Sciences of Man (3/4)

The Weight of an Atom:

Until very recently, the atom was thought to be the smallest portion of matter in existence and also indivisible. This was the belief in all schools during the 1940s. It was discovered only later that atomic fission was possible.

God has always referred to the smallest particle of matter as "the weight of an atom" (Surah Saba', 34:22) and uses it to symbolize a very small weight (Surah An-Nisa', 4:40; Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7-8). What is even more interesting is the existence of smaller particles weighing even less than an atom, and that God knows where every atom is and keeps such information in a register (Surah Saba', 34:3; Surah Yunus, 10:61). He has stores of matter from which He releases various portions in known measures as and when required (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:21). Wherever it may be in the heavens, on Earth, in rock, or elsewhere, He can retrieve it (Surah Luqman, 31:16).

Bacteria are labeled by the viruses that live on them, a phenomenon known as "bacteriophage typing." It is also possible to identify viruses by their nucleic acid (DNA), which is called "genotypic sequencing." The power of labeling atoms and their particles is incomprehensible. The verses related above imply that God has labeled all atoms, as well as their particles, of different matter. If they can all be labeled, they must all be different. Modem science may shed some light on this mystery.

It was shown earlier that the proton located inside the nucleus of a hydrogen atom can be identified by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Recently, it was proven that the magnetic field located at the nucleus is determined largely by the external magnetic field. The intensity of the magnetic field located at the nucleus is a function of the electrons immediately surrounding the nucleus and is also influenced by the electrons of adjacent atoms. The interaction of the electrons with the external field, which causes the alteration of the field located at the site of the nucleus, gives rise to what is called a "chemical shift." Therefore, at a given external field, every chemically distinct nucleus of a given species resonates at a slightly different frequency. This causes the appearance of different magnetic resonance peaks, which can be viewed by means of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). Just as MRI produces an anatomical image, MRS yields quantitative chemical information. This can now be provided in an imaging format and is referred to as Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI).

So, although the nuclei of different elements are made of protons that are basically similar, the effect on them of the surrounding external electrons, as well as those of adjacent atoms, causes them to produce resonances of different frequencies that can be differentiated. This and many other techniques are available to the Creator, especially if all the particles are in a register. On the Day of Resurrection, God will have no problem in reconstructing every living body.

“Say, "Call upon those (gods) other than God, in whom you believe. They have no power, not even the weight of an atom, in the heavens or on the earth. They have no share therein, nor is any of them a helper to God." (Surah Saba’, 34:22)

“God does nothing unjust, not even to the weight of an atom. If (one does) a good deed, He multiplies it and gives (the doer of good) a great reward.” (Surah An-Nisa’, 4:40)

“One who has done (even) an atom's weight of good will see it, and one who has done (even) an atom's weight of evil will see it.” (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7-8)

“The unbelievers say, "The Hour will never reach us." Say, "Of course it will reach you. By my Lord, by the One who knows the unseen, from whom not even the least atom in the heavens or on the earth is hidden, it will come to you. Regardless of size, everything is recorded in a clear record." (Surah Saba’, 34:3)

“In whatever business you may be engaged, in whatever portion of the Qur'an you may be reciting, and whatever you may be doing, (remember) O  mankind, that when you are deeply engrossed therein, We see what you are doing. Nothing is hidden from God, not even the weight of an atom on the earth or in heaven, and everything is recorded in a clear record.” (Surah Yunus, 10:61)

“And there is nothing but its (sources) and (inexhaustible) treasures are with Us, but We only send down (what is necessary) in due and ascertainable measure.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:21)

"My son," (said Luqman), "anything, even if it were to have the weight of a mustard seed and be (hidden) in a rock or (elsewhere) in the heavens or on the earth, will be brought forth by God, for He understands the finer mysteries (and) is well-acquainted (with them)." (Surah Luqman, 31:16)

Statistics:

At the beginning, man started with simple statistics, such as the recording of births and deaths. Later on, he moved gradually to the calculator, the sorting machine, and the computer. Unfortunately, the accuracy of the data entered depends on the care with which it is gathered and interpreted by its human collector(s). Regardless of its sophistication, the computer is liable to human error, a condition that affects the accuracy and outcome of the resulting statistics. For example, even the most "accurate" census undertaken by the most advanced country will miss many people and leave many facts unrecorded.

God has emphasized repeatedly the importance of statistics. He keeps records not just on human beings but on everything in His universe.

“He takes account of them (all) and has numbered everything exactly.” (Surah Maryam, 19:94)

“So that He may know that they have brought and delivered the messages of their Lord, He surrounds (all the mysteries) that are with them and takes account of everything.” (Surah Al-Jinn, 72:28)

“We shall give life to the dead. We record all that they have done and the consequences of their actions, which remain after their death. We have taken account of everything in a clear record.” (Surah Ya-Sin, 36:12)

“Then are men returned to God, their true Protector. To Him belongs the command, and He is the swiftest when it comes to taking account (of what they have done).” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:62)

Pairs:

Strong evidence has been given in the Qur'an that God has created everything in pairs. Thus, one should always look for pairs in matter and non-matter. This statement is very useful for scientists. For example, electricity and magnetism are present in pairs of positive and negative. It has also been shown by Hawking that, according to quantum mechanics, space contains "virtual particles" and "anti-particles." Perhaps these represent stores of matter in space.

“We have created everything in pairs so that you might receive instruction.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:49)

“Glory to God Who created in pairs all that the earth produces, as well as human beings and (other) things of which they have no knowledge.” (Surah Ya-Sin, 36:36)