The Quran and Mountains: Difference between revisions

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Many skeptics have already refuted the claim that the Qur'an is validated by the geological science about mountains. This article adds to this by addressing several new points that [[apologists]] are adopting to justify their claim or to squirm from the scientific facts provided to them.  
Many skeptics have already refuted the claim that the Qur'an is validated by the geological science about mountains. This article adds to this by addressing several new points that [[apologists]] are adopting to justify their claim or to squirm from the scientific facts provided to them.  


Due to the Qur'an not being very ‘clear and easy to understand’ and what some refer to as the ‘richness of the [[Arabic]] language,’ [[apologists]] have been able to use the vague interpretations of several Qur'anic verses in their attempt to prove the scientific validity of the Qur'an. In this, they are backed by a Muslim geologist specializing in biostratification, Professor Zaghloul Raghib El Naggar, and a western surgeon, [[Dr.]] Maurice Bucaille.
Due to what some refer to as the ‘richness of the [[Arabic]] language,’ apologists have been able to use the vague interpretations of several Qur'anic verses in their attempt to prove the scientific validity of the Qur'an. In this, they are backed by a Muslim geologist specializing in biostratification, Professor Zaghloul Raghib El Naggar, and a western surgeon, [[Dr.]] Maurice Bucaille.


==The Apologists' Debating Technique==
===Apologists' Debating Technique===


It is also our observation that their tactics are as follows:
It is also our observation that their tactics are as follows:
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#They will switch from the ‘literal’ to ‘metaphorical’ case whenever convenient. A sure sign of loss will be when they claim that the Qur'an is not a book of Science but [[Islam and Scripture|Scripture]], despite previously or concurrently promulgating the validity of ‘Qur'anic Science’.
#They will switch from the ‘literal’ to ‘metaphorical’ case whenever convenient. A sure sign of loss will be when they claim that the Qur'an is not a book of Science but [[Islam and Scripture|Scripture]], despite previously or concurrently promulgating the validity of ‘Qur'anic Science’.


==Relevant Verses and Terms==
===Relevant Verses and Terms===
 
Here are the relevant verses:


{{Quote|{{Qtt|31|10}}|'''Yusuf Ali:''' He created the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; He set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and He scattered through it beasts of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky, and produce on the earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs.  
{{Quote|{{Qtt|31|10}}|'''Yusuf Ali:''' He created the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; He set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and He scattered through it beasts of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky, and produce on the earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs.  
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The most pertinent verse is 16:15 transliterated as follows:  
The most pertinent verse is 16:15 transliterated as follows:  


''Waalqa fee al-ardi rawasiya an tameeda bikum waanharan wasubulan laAAallakum tahtadoona''.  
:''Waalqa fee al-ardi rawasiya an tameeda bikum waanharan wasubulan laAAallakum tahtadoona''.  


Note the verse uses the word 'ard' which can be used to describe the Earth, its surface, or the ground in general, an example of Muslim language vagueness – meaning that it can refer to anything from the Earth, the crust, the lithosphere, the mantle or any combination of the above that suits the Muslim argument at the time.  
Note the verse uses the word 'ard' which can be used to describe the Earth, its surface, or the ground in general, an example of apologetic language vagueness – meaning that it can refer to anything from the Earth, the crust, the lithosphere, the mantle or any combination of the above that suits the apologist's argument at the time.  


Also note that the word ‘tameeda’ is claimed to refer to shaking or disturbance, as opposed to ‘zalzala’ which means ‘earthquake.’ A further dissection of this term will be given later.  
Also note that the word ‘tameeda’ is claimed to refer to shaking or disturbance, as opposed to ‘zalzala’ which means ‘earthquake.’ A further dissection of this term will be given later.  
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'''Asad:''' And We have set up firm mountains on Earth lest it sway with them...}}
'''Asad:''' And We have set up firm mountains on Earth lest it sway with them...}}


There is another verse that may suggest that Mountains have roots, but only when Muslims choose to use a certain definition in a typically vague verse:  
There is another verse that may suggest that Mountains have roots, but only when apologists choose to use a certain definition in a typically vague verse:  


{{Quote|{{Qtt|20|105}}|'''Yusuf Ali:''' They ask thee concerning the Mountains: say, "My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust;  
{{Quote|{{Qtt|20|105}}|'''Yusuf Ali:''' They ask thee concerning the Mountains: say, "My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust;  
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'''Transliteration:''' Wayas-aloonaka AAani aljibali faqul yansifuha rabbee nasfan}}  
'''Transliteration:''' Wayas-aloonaka AAani aljibali faqul yansifuha rabbee nasfan}}  


Many translations translate the word 'yansifuha' as wipe out, break, carry away, annihilate, destroy, and crush, but Muslims will prefer the meaning, ‘uproot’, as the Yusuf Ali and Al-Muntakhab versions have done.  
Many translations translate the word 'yansifuha' as wipe out, break, carry away, annihilate, destroy, and crush, but apologists will prefer the meaning, ‘uproot’, as the Yusuf Ali and Al-Muntakhab versions have done.  


