The Quran & Chemistry

Mountains as Stabilizers

Mountains help stabilize the Earth’s crust.

Modern geology shows that mountains often have deep roots extending into the Earth’s crust, contributing to tectonic balance and stability. Many Muslims see a parallel in the Quran’s description of mountains being placed firmly in the Earth.

“And We placed within the earth firmly set mountains, lest it should shake with them…” (Quran 21:31)

Mountains Like Pegs

Mountains have deep structures beneath the surface.

Geologists have discovered that many mountain ranges extend deep underground, similar to pegs or roots anchoring into the crust. Some interpret the Quran’s comparison of mountains to pegs as reflecting this geological structure.

“And the mountains as pegs?” (Quran 78:7)

The Water Cycle

Rainwater returns to the Earth in a continuous cycle.

Modern science explains the hydrological cycle through evaporation, cloud formation, and rainfall. The Quran describes water descending from the sky and being stored within the Earth centuries before the water cycle was formally understood.

“And We sent down water from the sky in due measure and settled it in the earth…” (Quran 23:18)

Barrier Between Two Seas

Different bodies of water can maintain distinct properties.

Oceanography has observed that some seas meet while maintaining differences in salinity, temperature, and density. Many point to the Quran’s mention of a barrier between two bodies of water as remarkable.

“He released the two seas, meeting side by side; between them is a barrier they do not transgress.” (Quran 55:19–20)

Fire beneath the sea

Fire and intense heat can exist deep beneath the ocean.

Modern science has discovered volcanoes and hot-water vents deep beneath the oceans. These vents release extremely hot water and minerals from the seafloor, and they can support life even in complete darkness. The Quran’s mention of the sea being set on fire is therefore a remarkable verse to reflect upon when we consider what lies hidden beneath the ocean.

“And by the sea set on fire.” (Quran 52:6)