Miracles
By: Sardar Anees Ahmad

In 1917, Einstein published his paper on general relativity, proving that the universe was expanding. Because of prevailing scientific views, however, Einstein rejected this notion and adjusted general relativity to conform to the prevailing view that the universe was static – not expanding. When, in 1929, Edwin Hubble literally showed (through advanced telescope technology) that the universe was expanding, Einstein not only believed it but added that his adjustment twelve years prior was, “the biggest blunder of my life.” What follows is an adaptation from the writings of Mirza Tahir Ahmad which argues that the event involving Einstein and Hubble can help identify a miracle.

Einstein and Hubble’s discoveries, which formed the foundation of the Big Bang theory and foreshadowed the discovery of black holes, overturned thousands of years of theorizing on the universe’s nature. Accordingly, pre-Islamic Arabia had a primitive understanding of the universe. Islam, however, anticipated Einstein and Hubble’s discoveries more than 1,000 years prior.

The Quran states, “Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass (ratqan), then We clove them asunder (fataqna)? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (21:31). Here, the Quran employs two peculiar words. “Ratqan” means both complete darkness and something that has coming together and become completely one. Arabs use the word “ratqan” for a tightly woven ball from which nothing can escape. “Fataqna” means to open something up. Arabs employ the root word of “fataqna” for yeast as yeast opens up bread. This Quranic verse gives an apt description of the Big Bang theory as well as that of black holes.

A black hole is a mass with a gravitational pull so powerful that it does not even allow light to escape. It is astonishing that the word “ratqan” perfectly describes a black hole – a closed-up mass enveloped in complete darkness. Coupled with “fataqna,” which describes the opening up of this mass, the Quran stated – 1,400 years ago – that the universe had a beginning and was born out of the Big Bang. But while the Big Bang gave birth to the universe, it is a different thing altogether to claim that once the universe assumed its present shape, it should continue expanding. Remember, before Hubble’s discovery, Einstein rejected this notion. The Quran, however, anticipated Hubble’s discovery, “And the heaven We built with Our own powers and indeed We go on expanding it” (51:48).

While stating that the universe was born out of a black hole, the Quran further states a black hole will bring about the universe’s end: “The day when We shall roll up the heavens like the rolling up of written scrolls. As We began the first creation, so shall We repeat it; a promise binding on Us; that We shall certainly fulfill” (21:105). Though no scientific consensus currently exists on how the universe will end, the Quran’s statement patiently awaits.

But why should we consider this a miracle? Note that Arab society, prior to Islam, was primitive, even savage. Before Islam, very few Arabs were educated, many were cannibals and buried their female children alive, and most were prone to fighting over the most trivial issues. Recall that scientists did not learn of the Big Bang, black holes or an expanding universe until the 20th century. To suggest, then, that 1,400 years ago Prophet Muhammad – who did not know how to read or write – authored the Quran … well, that really would be a miracle.