==Discussion==
==Discussion==


Some Muslims believe the geological facts about Mountains validate the Qur'an. A summary of their case is as follows:  
Some apologists claim the geological facts about Mountains validate the Qur'an. A summary of their case is as follows:  


===Mountains have deep roots thus they resemble ‘pegs’===  
===Mountains have deep roots thus they resemble ‘pegs’===  
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On the ‘surface’ it would seem they have a point here. Verse 78:6-7 says, “Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse, And the mountains as pegs?”  
On the ‘surface’ it would seem they have a point here. Verse 78:6-7 says, “Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse, And the mountains as pegs?”  


Muslims point to the fact of isostacy where the bulk of the mountain extends into the upper mantle as proof that Muhammad couldn’t have known that mountains were ‘pegs’ staking the crust to the upper mantle unless Allah told him.  
Apologists point to the fact of isostacy where the bulk of the mountain extends into the upper mantle as proof that Prophet [[Muhammad]] could not have known that mountains were ‘pegs’ staking the crust to the upper mantle unless [[Allah]] told him.  


Sounds convincing? Herein lies the genius of the Qur'an – to make definitions so vague as to provide Muslims with sufficient ‘wriggle room’.  
Sounds convincing? Herein lies the genius of the Qur'an – to make definitions so vague as to provide apologists with sufficient ‘wriggle room’.  


====Rebuttal====  
====Analysis====  


What these Muslims do not provide you with is the accompanying description given directly above the schematic diagram,<ref>Click [[:File:Anatomy of the Earth- Cailleux- pp 220-221.jpg|here]] for a more complete view of the page scan.</ref> pointing out that the vertical scale has been ''greatly'' exaggerated.
What these apologists do not provide you with is the accompanying description given directly above the schematic diagram,<ref>Click [[:File:Anatomy of the Earth- Cailleux- pp 220-221.jpg|here]] for a more complete view of the page scan.</ref> pointing out that the vertical scale has been ''greatly'' exaggerated.




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{{Quote||"Modern geologists describe the folds in the Earth as giving foundations to the mountains, and their dimensions go roughly one mile to roughly 10 miles. The stability of the Earth's crust results from the phenomenon of these folds."}}  
{{Quote||"Modern geologists describe the folds in the Earth as giving foundations to the mountains, and their dimensions go roughly one mile to roughly 10 miles. The stability of the Earth's crust results from the phenomenon of these folds."}}  


====Rebuttal====
====Analysis====
   
   
The author of this proposition seems to have confused Cause with Effect. In his example of continental-collisional type mountains, he failed to see that mountains are caused by tectonic plate collision and do not effect plate stabilization.  
The author of this proposition seems to have confused Cause with Effect. In his example of continental-collisional type mountains, he failed to see that mountains are caused by tectonic plate collision and do not effect plate stabilization.  
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{{Quote||The sea-deep roots stabilize the continental masses (or plates), as plate motions are almost completely halted by their formation, especially when the mountain mass is finally entrapped within a continent as an old craton.<ref name="El Naggar">Dr. Zaghlool El-Naggar PhD - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.elnaggarzr.com/en/main.php?id=54|2=2011-10-02}} The Mountains as Stabilizers for the Earth] - September 24, 2002</ref>}}
{{Quote||The sea-deep roots stabilize the continental masses (or plates), as plate motions are almost completely halted by their formation, especially when the mountain mass is finally entrapped within a continent as an old craton.<ref name="El Naggar">Dr. Zaghlool El-Naggar PhD - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.elnaggarzr.com/en/main.php?id=54|2=2011-10-02}} The Mountains as Stabilizers for the Earth] - September 24, 2002</ref>}}


