Introduction:
As we gaze into the expanse of the cosmos, the infiniteness of the universe and the symphony of celestial bodies elicit a profound sense of wonder. It’s about Cosmic Paradox and Grand Design and A Creator of this infinite Universe – Grand design of the universe, which is astronomically enormous, both in time and space (زمان و مکاں) in terms of billions of earth years old and billions of light years apart from edge to edge. Let’s look at the number: while this earth is 4.6 billion years old, the observable universe, only as we know it as of now, was created 13.8 billion years ago through a “big bang” (or even 26.7 billion years ago as per a recent study at the University of Ottawa). That is “Time (زمان) and now look at the distance (مکاں) only from earth to the edge of the observable universe, it is. This discourse aims to explore the paradoxical nature of our planet, reflecting on its delicate balance of chaos and stability, and relating these observations to the divine insights given in the Holy Quran. Our Online Trusted Website Hamza Consultant gives you full information about Cosmic Paradox and Mystery of the universe.
This is the Blessed Book that We have revealed to you (O Muhammad) that people with understanding may reflect over its verses and those with understanding derive a lesson – Surah Suaad, Verse 29.
In the same way, Allah Ta’ala also called upon His creatures to reflect and think, saying:
Do they not reflect on themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and whatever lies between them in Truth and for an appointed term. Yet many people deny that they will meet their Lord – Surah Room, Verse 8
Rather, Allah Ta’ala has condemned the people of hell because they did not benefit from their intellect, and mentioned this in the Holy Qur’an:
They will say: ”If we had only listened and understood we would not be among the inmates of the Blazing Fire” – Surah Mulk, Verse 10
Have they not journeyed in the land that their hearts might understand and their ears might listen? For indeed it is not the eyes that are blinded; it is rather the hearts in the breasts that are rendered blind – Surah Hajj, Verse 46.
“Surely in the creation of the heavens and the and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs for people of understanding. Those who remember Allah while standing sitting or (reclining) on their backs and reflecting on the creation of the heavens and the earth (saying). Our Lord! You have not created this in vain. Glory to You! Save us then from the chastisement of the Fire” – Surah Aal-e-Imran, 190-191.
Earth: A Cosmic Speck Amidst the Grandeur:
The universe, with its countless galaxies and celestial bodies, presents a spectacle of grandeur and mystery. The Milky Way is an average-sized galaxy with 100 to 400 billion stars, The Sun is one of those!! Scientists have so far estimated 2 trillion galaxies in the Cosmos (the Universe). Amid this cosmic vastness, there lies the Earth, a minuscule entity that appears nearly insignificant. However, this humble abode is a unique haven for life, embodying an awe-inspiring duality of chaos and stability.
Grasping the Cosmic Scale:
To comprehend Earth’s place in the cosmos, we must grasp the sheer scale of cosmic time and space. The universe, approximately 13.8 billion years old (or even 26.7 billion years ago as per a recent study at the University of Ottawa), stretches about 93 billion light-years. In this vast context, Earth, with its 4.5 billion years of existence and an approximate diameter of 12,742 kilometers, appears as a blip on the cosmic timeline and a speck within the spatial expanse. With all this going around us at astronomical speed, we don’t even feel it as if it is all stable, except for one or two jolts here and there in the form of earthquakes. Such realization underscores the peculiarity of our existence and adds a sense of awe to our cosmic journey.
A Sequel to “Harmonizing Creation and Evolution: Quranic Insights and Scientific Perspectives on Time, Space and Our Existence”
The Paradox of Earth’s Chaos and Stability:
Earth is a world of constant change and inherent chaos, characterized by dynamic geological, atmospheric, and biological systems. Yet, beneath the surface chaos, there exists an underlying stability. And He has placed firm mountains on the earth lest it should move away from you and has made rivers and tracks that you may find your way – Surah Nahal # 16, Verse 15. And We placed firm mountains on earth lest it should sway with them and We made wide paths in them that they may find their way – Surah Ambiya # 21, Verse 31. Cycles of day and night, changing seasons, and rhythmic ebbs and flows of tides create a measure of predictability. Over billions of years, Earth’s conditions have been stable enough to allow life to evolve, diversify, and persist, exhibiting Earth’s resilience.
