Scientific Errors in the Quran: Difference between revisions

Muslims claim that the Qur’an contains a message from an all-powerful, all-knowing, infallible being.  If this is true then it should not contain any errors, mistakes, or information that contradicts known facts about the universe.  If even one error exists in the text of Islam's holy book then the claims of divine authorship and infallibility are not true.  An objective evaluation of the Qur’an shows that it contains numerous scientific and historical errors and it reflects a pre-scientific, 7th century view of the natural world.

Some Muslim apologists will contest these numerous [[Islam and Science|scientific]] [[Contradictions and Errors|errors]] in the [[Qur'an]] by appealing to metaphor, alternative meanings, or [[w:Phenomenology (philosophy)|phenomenological]] interpretations of the text. Even if we suppose that alternative explanations were possible in every case, the wording and content of the Quranic verses often mimic the popular mythology and unscientific misconceptions of the time in which they were recorded.  The author of the Qur’an makes no clear or unambiguous statements that differentiate his understanding of the natural world from the common folklore of the people living in the 7th century. If the Qur’an was delivered by an all-powerful, all-knowing being then he would have been able to foresee how such ambiguous and misleading statements would be understood by future generations and the doubts and confusions they would cause. This alone should be reason to reject any claims to its divine authorship.

The Qur'an mentions numerous times that the Sun and the Moon travel in an orbit, but does not mention once that the Earth does too. This is consistent with a [[w:Geocentric model|earth-centered]] view of the cosmos that places a motionless earth at the center of the universe and all "heavenly bodies" travel around the earth.  This was the prevailing understanding of the universe prior to the 16^th century when [[w:Copernicus|Copernicus]] helped explain and popularize a [[w:Heliocentric|sun-centered]] view of the universe.

It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float in an orbit.}}

Some Muslim apologists try to explain away the Quranic description of the sun moving in an orbit as a reference to our sun orbiting the black hole at the center of the milky way galaxy.  This is an [[w:Ad hoc hypothesis|Ad hoc hypothesis]] and nothing from the text implies that the sun is orbiting anything other than the earth. If the author had knowledge of the sun orbiting a black hole then it is conspicuous that he never mentions it explicitly nor in any way differentiates the sun's orbit from that of the moon.

In the Qur'an, the moon and the sun orbit the earth together.  There is no distinction made between the moon, which actually revolves around the earth, and the sun which only appears to revolve around the earth when in fact the suns movement through the sky is a product of the rotation of the earth around its axis.

{{Quote|{{Quran-range|91|1-2}}|

By the Sun and his (glorious) splendour; By the Moon as she follows him; }}

The author of the Qur'an emphasis that the earth is fixed in place and motionless.  He is clearly unaware that the earth is not only revolving around the sun, but also spinning on it's axis.

{{Quote|{{Quran|35|41}}|

Verily! Allah grasps the heavens and the earth '''lest they move''' away from their places, and if they were '''to move''' away from their places, there is not one that could grasp them after Him. Truly, He is Ever Most Forbearing, Oft Forgiving.}}

It is God who made for you the earth '''a fixed place''' and heaven for an edifice; And He shaped you, and shaped you well, and provided you with the good things. That then is God, your Lord, so blessed be God, the Lord of all Being.}}

{{Main|Flat Earth and the Qur'an}}

The Qur'an assume a flat earth which has a fixed place where the sun sets and a fixed place where the sun rises again.  Since the earth is a rotating sphere, the sun doesn't set in any particular place and you can never travel to "the spot" where the sun sets nor a place where it rises; the sun appears to set or rise on the horizon no mater where you are on the planet. In these verses, the author propagates a popular legend from the 6th century of a man named Dhul-Qarnayn who visits the places where the sun sets and rises; here he finds the [[Dhul-Qarnayn and the Sun Setting in a Muddy Spring|sun going down into a muddy spring]] and later rising on a tribe with no coverings.

{{Quote|{{Quran|18|86}}|

Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and found a people thereabout. We said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Either punish or show them kindness. }}

Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no covering protection against the sun. }}

Some Muslim Apologists have come up with creative interpretations of these verse to say that Dhul-Qrnayn only traveled until reached a spot "at the time" when the sun set and not the "place" where the sun set.  Unfortunately the [[Dhul-Qarnayn_and_the_Sun_Setting_in_a_Muddy_Spring_-_Part_One#Second_interpretation:_He_reached_.5Ba_place_at.5D_the_time_of_sunset_and_sunrise_or_he_reached_those_times|context and Arabic words]] used in the verse point to a physical location.  Again, we must ask why an all-knowing being would use such vague and misleading verses if he was simply trying to relate a time at which a person reached his destination.