====Rebuttal====
====Analysis====


In his enthusiasm to validate the Qur'an with modern geology, Professor El Naggar also seems to have confused Cause and Effect. Plate motions are almost completely halted not by collisional-type mountain formation (effect) but by the opposing plates.  
In his enthusiasm to validate the Qur'an with modern geology, Professor El Naggar also seems to have confused Cause and Effect. Plate motions are almost completely halted not by collisional-type mountain formation (effect) but by the opposing plates.  
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{{Quote|1=|2=The stabilization of lithospheric plates by mountains is effected by their sinking deeply into the zone of weakness of the Earth (the asthenosphere) as wooden pegs sink into the ground to stabilize the corners of a tent. Such a process of stabilization cannot take place without the presence of a viscous, plastic material under the outer rocky cover of the Earth, into which the mountains "roots" can float. In as much as the ship casts its anchor into the anchorage of a port to avoid the dangers of rolling and swaying by winds and waves, the Glorious Quran uses the term "Rawasi" (=moorings or firm anchors) to describe mountains. Such firm anchors do not only stabilize the lithospheric plates, but also the whole planet in its spinning around its own axis (nutation, recession, etc.).<ref name="El Naggar"></ref>}}
{{Quote|1=|2=The stabilization of lithospheric plates by mountains is effected by their sinking deeply into the zone of weakness of the Earth (the asthenosphere) as wooden pegs sink into the ground to stabilize the corners of a tent. Such a process of stabilization cannot take place without the presence of a viscous, plastic material under the outer rocky cover of the Earth, into which the mountains "roots" can float. In as much as the ship casts its anchor into the anchorage of a port to avoid the dangers of rolling and swaying by winds and waves, the Glorious Quran uses the term "Rawasi" (=moorings or firm anchors) to describe mountains. Such firm anchors do not only stabilize the lithospheric plates, but also the whole planet in its spinning around its own axis (nutation, recession, etc.).<ref name="El Naggar"></ref>}}


====Rebuttal====
====Analysis====


Again, this is Professor El Naggar’s opinion and a confusion of cause and effect. We await a Muslim to provide the scientific evidence derived by Professor El Naggar or anyone else to prove Mountains actually stabilize the lithospheric plates.  
Again, this is Professor El Naggar’s opinion and a confusion of cause and effect. We await a Muslim to provide the scientific evidence derived by Professor El Naggar or anyone else to prove Mountains actually stabilize the lithospheric plates.  
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===Mountains prevent earthquakes===
===Mountains prevent earthquakes===


====Rebuttal====
====Analysis====


As early as the 1920s, scientists noted that earthquakes are concentrated in very specific narrow zones (Wadati-Benioff zones). In 1954, French seismologist J.P. Rothé published this map showing the concentration of earthquakes along the zones indicated by dots and cross-hatched areas.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/zones.html|2=2011-10-02}} Earthquake zones] - U.S. Geological Survey</ref>  
As early as the 1920s, scientists noted that earthquakes are concentrated in very specific narrow zones (Wadati-Benioff zones). In 1954, French seismologist J.P. Rothé published this map showing the concentration of earthquakes along the zones indicated by dots and cross-hatched areas.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/zones.html|2=2011-10-02}} Earthquake zones] - U.S. Geological Survey</ref>  
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===Mountains stabilize the earth through isostacy===
===Mountains stabilize the earth through isostacy===


====Rebuttal====
====Analysis====


This is a classical misconception of George Airy’s model of Isostacy and the logical fallacy of “Composition” (i.e. generalization of the specific case to the general). Just because the mountains are themselves stabilized by isostacy does not mean that the mountains stabilize the earth or the crust by isostacy. Every element in the earth’s crust is governed by the same physical laws – in fact the crust ‘floats’ on the upper mantle and is thus self-stabilizing according to its own isostacy, not that of mountains.  
This is a classical misconception of George Airy’s model of Isostacy and the logical fallacy of “Composition” (i.e. generalization of the specific case to the general). Just because the mountains are themselves stabilized by isostacy does not mean that the mountains stabilize the earth or the crust by isostacy. Every element in the earth’s crust is governed by the same physical laws – in fact the crust ‘floats’ on the upper mantle and is thus self-stabilizing according to its own isostacy, not that of mountains.  
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When shown evidence that collisional-type mountains are associated with earthquakes some Muslims will then claim that the Qur'anic verses do not refer to earthquakes at all. They will claim that tameeda also means stagger, roll, sway, or tilt, and that there's significant difference between them and the short sharp shock of an earthquake (i.e. tameeda refers to some phenomenon, assumed to be associated with geological timescale, that is presently unknown to and undefined by our present understanding of geological science).  
When shown evidence that collisional-type mountains are associated with earthquakes some Muslims will then claim that the Qur'anic verses do not refer to earthquakes at all. They will claim that tameeda also means stagger, roll, sway, or tilt, and that there's significant difference between them and the short sharp shock of an earthquake (i.e. tameeda refers to some phenomenon, assumed to be associated with geological timescale, that is presently unknown to and undefined by our present understanding of geological science).  


====Rebuttal====
====Analysis====


The relevant verses are as follows:  
The relevant verses are as follows:  
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The stabilization is over a geological timescale because of the term ‘tameeda’ as opposed to ‘zalzala’.  
The stabilization is over a geological timescale because of the term ‘tameeda’ as opposed to ‘zalzala’.  


====Rebuttal====
====Analysis====


For the same reason as the previous section, the term ‘stabilize’ must mean ‘prevent earthquakes’ as tameeda cannot be associated with geological timescales.  
For the same reason as the previous section, the term ‘stabilize’ must mean ‘prevent earthquakes’ as tameeda cannot be associated with geological timescales.  
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