Earth’s Unique Position in the Universe:
Earth’s harmonious dichotomy of chaos and stability is a consequence of its unique position in the universe – the “Goldilocks Zone”. Here, conditions are “just right” for life as we know it. Our planet receives an optimal amount of energy from the Sun, our tilted axis and resulting annual orbit lead to climate variations that promote biological diversity, our magnetic field shields us from harmful solar radiation, and the moon’s gravitational pull stabilizes our axial tilt, moderating climate extremities.
Cosmic Chaos and Earth’s Stability:
Against the backdrop of cosmic cataclysms like supernova explosions, gamma-ray bursts, colliding galaxies, and black holes, Earth’s relative stability stands out. This interplay of chaos and stability underlines our planet’s potential and the intricate cosmic, geological, and biological processes that have coalesced to shape Earth’s unique circumstances.
Our Cosmic Journey:
Our further exploration of the cosmos reinforces our appreciation for our existence. We inhabit a world embodying the paradox of chaos and stability, thriving in a universe vast, mysterious, and predominantly hostile to life as we know it. This realization intensifies our need to protect our planet and its delicate balance of life. After all, Earth remains our only home – a tiny, blue marble floating in the cosmic ocean, beautifully chaotic yet extraordinarily stable.
Earth’s Cosmic Voyage:
Earth’s cosmic voyage demonstrates its immense potential and kinetic energy, holding within it a limitless amount of potential and kinetic power. Just imagine, our planet completes one full revolution of 40,000 kilometers in just 24 hours around its axis, that is 1670 kilometers per hour or half a kilometer per second. At the same time, it completes a full orbit of 945 million kilometers around the sun in 365 days, reaching a mind-boggling speed of 30 kilometers per second. But it doesn’t stop there; our solar system, including Earth, moves around our galaxy, the Milky Way, at the speed of 200 kilometers per second. Even at this rapid speed, the solar system would take about 230 million years to travel around the Milky Way. This equates to approximately 630 million kilometers per year. Furthermore, the Milky Way galaxy itself is moving at 210 kilometers per second.
It says, “Neither does it lie in the sun’s power to overtake the moon nor can the night outstrip the day. All glide along each in its orbit – Surah Yaseen # 36, Verse 40.” Yet, despite our planet’s great speed, we don’t feel this motion (And We placed firm mountains on earth lest it should sway with them and We made wide paths in them that they may find their way – Surah Ambiya # 21, Verse 31) due to the uniformity of the movement and the lack of a reference point against which to measure it.
Moreover, as mentioned above, the Milky Way itself is not stationary. It’s part of a galaxy group known as the Local Group that is moving at an approximate speed of 2.1 million kilometers per hour towards the Virgo Cluster, a massive cluster of galaxies about 65 million light-years away. The speeds and distances involved in these cosmic movements underscore the vastness of the universe and the remarkable energy that Earth and the entire galaxy contain.
In summary, our Earth is constantly in motion, part of a larger cosmic ballet. This voyage through space and time lends itself to our understanding of our place in the cosmos, highlighting the delicate and precarious balance of existence on our planet.
The Divine Transformation of Earth and its Concealed Treasures – Oil, Gas & Minerals, etc:
On mother earth, its journey from restlessness to restfulness, and the treasures inside this earth for mankind to exploit for benefit at large, Allah Ta’ala said:
We have spread out the earth, and set upon it firm mountains and caused everything to grow in due proportion. We have provided sustenance for you on it and also for those of whom you are not the providers. There is nothing except that its treasuries are with Us and We do not send it down except in a known measure, Surat-ul-Hijir | Verses: 19-21:
These verses from Surat-ul-Hijr in the Holy Quran paint a vivid picture of the Earth’s tumultuous past, revealing how it was once a land of chaos and instability. The Almighty describes a time when the Earth was marked by constant movement and upheaval, with massive plate movements causing widespread chaos. Yet, amid this turbulence, a remarkable transformation occurred, leading to the establishment of firm mountains that acted as colossal nails to lock the plates in place, bringing stability to the once-unruly planet.
The imagery of “spreading out the Earth” suggests a state of disorder and vastness, with land masses shifting and colliding. However, the divine plan involved creating a balanced and harmonious environment. The Almighty, in His infinite wisdom, laid down the foundation of firm mountains, not only to provide stability but also to serve as a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. These mountains emerged as mighty guardians of the Earth, preventing further chaotic movements and allowing life to flourish in due proportion.
