cursing their lands, and sought to exile him from Egypt. At this, Allah told the Prophet Moses (as) and those with him to leave where they were:
We revealed to Moses: 'Travel with Our slaves by night. You will certainly be pursued.' Pharaoh sent marshals into the cities: 'These people are a small group and we find them irritating and we constitute a vigilant majority.' We expelled them from gardens and springs, from treasures and a splendid situation. So it was! And We bequeathed them to the tribe of Israel. So they pursued them towards the east. (Surat ash-Shu'ara', 52-60)
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As revealed in the Qur'an, the two peoples—the Israelites and the Egyptians—came together at the end of this chase. Allah rescued the Prophet Moses (as) and the believers with him by parting the sea, while destroying Pharaoh and his people. Allah's assistance to the believers is revealed as follows in the Qur'an:
So We revealed to Moses, 'Strike the sea with your staff.' And it split in two, each part like a towering cliff. And We brought the others right up to it. We rescued Moses and all those who were with him. Then We drowned the rest. There is certainly a Sign in that yet most of them are not believers. Truly your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. (Surat Ash-Shu'ara', 63-68)
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The Arabic word "idrib," translated as "strike" in the first of these verses, also means "to open, divide or separate." In the light of this expression and what happened subsequently, the verse may be a reference to the formation of tsunami waves. (Allah knows the truth.) Tsunami waves cause large amounts of water to shift and they can give way to the emergence of earth on shallow grounds. In the time of the Prophet Moses (as), as with the tsunami waves, the waters might have pulled back some hundreds of meters and this might have caused the parting of the sea. (Allah knows the truth.)
In addition, the waters are compared to mountains in the above verse. The waters collected in a tsunami form a giant peak 81 and resemble a mountain seen from below. As with mountains, the base of this extraordinary phenomenon is very broad and strong. In tsunamis, the depth of the water declines while the mass of the wave expands and rises in height. Tsunamis may be up to 30 meters high. 82 It is therefore very significant how the waters are likened to a mountain in this Qur’anic passage.
| TSUNAMI FORMATION: | |
 | Stage 1—Beginning: If the tsunami acts like an earthquake, the sea floor is moved up or down. As a result the mass of water moves up or down. |
 | Stage 2 —Separation: Within a few minutes, the tsunami that starts to form divides in two, one part moving toward the depths of the ocean, the other reaching the coast. |
 | Stage 3—Elevation: The tsunami wave reaching the shore rises up like a huge wave when it reaches the land. |
 | Stage 4- Wave impact: The leading wave becomes pointed and appears to rise even higher. The first part of the wave to hit the land is convex in shape, which is why the water initially seems to be pulling away from the land. |
Tsunamis are very different to the waves we are familiar with, and are a movement of the entire depth of water. This is not generally restricted to the surface, and may stretch for several kilometers. They thus possess high levels of energy and move amazingly quickly.83 Scientific statements say this about tsunamis:
In fact the tsunami crest is just the very tip of a vast mass of water in motion... Wind-driven waves and swells are confined to a shallow layer near the ocean surface, a tsunami extends thousands of feet deep into the ocean…. Survivors of tsunami attacks describe them as dark "walls" of water. Impelled by the mass of water behind them, the waves bulldoze onto the shore and inundate the coast...
... The contours of the sea floor and coastline have a profound influence on the height of the waves -- sometimes with surprising and dangerous results. During the 1993 tsunami attack on Okushiri, Japan, the wave "run up" on the coast averaged about 15 to 20 meters (50 - 65 feet). But in one particular spot, the waves pushed into a V-shaped valley open to the sea, concentrating the water in a tighter and tighter space. In the end, the water ran up to 32 meters (90 feet) above sea level, about the height of an 8-story office building. 84
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| The force applied to the sea floor causes mountainous waves to form by causing the water to rise up vertically. |
Past events described in the Qur'an are in complete agreement with present-day historic evidence and scientific advances – this is, without doubt, one of the great miracles of the Qur'an. The waters parted when the Prophet Moses (as) and his companions needed to cross yet they closed again over the heads of Pharaoh and his army – this is a clear instance of Allah’s Love for true believers. Indeed, the Prophet Moses (as) displayed an excellent example of proper moral values by trusting in Allah in that most difficult moment:
And when the two hosts came into sight of one another Moses' companions said, 'We will surely be overtaken!' He said, 'Never! My Lord is with me and He will guide me.' (Surat ash-Shu'ara', 61-62)
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