===Stars are Missiles Shot at Devils===

The author of the Qur'an does not seem to know the difference between stars (giant balls of gas thousands of times larger than the earth) and meteorites which are small rocky masses of debris which brighten up after entering the earth's atmosphere.  Many ancient people confused the two, as meteorites look like stars that are streaking across the sky; this is why there were often called [[w:Meteoroid|shooting stars]] or falling stars.  In the following verse, the Qur'an claims that Allah uses stars as missiles to ward away devils.  This repeats a common Arab myth at the time the Qur'an was first recited.

===Moon is Further from the Earth than the Stars===

{{Main|A Qur’anic Understanding of the Universe}}

The Qur'an claims that the moon is located in the middle of the universe and stars are in the nearest/lowest part of the universe.  [[w:List of nearest stars|The nearest star]] to our solar system is 4.24 light years (4x10¹³km) away and over 100 million times further away then the moon. Clearly the Quranic author has no idea that the vast majority of stars in the night sky are billions upon billions of light-years away.

===Moon Emits Light===

The moon does not emit it's own light but simply reflects light coming from the Sun. The Arabic word for reflected (in`ikaas) does not appear in this Quranic verse that says the Moon is a "light". It instead uses the word "Noor" which is used to denote an entity that emits light

The word "Noor" is also used in these verse to show that Allah is the "light" of the universe. Clearly the author is not implying that Allah reflects light from another source but is the source of the light.

===Moon was Split in Two===

The Qur'an and Hadith claim that the moon was miraculously split into two pieces and then, presumably, put back together again.  There is absolutely no scientific evidence whatsoever that the moon has ever been split into two. Since the moon is visible to half the planet at any given time, we should expect to see numerous accounts from different parts of the world attesting to this event if it actually happened. The Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, Chinese and Indians had avid astronomers who should have seen this event and recorded it in their histories. The absence of historical record from other civilizations, contemporary to Muhammad, is a strong indication that this event never happened.

{{Quote|{{Quran|54|1-3}}|The hour drew nigh and the moon did rend asunder. }}

 

===Seven Planets in the Universe===

{{Main|A Qur’anic Understanding of the Universe}}

This verse claims there are seven planets. However, according to astronomers, there are eight ordinary planets and five dwarf planets, which leaves the grand total at thirteen in our solar system. Modern astronomy also has found hundreds of other planets in other solar systems and Cosmologists estimate that hundred of billions of stars and planets exist in the universe. The author of the Qur'an singling out such a small number of celestial objects only reaffirms his ignorance of the makeup of the universe.

{{Quote|{{Quran|65|12}}|

Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a '''similar number'''. Through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends, all things in (His) Knowledge. }}

The paternal cousin of Muhammad and conspicuous expert on [[tafsir]] (interpretation of the Qur'an) writes that Allah means that all 7 planets are flat planets.

{{Quote|Tafsir Ibn-Abass | Allah is He who created 7 heavens one above the other like a dome, and of the Earths, the like thereof, 7 planets but '''they are flat'''}}

===Seven Heavens===

{{Main|A Qur’anic Understanding of the Universe}}

The universe consists of hundreds of billions of galaxies, each with hundreds of billions of stars. There is no such thing as seven layers to the universe.  This myth of seven heavens was a common idea prevalent in the Middle East during the time when the Qur'an was first recited.

See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another}}

There are only 5 not 7 principal layers to the [[W:Atmosphere of Earth|Earth's atmosphere]], and likewise only 5 not 7 major layers to the Earth itself.

{{Quote|{{Quran|65|12}}|Allah is He Who created seven heavens, and of the earth the like of them; the decree continues to descend among them, that you may know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah indeed encompasses all things in (His) knowledge.}}

===Earth Created in Six Days===

The earth first formed around 9 billion years after the Big Bang. The Qur'an, however, repeats the prevailing middle eastern myth that the earth and universe were formed in six days. 

Muslim apologists try and rescue the Qur'an by pointing to an alternative meaning of the Arabic word 'yawm' which typically means 'day' but can sometimes mean 'time period'. However the predominant meaning of the word is day and when a specific number is used, in this case six, the word almost always means a literal 24-hour day.  Again, nothing in the context of the verses, nor the Qur'an in general, suggests the universe or earth were formed over long time periods.  It would have been trivial for an all-knowing diety to simply state that the universe was first formed over [[w:Age of the universe|13.8 billion years ago]].  However, this information is conspicuously missing.

