The Quran and Mountains: Difference between revisions

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→‎Mountains and the absorption of seismic earthquake waves

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-{{QualityScore|Lead=2|Structure=3|Content=4|Language=3|References=3}}
+{{QualityScore|Lead=2|Structure=3|Content=4|Language=4|References=3}}
 The [[Qur'an|Quran]] has a particular conception of the nature of mountains, their formation, and the geological role they play that is is referenced in multiple verses and several [[Hadith|hadiths]]. In recent times, many Islamic scholars have argued that this conception is both scientifically sound and and instance of [[Scientific Miracles in the Quran|miraculous scientific foreknowledge]] on the part of the Quran which, they argue, could not have arrived at the conception it holds without divine insight. Individuals key to the popularization of this idea include the [[Apologists|apologists]] I. A. Ibrahim and [[Zakir Naik]], Professor Zaghloul Raghib El Naggar (a geologist specializing in biostratification), and the Saudi-financed surgeon [[Bucailleism|Dr. Maurice Bucaille]].
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 {{Quote|{{cite web|url=http://bssa.geoscienceworld.org/content/97/6/2066.abstract |title=Effects of Large-Scale Surface Topography on Ground Motions, as Demonstrated by a Study of the San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles, California |publisher= |author= |date= |archiveurl= |deadurl=no}}|We investigate the effects of large-scale surface topography on ground motions generated by nearby faulting. We show a specific example studying the effect of the San Gabriel Mountains, which are bounded by the Mojave segment of the San Andreas fault on the north and by the Los Angeles Basin on the south. By simulating a Mw 7.5 earthquake on the Mojave segment of the San Andreas fault, we show that the San Gabriel Mountains act as a natural seismic insulator for metropolitan Los Angeles. The topography of the mountains scatters the surface waves generated by the rupture on the San Andreas fault, leading to less-efficient excitation of basin-edge generated waves and natural resonances within the Los Angeles Basin. The effect of the mountains reduces the peak amplitude of ground velocity for some regions in the basin by as much as 50% in the frequency band up to 0.5 Hz. These results suggest that, depending on the relative location of faulting and the nearby large-scale topography, the topography can shield some areas from ground shaking.}}
-Studies like this one are sometimes quoted by apologists to prove their point. It is clear however, that earthquakes are not prevented. Only the waves are somewhat affected by the presence of mountains as the above simulation suggests. If there were an earthquake larger than Mw 7.5 or if a human settlement were situated between its epicenter and a mountain range, there would be widespread destruction anyway.
+The above and similar studies are referenced by advocates as specific evidence of mountains stabilizing the Earth's crust and undermining seismic activity. Critics respond that although the phenomenon described has a limited stabilizing effect on certain regions favorably positioned vis-à-vis the mountain range, the mountains do not prevent the earthquake outright and, more importantly, that the limited stabilizing effect observed is only relevant if the inhabited area happens to be favorably positioned vis-à-vis the mountain range - this means that if, for instance, the city were located between the mountain and the fault line where the quake originated, even if the city was located near the foot of the mountain, then the destruction experienced by the city would not be reduced in any significant way. Critics have also stated that the dampening effect described above although real in some cases, is, yet again, not a phenomenon that can be described in any plausible way as being peg-like.
-==Conclusion==
+==Extra-textual considerations==
-The claim that mountains are pegs is untrue as not all mountains have "peg-like" roots. And even the ones that can be claimed to have these peg-like roots, resemble pegs only with a lot of imagination. The claim that mountains stabilize the crust or the earth is (at best) unproven. There is no scientific evidence for this assertion, therefore the Qur'an cannot be validated by scientific evidence that does not exist.
+=== Biblical precedents to Quranic idea of mountains' peg-like role in stabilizing the Earth ===
+There is some evidence to suggest that the Quranic idea of mountains playing a peg-like role in stabilizing the Earth was preceded by Christian/Biblical sources which are some 400 years older and had widespread influence in the region Muhammad lived in. Critics suggest that this also tends to undermine the idea that the Quran is unique or novel in its description of mountains. Advocates respond that it may be the case that the miracle was revealed to Abrahamic prophets prior to Muhammad<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.bibleandscience.com/bible/books/genesis/genesis1_pillarsearth.htm|2=2011-10-02}} Pillars of the Earth] - Institute for Biblical & Scientific Studies, April 30, 2008</ref>.
-The mere fact of isostacy is ''not'' proof that mountains stabilize the crust or the earth. The mere fact that collision-type mountains are formed at the edges of tectonic plates is ''not'' proof that mountains stabilize the plates. The mere fact that mountains have deep roots is ''not'' proof that mountains stabilize anything.
-Lastly, is the Qur'an really the first scripture to make the assertion that Mountains stabilize the earth? Well, some Christians do not think so,<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.bibleandscience.com/bible/books/genesis/genesis1_pillarsearth.htm|2=2011-10-02}} Pillars of the Earth] - Institute for Biblical & Scientific Studies, April 30, 2008</ref> and the Bible predates the Qur'an by at least 400 years.
 ==See Also==