Modern Science has
discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier
between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own
temperature, salinity and density.” (1)
Here we see the divider between
the Mediterranean and the Atlantic ocean. In the middle
of this photo we see a colored triangle, this is the base of the rock of
Gibraltar. We can observe a colored partition between the two bodies of water,
although the naked human eye cannot perceive it in nature. This has become
possible by means of satellite photography and remote-sensing techniques.
Traditionally, there have been two
major interpretations of this verse. The Qur’aan goes on to state that there is
barrier between them, means that this barrier will simply prevent the seas
from encroaching upon each other or flooding over each other.
Proponents of the second opinion ask how can
there be a barrier between the seas so that they do not encroach upon each
other, while the verse indicates that the seas meet together? They concluded
that the seas do not meet and sought another meaning for the term "maraja". But
now modern science provides us with enough information to settle this issue. The
seas do meet together, as we have seen, for example, in the picture of the
Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. Even though there is a slanted water barrier
between them, we now know that through this barrier the water from each sea
passes to the other. But when we the water from one sea enters the other sea, it
looses its distinctive characteristics and becomes homogenized with the other
water. In a way, this barrier serves as a transitional homogenizing area
for the two waters. This is an excellent example of Islamic modern scientific
research. Modern techniques can thus be used to prove the inimitability of
the Qur’aan.
Modern Science has discovered that in
estuaries, where fresh (sweet) and salt water meet, the situation is
somewhat different from what is found in places where two seas meet. It has been
discovered that what distinguishes fresh water from salt water in
estuaries is a ”pycnocline zone with a marked density.
(2) discontinuity seperating the two layers.”
This partition (zone of seperation) has a different salinity from
the fresh water and from the salt water (3)
“
He is the one who has let free the
two bodies of flowing water, one palatable and sweet, and the other
salty and bitter. And He has made between them a barrier and a
FORBIDDING PARTITION.” QURAN (25:53)
“ Or is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is
covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. Darkness, one
above another. If a man stretches out his hand, he cannot
see it...” QURAN (24:40)
The darkness in deep seas and
oceans is found around a depth of 200 metres and below. At this depth, there is
almost no light. Below a dept of 1000 metres there is no light at
all. (4)
“ Or is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. Darkness, one above another. If a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it...” QURAN (24:40)
Scientists have only recently
discovered that there are internal waves which “occur on density
interfaces between layers of different densities. (5)
The internal waves cover the deep waters of seas and oceans because the deep waters have a higher density than the waters above them. Internal waves act like surface waves. They can also break just like surface waves. Internal waves cannot be seen by the human eye, but they can be detected by studying temperature or salinity changes at a given location. (6)
(1) Principles of Oceanography, Davis,
Page:92-93
(2) Oceanography, Gross,
Page:242
(3) Oceanography,
Gross, Page:244
(4) Oceans,
Elder and Pernetta, Page:92-93
(5) Oceanography, Gross, Page:205
(6) Oceanography, Gross, Page:205