===Earth Created before Stars===

The author of the Qur'an is also unaware that the [[w:Abundance of elements in Earth's crust|elements in the Earth's crust]] and core were first formed in stars.  Modern science has proposed that all the elements that make up the earth (Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, Iron, etc.) was originally formed by [[w:Nucleosynthesis|nucleosynthesis]] in stars and then expelled into the universe when those stars [[w:Supernova|supernova]].  Yet the Qur'an describes the earth being formed before the stars and from "smoke" or material that pre-dates stars.  All rocky and gaseous planets in the universe were formed in a similar manner to the earth and the Qur'an singling out the earth only further highlights the authors ignorance of the history of the formation of celestial objects.

Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? }}

===Sun is a Flat Disk===

This verse suggests that the Sun is flat and can be folded up.  The Sun appears as a flat disc from the perspective of a person on earth, but the [[w:Sun|sun]] is in fact almost a perfect sphere.  The verse implies the authors ignorance of this fact.

===Sky is a Tent/Dome===

A common myth at the time of the Quran's composition was that the sky or heavens were held up with pillars.  Many Bedouin people living in Arabia imagined the sky as a large tent covering, similar to the tents they used.  The author repeats this myth by describing the sky as being "raised" above the earth.

 

It is He Who made the Earth a couch for you, and the sky a dome.}} 

===Sky Guards the Earth===

And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded: yet do they turn away from the Signs which these things (point to)}}

===Sky is Made of Solid Material===

{{Quote|{{Quran|50|6}}|What, have they not beheld heaven above them, how We have built it, and decked it out fair, '''and it has no cracks'''? And the earth -- We stretched it forth, and cast on it firm mountains, and We caused to grow therein of every joyous kind }}

{{Quote|{{Quran|34|9}}|See they not what is before them and behind them, of the sky and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every devotee that turns to Allah (in repentance).}}

===Ignorance of the North and South Poles===

In polar regions, the longevity of day and night vary during summer and winter. Muhammad didn't know about this and he only repeated earlier geocentric ideas.  

==Biology==

 

 

The Qur'an presupposes a [[creation|creationist]] view of life on earth.  Its understanding of the history of human life is incompatible with the overwhelming scientific evidence that humans have evolved from prior life forms, over the course of millions of years, through natural selection [http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence]. While some Muslims accept the theory of evolution, most reject it in favor of a creationist world view. [[Muslim Statistics - Science#Evolution|Opinion polls]] show that the majority of Muslims agree Islam and evolution are not compatible. 

 

====Human Creation from Clay====

 

 

To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is. }}

{{Main|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Creation}}

{{Quote|{{Quran|7|189}}|

"He it is Who created you from a single being, and of the same (kind) did He make his mate,"  }}

{{Quote|{{Bukhari|4|55|548}}| Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah 's Apostle said, "Treat women nicely, for '''a women is created from a rib''', and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain crooked. So treat women nicely." }}

Some Muslim apologists will claim the view of two ancestral “parents” is consistent with recent scientific findings that show a common female and male ancestor of all modern humans.  They often exploit the confusion caused by scientists referring to these genetic ancestors as [[W:Mitochondrial Eve|Mitochondrial Eve]] and [[W:Y-chromosomal Adam|Y-chromosomal Adam]].  These two individuals bear little resemblance to the Quranic account as they are simply the last common male and female ancestors of everyone alive today, not of all humans in history.  The Qur'an clearly states Eve was created later than Adam, however [[W:Mitochondrial Eve|Mitochondrial Eve]] lived some 50,000 to 80,000 years earlier than [[W:Y-chromosomal Adam|Y-chromosomal Adam]].[http://biologos.org/blog/does-genetics-point-to-a-single-primal-couple]  Genetic evidence overwhelmingly indicates that humans diverged from earlier species as a population, not a single couple. [http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/how-big-was-the-human-population-bottleneck-not-anything-close-to-2/].

{{Main|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Creation}}

The author of the Qur'an explicitly states that humans were first created outside of the earth and then only later sent down to live on the planet after being expelled from paradise. We have no evidence that humans ever lived in a terrestrial or extra-terrestrial paradise.  In fact, all evidence points to primitive humanoids living in caves for tens of thousands of years before settling into more permanent dwellings. [http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=ab27]

"Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: 'Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On '''earth will be your dwelling-place''' and your means of livelihood - for a time.'  }}

{{Quote|{{Muslim|4|1856}}| Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The best day on which the sun has risen is''' Friday; on it Adam was created''', on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he. was expelled from it.}}

{{Main|Embryology in the Qur'an}}

====Sperm Originates Between the Backbone and Ribs====

The Qur'an states, incorrectly, that semen originates from a spot between the backbone and ribs. Today we know sperm comes from the [[w:testicle|testicles]] which is not between the spine and ribs but in the pelvic region.