As the Earth settled into its new state of equilibrium, the verses reveal that Allah, the Provider, bestowed sustenance not only for humanity but also for all living creatures. The abundance of resources, including water, vegetation, and sustenance, reflects the Divine’s care and benevolence for His creation. The Earth became a fertile ground, nurturing life and offering sustenance to beings that depend on it for survival.
Moreover, the verses offer profound insight into the concept of Divine knowledge and planning. It is said that all treasures on Earth are in the hands of the Almighty. Every mineral, gem, and resource lies within the Divine Treasuries. These resources were gradually formed over millions of years, during which the Earth underwent tremendous changes and transformations. The treasures of oil, gas, and minerals are a testament to the Almighty’s profound foresight, as He provided for the future needs of humanity millions of years later.
In essence, these verses not only recount the Earth’s geological history but also reveal the grand design behind its creation. The establishment of mountains and the treasures concealed beneath the Earth’s surface bear witness to the Divine wisdom and foresight. As we marvel at the Earth’s geological wonders and utilize its abundant resources, let us remember to be grateful for the care and sustenance provided by the Creator.
In a nutshell, the verses from Surat-ul-Hijer offer a glimpse into the Earth’s tumultuous past and its transformation into a stable and abundant abode for life. The majestic mountains and hidden treasures serve as a reminder of the Divine’s wisdom and planning. The Earth’s history is a testament to the Almighty’s profound knowledge and care for His creation, making it a precious gift for humanity to cherish and protect for generations to come.
Conclusion:
The exploration of Earth, smaller than a speck of dust in the enormous universe, reinforces our understanding of Allah’s manifestation beyond time and space. Despite its insignificance on the cosmic scale, Earth’s intricate balance amidst chaos and stability serves as an affirmation of divine omnipotence. Echoing the words of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 164, “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the great ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every kind of moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason.” This paradox of the Earth, with its blend of chaotic changes and resilient stability, invites us to reflect upon the marvel of our existence and the cosmic journey we are part of.
Doesn’t this all sound only a figment of imagination – no it’s not, it’s a reality.
“koi to hey jo nizam-e-hasten chala raha hey wohi Khuda hey”
(“The One and Only, who is running the Universe is surely Allah.”)
Just to fathom, what grand unimaginable scale we are talking about, see the following to refresh our imagination: 1 Billion is 1,000,000,000, and a Trillion is 1000 times more. A light year is a measure of distance at the astronomical scale – a unit of astronomical distance equivalent to the distance that light travels in one year: 1 light year = 9.5 Trillion Kilometers.
Reflection:
Allama Abdul Rahman Saadi (May Allah have mercy on him) states:
In the Quran, Allah Ta’ala encourages people to reflect upon the universe, to gain insight from the signs of the universe, and to ponder its creation. He keeps the word “Ayat” vague and does not specify its benefits; this is because the types of these benefits and verses are innumerable. This universe contains astonishing signs that leave the observers astounded, compelling the reflective individuals to acknowledge them. The signs draw the hearts of seekers of truth and guide enlightened minds toward all of Allah’s goals. No creature can count the details of astronomical objects and entities in this universe, and it is impossible to gain complete information about a single entity.
In short, the size, scale, and orderly movement of this universe are clear proofs of the grandeur, vast dominion, authority, and immense power of the universe’s creator.
The universe’s robust system, perfect structure, excellent creation, and high functionality all attest to the perfect divine wisdom. They are proofs that Allah has created everything in its proper place and His knowledge is vast.
The objects of benefit to the beings in this universe are the manifestations of Allah’s immense mercy, universal grace, and favor. They warrant gratitude towards Allah.
All the aforementioned points establish that the connection of the heart with the creator should be strong. One should strive hard to attain divine pleasure, and not associate anyone with Allah, even if they are as small as an atom on earth or in the sky.
Here, Allah has specially invited people of wisdom and intellect to contemplate the verses; such people will benefit from contemplating the universe, as they perceive it not just with their vision, but with insight.
Then, he described the trait of these knowledgeable individuals: they remember Allah in every situation, whether they are standing, sitting, or lying on their sides. In the above-mentioned three situations, all types of remembrance are covered, whether they are verbal or internal. This also includes praying while standing, and if unable, then sitting, and if unable, then lying on the side. These wise and insightful individuals ponder the creation of the heavens and the earth so that they can achieve the primary goal of their creation.