Introduction: Iron is one of the elements highlighted in the Quran. In the Surah known as Al-Hadeed, meaning Iron, in this article we will see the significance of this. Iron and modern science: -How iron came to exist on earth??  Supernova explosion -Not only the iron on earth, but also the iron in the entire Solar System, comes from outer space, since the temperature of the Sun is inadequate for the formation of iron. The sun has a surface temperature of 6,000 degrees Celsius, and a core temperature of approximately 20 million degrees. Iron can only be produced in much larger stars than the Sun, where the temperature reaches a few hundred million degrees. When the amount of iron exceeds a certain level in a star, the star can no longer accommodate it, and it eventually explodes in what is called a "nova" or a "supernova". These explosions make it possible for iron to be given off into space. -There is also evidence for older supernova events: Enhanced levels of iron-60 in deep-sea sediments have been interpreted as indications that a supernova explosion occurred within 90 light-years of the sun about 5 million years ago. Iron-60 is a radioactive isotope of iron, formed in supernova explosions, which decays with a half life of 1.5 million years. An enhanced presence of this isotope in a geologic layer indicates the recent nucleosynthesis of elements nearby in space and their subsequent transport to the earth (perhaps as part of dust grains). -These discoveries were made at the end of the 20th century. -The importance of Iron on earth?? In his book Nature’s Destiny, the well-known microbiologist Michael Denton emphasizes the importance of iron: -Of all the metals there is none more essential to life than iron. It is the accumulation of iron in the center of a star which triggers a supernova explosion and the subsequent scattering of the vital atoms of life throughout the cosmos. It was the drawing by gravity of iron atoms to the center of the primeval earth that generated the heat which caused the initial chemical differentiation of the earth, the outgassing of the early atmosphere, and ultimately the formation of the hydrosphere. It is molten iron in the center of the earth which, acting like a gigantic dynamo, generates the earth’s magnetic field, which in turn creates the Van Allen radiation belts that shield the earth’s surface from destructive high-energy-penetrating cosmic radiation and preserve the crucial ozone layer from cosmic ray destruction. -Without the iron atom, there would be no carbon-based life in the cosmos; no supernovae, no heating of the primitive earth, no atmosphere or hydrosphere. There would be no protective magnetic field, no Van Allen radiation belts, no ozone layer, no metal to make hemoglobin [in human blood], no metal to tame the reactivity of oxygen, and no oxidative metabolism. -The intriguing and intimate relationship between life and iron, between the red color of blood and the dying of some distant star, not only indicates the relevance of metals to biology but also the biocentricity of the cosmos. -This account clearly indicates the importance of the iron atom. Iron in the Holy Quran: Notice that Iron was the only kind of metal mentioned by name as sent down in the Quran and it has a whole Surah by its name: The iron or Al Hadeed. “We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength and many benefits for the people. All this in order for GOD to distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers, on faith. GOD is powerful, Almighty.” Surah Al Hadeed verse 25 -How iron came to exist on earth?? “And we sent down iron” from the above verse -This shows that iron did not form on Earth, but was "sent down" physically from the sky as stated in the verse. It is clear that this verse implies a very significant scientific miracle because this fact could not have been known in the 7th century it was only discovered in the 20th century. -The importance of Iron on earth?? “And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength and many benefits for the people” This verse clearly indicates the importance of iron to human kind. The fact that particular attention is drawn to iron in the Quran also emphasizes the importance of the element. |