He is created from a drop emitted- Proceeding from '''between the backbone and the ribs''' }}

====Embryo is Formed from Male and Female Fluids====

The author of the Qur'an describes the formation of a human embryo from fluids emanating from both men and woman. This reflects the contemporary, but incorrect, view that the embryo is initially formed out of semen stored in the womb. In fact, semen is the vehicle for the sperm cells, one of which fuses with a woman's [[w:ovum|ovum]] in her [[w:fallopian tube|fallopian tube]], and the resulting cell divides and travels back into the womb for implantation.  

Did We not create you from a '''liquid disdained'''? And We placed it in a firm lodging For a known extent.}}

From what thing doth He create him? From a '''drop of seed'''. He createth him and proportioneth him}}

{{Quote|{{Quran-wi|76|2}}|Verily We created Man from '''a drop of mingled sperm''' [nutfatin amshajin], in order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight.}}

====No Mention of Female Ovum====

The Qur'an's author did not mention the role of the ovum in human reproduction and appears to have no knowledge of it.  This verse fails to mention the important role of the female egg, or ovum, plays in the reproduction of humankind.  It implies that reproduction is caused simply by the male semen.  The human ovum is very small, though visible to the human eye, and it's purpose wasn't understood in the 7th century. Again, we are left wondering why an all-knowing deity would omit such information.

{{Main|Embryology in Islamic Scripture}}

The Qur'an and Hadith depict that humans are formed from a clot of blood. There was never a stage in embryonic development where humans are formed into a clot of blood.  This description is likely influenced by an unscientific and primitive understanding of human reproduction based on observations from an early-term miscarriage and a woman's menstrual cycle.

“Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, "(The matter of the Creation of) a human being is put together in the womb of the mother in forty days, and then he becomes a '''clot of thick blood for a similar period''', and then a piece of flesh for a similar period.”}}

====Only Allah Knows the Gender of a Fetus====

Current technology, such as [[w:Medical ultrasonography|sonograms]], has enabled doctors and expecting parents to learn the gender of a baby while still in the womb. There are also [[w:sex selection|sex selection]] techniques and clinics that allow a couple to predetermine the sex of their child.

Verily the knowledge of the Hour '''is with Allah (alone)'''. It is He Who sends down rain, and He Who knows what is in the wombs. Nor does any one know what it is that he will earn on the morrow: Nor does any one know in what land he is to die. Verily with Allah is full knowledge and He is acquainted (with all things). }}

===All Organisms are Created in Pairs===

{{Main|Qur'anic Claim of Everything Created in Pairs}}

Not every creature procreates or reproduces through male and female sexual relationship. The [[w:Desert grassland whiptail lizard|whiptail lizard]] in the U.S. Southwest, Mexico, and South America, is an all-females species which reproduces by [[w:parthenogenesis|parthenogenesis]]. [[w:virus|Viruses]] reproduce using a host's DNA and are neither female nor male. [[w:Bacteria|Bacteria]] reproduce by cell division. [[w:Fungus|Fungus]] can reproduce either sexually or asexually. Many species of plants also reproduce either asexually or through [[w:Pollination|pollination]].  

And of '''every thing''' We have created pairs: That ye may receive instruction. }}

===Womb has Three Layers===

The word [http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume1/00000257.pdf butun] (بطن) means belly/abdomen/midriff, though some translators like to use the more specific word "womb". There are many more layers in the human body such as the endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium, peritoneum, besides the cervix uteri, corpus uteri, abdomen (with walls), and placenta (with layers). The idea of three membranes around the fetus (chorion, allantois, and amnion) was taught by the highly influential Greek physician, Galen.  It is likely that the Quranic author is simply repeating this erroneous idea.

{{Quote|{{Quran|39|6}}|

He created you (all) from a single person: then created, of like nature, his mate; and he sent down for you eight head of cattle in pairs: He makes you, in the wombs of your mothers, in stages, one after another, in '''three veils of darkness'''. such is Allah, your Lord and Cherisher: to Him belongs (all) dominion. There is no god but He: then how are ye turned away (from your true Centre)? }}

===Bones are Formed before Flesh===

The Qur'an explains that the bones of a human embryo are formed first and then covered up with flesh. Modern scientific studies and research have shown that the bones and muscles of a developing fetus are formed simultaneously.

Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then we made out of that lump bones then (not and) clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create! }}

===Source and Purity of Milk===

The Qur'an states that milk is produced, in the body, somewhere between excretions and blood. The mammary glands, where milk is produced and stored, are nowhere near the intestines which is where excrement is stored. Many kinds of cattle and goat milk needs processing or pasteurization before they can safely be consumed; the milk is often infected with bacteria and other micro-organisms.  A significant number of  humans are [[Qur'an and Milk|lactose intolerant]] and unable to digest milk without experiencing abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. This makes the Qur'anic claim that milk is 'pure' and 'agreeable' to those who drink it dubious.

And verily in cattle (too) will ye find an instructive sign. From what is within their bodies '''between excretions and blood''', We produce, for your drink, milk, '''pure and agreeable''' to those who drink it. }}

==Geology and Meteorology==

===The Earth is Flat===

====Facing Toward Mecca====

The Qur'an tells all Muslims to face in the direction of Mecca when they pray.  However, this would only be possible on a flat Earth because it is not possible to bow down towards the direction of Mecca when you are on the opposite side of the earth.  The author here presupposes a small world, local to Arabia, that is flat.  Only in that world view can people everywhere face Mecca.  

====Earth is Spread Out and Flat====

 

The Quranic commentator al-Jalalayn in his Tasfir agrees with this understanding of the verse saying that most scholars at his time agree that the earth is flat and not spherical.

{{Quote|Tafsir al-Jalalayn |And the earth, how it was laid out flat?, and thus infer from this the power of God, exalted be He, and His Oneness? The commencing with the [mention of] camels is because they are closer in contact with it [the earth] than any other [animal]. As for His words sutihat, 'laid out flat', this on a literal reading suggests '''that the earth is flat, which is the opinion of most of the scholars''' of the [revealed] Law, and '''not a sphere as astronomers (ahl al-hay'a) have it''', even if this [latter] does not contradict any of the pillars of the Law.}}

====Earth is Like a Couch====

The earth is described as a couch, flat and laid out for people to lay upon.

Ibn-Kathir in his Tafsir agrees with this interpretation that the earth is flat and comfortable like a bed.

====Earth is Like a Carpet====

 

He Who has, made for you '''the earth like a carpet spread out'''; has enabled you to go about therein by roads (and channels); }}

He Who has, made for you '''the earth like a carpet spread out'''; has enabled you to go about therein by roads (and channels); and has sent down water from the sky." With it have We produced diverse pairs of plants each separate from the others. }}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

===Earth has Seven Atmospheric Layers===

Some Muslim commentators and apologists believe the Qur'an describes the layers of the earth's atmosphere when it refers to the firmament and it's likeness on earth. However, scientists have determined that there are [[w:Atmosphere_of_Earth#Structure_of_the_atmosphere|five principal layers]] in the atmosphere and not seven.

The author of the Qur'an repeats a common view of the 7th century that the earth was a fixed and un-moving object with the stars, sun, and moon revolving around it.  The author appears to be unaware that the earth is rotating around its axis and moving through space around the sun.

{{Quote|{{Quran|27|61}}|

Is not He (better than your gods) Who has made the earth as '''a fixed abode''', and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet water). Is there any ilah (god) with Allah? Nay, but most of them know not.}}

{{Quote|1=[http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2232&Itemid=83 The Command to praise Allah and send Blessings on His Messengers]<BR>Tafsir Ibn Kathir|2=(Is not He Who has made the earth as a fixed abode,) meaning, '''stable and stationary, so that it does not move or convulse''', because if it were to do so, it would not be a good place for people to live on. But by His grace and mercy, He has made it smooth and calm, and it is not shaken or moved}}

When a fresh water river flows into the sea or ocean, there is a transition region in between. This transition region is called an [[w:estuary|estuary]] where the fresh water remains temporarily separated from the salt water.  However, this barrier is not permanent and the different salinity levels between the two bodies of water eventually homogenize.  The Qur'an however erroneously says that the barrier between the two types of water is permanent.  

{{Quote|{{Quran|25|53}}| It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; yet has He made a barrier between them, '''a partition that is forbidden to be passed'''. }}

===Mountains Prevent Earthquakes===

Modern geology has discovered that large plates in the crust of the earth are responsible for the formation of mountains.  Called [[w:Plate tectonics|Plate tectonic]] these massive plates meet and the pressure between them pushes up the crust forming mountains but also causing earthquakes and faults. the Qur'an propagates the idea that mountains are crucial in stabilizing the earth when, in fact, the earth would be much more stable and have less earthquakes if mountains did not exit.

===Mountains Cast into the Earth===

Mountains are usually formed through the movement of lithosphere plates. They were not thrown down into the earth.

===Chest Contracts with Altitude===

===Earthquakes are a Punishment from God===

Some of the highest death tolls from natural disasters in the last decade were in Muslim countries. In fact, natural disasters do not differentiate between Muslim or Non-Muslim nations nor are they controlled by a divine being.  Earth quakes are extremely common along tectonic fault lines and are not a punishment for human behavior but the byproduct of natural forces.  The Qur'anic author perpetuates an unscientific understanding of his phenomena in there verses.

===Hurricanes and Blizzards are a Punishment from God===

Two of the deadliest blizzards in history happened in Muslim countries. However, the Qur'an regards those natural disasters as violent punishment from God.  Weather patterns follow predictable patterns and are not controlled by a divine being.  

===Rainwater is Pure===

The Qur'an says rainwater is pure, though in some industrial areas rainwater can contain significant amounts of pollution and acidity.  Called [[w:Acid Rain|acid rain]] this type of rain causes harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals and buildings.

===No Evaporation in Water Cycle===

Every verse about rain in the Qur'an implies that rain comes either directly from the sky or from God. However evaporation of water into the air is conspicuously never mentioned.

===Hail Comes from Mountains in the Sky===

Hail forms in cumulonimbus clouds when super-cooled water droplets freeze. However, the Qur'an mistakenly ascribed the formation of hail's to invisible mountains in the sky.

Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? - then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst. And '''He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail'''. He strikes therewith whom He pleases and He turns it away from whom He pleases, the vivid flash of His lightning well-nigh blinds the sight. }}

===Thunder is an Angel===

The Quranic author was superstitious about thunder and imagined this natural phenomena as an angel.

{{Quote|{{Quran|13|13}}|

 

{{Quote|1=[http://altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=2&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=13&tAyahNo=13&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 Tafsir Ibn-Abbas]|2=(The thunder hymneth His praise) by His command; '''it is an angel'''; it is also said: it is the voice of the sky (and (so do) the angels) and also the angels hymn His praise (for awe of Him) the angels have awe towards Allah. (He launcheth the thunder bolts) i.e. fire (and smiteth with them whom He will) He destroys by means of fire whoever He will, referring here to Zayd Ibn Qays whom Allah destroyed by fire, along with his friend ‘Amir Ibn al-Tufayl who was killed as a result of being stabbed in his waist (while they dispute (in doubt) concerning Allah) while they dispute with Muhammad (pbuh) concerning the Religion of Allah, (and He is mighty in wrath) His chastisement is severe }}

===Bees Eat Fruit===

Bees feed on nectar and pollen. However, the Qur'an relates that bees consume fruit.

{{Quote|{{Quran|16|68-69}}|

And thy Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations;  '''Then to eat of all the fruits (of the earth)''', and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought. }}

===Ants Recognize Humans and Speak with Each Other===

Ants typically communicate with each other using pheromone which are a chemical signal.  While scientists have also discovered that ants make some noises, nothing has ever indicated that the brains of ants could produce such complex communication as is depicted in the Quranic story of Solomon and the ants. However, the Qur'an tells us that not only does an ant warn his fellow ants of the approach of a large army of humans, but it recognizes one of the humans as Solomon. How an ant could even see that far or have known the identify of Solomon is never explained.  This account of a talking ant is clearly a fanciful legend and not scientific.

{{Quote|{{Quran|27|18}}|

At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it." }}

===Horses Created as Transportation===

It took thousands of years of domestication and cross-breeding before horses were domesticated approximately 4,000 years ago in East Europe and Central Asia. Prior to this, horses were wild animals though the Qur'an neglects to mention this important fact. Even today [[w:Feral horse|feral horses]] are descendants of once domesticated horses that aren't tamed or used for human transportation.  

===Bird Flight is a Miracle===

Today, engineers and scientists are well aware of the aerodynamic properties of a bird's wing.  It functions by creating a difference in the air pressure between the lower and upper part of the wing and this creates lift that pushes the bird upward. The wings of birds evolved over millions of years to acquire this feature. The author of the Qur'an, however, is unaware of these scientific details and says that 'nothing' holds up the bird except the miraculous power of god.

===Classification of Creatures===

The Qur'an observes that creatures of the desert move using their bellies (snake) or two legs (human) or four legs (cows, goats, etc.). However, the author fails to include insects such as Millipedes that have a thousand legs.

===Only Eight Types of Cattle===

While the Qur'an states that there are eight kinds of cattle, In fact there are more than a dozen kinds of cattle. The word "cattle" in 39:6 is [http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume8/00000289.pdf al-ana'ami], meaning pasturing (i.e. grazing) animals. The word [http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume3/00000432.pdf azwajin] ("kinds" in the translation of 39:6 below) generally means mate or member of a pair. {{Quran|6|143-144}} clarifies that these refer to male and female pairs of sheep, goats, oxes and camels. This neglects other types of cattle from the regions outside of Arabia such as reindeer, which are important to people in northern latitudes.  

He created you from one being, then from that (being) He made its mate; and He hath provided for you of '''cattle eight kinds'''. He created you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation, in a threefold gloom. Such is Allah, your Lord. His is the Sovereignty. There is no Allah save Him. How then are ye turned away}}

===Birth Defects and Imperfections===

The author of the Qur'an states that there are no flaws in anything.  The author fails to mention the numerous defects and imperfections in all species.

===Poisonous Sea Life is Edible===

A number of sea creatures are deadly and fatal to humans if consumed.  This includes the [[w:puffer fish|puffer fish]], [[w:poison dart frog|poison dart frong]], marbled cone snail, [[w:blue ringed octopus|blue ringed octopus]] and [[w:stonefish|stonefish]]. The Qur'an, however, makes no prohibition against eating these types of animals even though it goes into lengthy detail forbidding the consumption of pigs, which are safe for humans to eat.  

===Birds Fight Elephants===

Birds and elephants don't fight each other.  In fact, African elephants and birds have a symbiotic relationship where the birds eat bugs and lice off of elephants  [http://www.elephant-facts.co.uk/relationship-between-african-elephants-and-birds/]. The Qur'an here depicts a fanciful story of birds being directed to attack elephants and their riders during a battle.

{{Quote|{{Quran-range|105|1|3}}|

Sees thou not how Allah dealt with the companions of the elephants? Did He not make their plan into misguidance? And he sent against them flights of birds. }}

 

 

{{Quote|{{Quran|6|38}}|

There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. }}

===Wall of Iron between Two Mountains===

 

 

===Christians Worship Mary as Part of the Trinity===

 

Christians have never worshiped Mary as part of the Trinity. The author of the Qur'an seems to be mistaken in his understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity and the theology of Christians throughout history. 

===Noah's Ark holds Every Species===

The legend of Noah and the Ark states that two of each kind of animal was placed on an ark.  However, there are over a hundred thousand species of animals including penguins, polar bears, koala bears, and kangaroos that live spread across the entire planet and in different climates and requiring specialized diets.  There is no way such an event could have occurred.

===Jews call Ezra the Son of God===

Historically, Judaism has been a strict form of monotheism. But the author of the Qur'an accuses Jews of polytheism by stating that they call Uzair (Ezra) the son of God in the same way that Christians see Jesus as the son of God. The author of the Qur'an seems to be unaware of the different theological implications of these two terms between Judaism and Christianity.

===Supernatural Destruction of Cities===

The Qur'an author thought that outside the vicinity of Arabia there were cities and tribes destroyed by God. He acquired this information through hearsay from Arabian folklore as well as Jewish and Christian legends. Those cities and tribes probably were destroyed by natural disasters, famine, wars, migration or neglect.

===Humans can Sleep for Three Hundred Years===

The oldest verified human life has been a little over 120 years.  Humans cannot live without food and water for more than a few days. However, the Qur'an incorporated a myth from 5th century Christian legends of the [[w:Seven Sleepers|Seven Sleepers of Ephesus] who sleep in a cave for over 300 years and then miraculously awaken in perfect health.  There is no historical evidence that this ever happened or could even been scientifically possible.

===Humans can Live for a Thousand Years===

The oldest verified human life has been a little over 120 years. Based on fossil records and testing on human remains, anthropologists have concluded that human life spans are increasing, not decreasing. Nevertheless, the Qur'an repeats the unsubstantiated myth that Noah lived for almost 1000, years.

We (once) sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them '''a thousand years less fifty''': but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin. }}

===Non-Existent Mosque in Jerusalem===

===Fasting and Prayer Requirements at the Poles===

Muhammad was apparently unfamiliar with polar regions in which there are six months without sunlight and six months perpetual night during winter and summer.  The Qur'an claims that Muslims should fast from sunrise till sunset, however this is arguably not observable by anyone living in the polar regions.  

A similar circumstances with the five daily prayers. Anyone living in the polar region would not be able to make a sunset or sunrise prayer all year round.

===People are Protected in Mecca===

The Qur'an claims Allah has made Mecca and the Ka'aba a place of safety. However, historicaly it has been attacked and seen battles numerous times. Juhayman al-Otaybi, Abd-Allah ibn al-Zubayr, and Abu Tahir al-Janabi killed thousands of Muslim pilgrims in Mecca. Moreover, Yazid Bin Muawiya sent an army battalion to attack Mecca and desecrated the Ka'aba. The universal safety of people in Mecca has no historical evidence supporting it.

Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and '''a place of safety'''; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). }}

Allah made '''the Ka'ba, the Sacred House, an asylum of security for men''', as also the Sacred Months, the animals for offerings, and the garlands that mark them: That ye may know that Allah hath knowledge of what is in the heavens and on earth and that Allah is well acquainted with all things. }}

===Non-Muslims are Deaf, Dumb, and Blind===

The Qur'an calls non-believers "deaf dumb and blind".  However all the technology, medicine, and scientific advancements in the Muslim world are almost exclusively purchased from the non-Muslim countries. Computers, television, space travel, helicopters, media players, nuclear bombs, cameras, satellites, birth control pills, vaccinations, telephones, radios, light bulbs, microchips, games consoles, refrigerators, microwaves, plastic, aluminium, x-rays, antibiotics, heart-transplants, the internet etc., were all invented by non-Muslims.

===All Animals Live in Communities===

Some animals such as the jaguar, leopard, and panda are well known for being solitary creatures, rarely meeting in pairs and only to mate. They do not live in communities and routinely fight each other over territory.

There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, '''but (forms part of) communities like you'''. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. }}

===Requirement to Learn in Arabic===

There are over 5,000 languages and dialects in the world, with less than 4% of the world's population being native Arabic speakers. However, It is incumbent upon Muslims to pray in Arabic, recite the Qur'an in Arabic, and understand commentaries and the traditions of Muhammed in Arabic. We are left wondering why an all-knowing being would not provide a more efficient way to send his message to all people on earth and why he does not account for the immense diversity of languages.

==Myths and Legendary Tales==

===Humans Transformed into Apes===

The Qur'an records a miraculous event where Sabbath breakers are transformed into apes. This account seems to be a mere legend and has no basis in scientific fact.

===Tribe Trapped Behind a Wall===

The story of Dhul-Qarnayn says that a tribe is trapped behind a massive wall of Iron. According to the Qur'an, these two beast tribes concealed themselves behind this metal wall and will only be let free on the day of Judgement.  Obviously, no such wall has ever been found nor is there a tribe somewhere on earth trapped behind it.

===Supernatural Food===

The Quran repeats a legendary story of Mary receiving food sent down from heaven.  There have never been any scientifically verified accounts of fully cooked food falling form the sky.

Jesus, son of Mary, said: O Allah, Lord of us! '''Send down for us a table spread with food from heaven, that it may be a feast for us''', for the first of us and for the last of us, and a sign from Thee. Give us sustenance, for Thou art the Best of Sustainers.}}

===A Stick Transforms into a Serpent===

===Solomon's Army of Genies and Birds===

Throughout history, kings and emperors had commanded huge and small amount of armies. None was ever recorded to possess armies that entirely consists of birds and genies. This story in the Quran draws on Jewish folklore.

===Jonah Performs Repentance inside a Fish===

A human could not live inside a fish and pray.  This story, found in the Quran, is again a repetition of ancient Jewish myths.

Then the big Fish did swallow him, and he had done acts worthy of blame. Had it not been that he (repented and) glorified Allah,He would certainly have remained inside the Fish till the Day of Resurrection.But We cast him forth, on the naked shore in a state of sickness}}

===Muhammad Flies on a Winged Horse to Heaven===

It took one week to travel from Mecca to the Farthest Mosque by camel. But Quran reveals that a magical winged horse, called the Buraq, traveled a similar distance in a matter of minutes.  No such creature has ever been shown to be real and it seems to only exist in legend and mythology.

===Body Parts Speak===

The limbs and organs of a human are controlled by the brain that conveys electrical signal through the nervous system. But the Qur'an believes that the limbs can talk and testify against the person, even though they would have no voice, memory or mind of their own.

===The Ocean Split in Half===

Moses and the Israelis crossed an ocean that was split into two halves.  

And remember '''We divided the sea for you''' and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people within your very sight. }}

===Solomon can Control the Wind===

King Solomon had the authority to manipulate the wind at his command and could fly anywhere he wanted.

===A Dead Man Testified against his Killer===

Scientifically, a man who has died for a few days can never be resurrected.  

===Animals Speak to Humans===

The Quran states that a Beast will come and tell humans the truth.

And when the Word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), we shall produce from the '''earth a beast''' to (face) them: '''He will speak to them''', for that mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs. }}

===Mountains and Birds can Sing Songs===

===Mathematical Error in Hereditary Laws===

The total does not equal to 1. This error can never be reconciled in any way. [http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/i001.html]

===People use the Forehead to Lie===

Brain wave technology has shown that electrical activity happens in the entire brain when a person is being deceitful.  

===Space Flight is Impossible ===

The first space ships and travel beyond the atmosphere of earth occurred over 60 years ago. With current technology, mankind has already explored the end of the solar system. The Qur'an however, implies that going beyond the earth is forbidden. .