THE MIRACULOUS FORMATION OF CARBON

THE MIRACULOUS FORMATION OF CARBON Carbon, the "element of life," is produced only by miraculous nuclear reactions taking place in the core of huge stars. If there were no such reactions, there would not be carbon-or any other elements-in the universe and therefore, no life. We say "miraculous" because these transformations cannot take place under normal conditions, but require a combination of the most improbable factors. Carbon atoms are produced in the core of huge stars by a two-tier process. First, two helium atoms fuse to produce a transitional element with four protons and four neutrons called beryllium. When a third helium atom fuses with beryllium, they produce a carbon atom with six protons and neutrons. The beryllium atom produced in the first stage of this process is different from the beryllium atoms found on Earth, since the element beryllium listed in our periodic table boasts one additional neutron. The unusual beryllium isotope found in red giants has long puzzled scientists, since it is extremely unstable, so much so that it disintegrates 0.000000000000001 (10-15) seconds after it was formed. So how can this beryllium isotope become carbon, if it is effectively destroyed in the same instant it is formed? Do the helium atoms that fuse with the beryllium isotope do so by chance? Most certainly not, as this is more improbable than two bricks blown apart within the space of 0.000000000000001 seconds being joined a third, thus eventually forming a whole building. Paul Davies describes this miraculous process as follows: While investigating the nuclear reactions that lead to the formation of carbon in the stellar cores, [Fred] Hoyle was struck by the fact that the key reaction proceeds only because of a lucky fluke. Carbon nuclei are made by a rather tricky process involving the simultaneous encounter of three high-speed helium nuclei, which then stick together. Because of the rarity of triple-nucleus encounters, the reaction can proceed at a significant rate only at certain well-defined energies (termed "resonances"), where the reaction rate is substantially amplified by quantum effects. By good fortune, one of these resonances is positioned just about right to correspond to the sort of energies that helium nuclei have inside large stars. 14 The element of carbon, which occurs naturally on Earth in the form of coal or diamond, actually formed in the nuclei of giant stars. As a result of these stars exploding as novas, masses of carbon and other elements were hurled into space, subsequently reaching other stars and planets, of which our Earth is one. Such a chemical reaction is beyond by coincidence-it's impossible! But since Paul Davies is a sworn materialist, he tries to explain it away with a pointless and irrational reference to "good fortune." Davies is aware of this miracle and does not conceal his bewilderment when explaining this process, but nevertheless adopts such unscientific and irrational terms as "lucky fluke" or "good fortune," simply because he rejects Creation. Inside red giants another miracle called double-resonance takes place. First, two helium atoms fuse to create beryllium, then within the space of 0.000000000000001 second, a third helium atom combines with the first two, to produce carbon. George Greenstein explains why this double-resonance process is so extraordinary: There are three quite separate structures in this story-helium, beryllium, and carbon-and two quite separate resonances. It is hard to see why these nuclei should work together so smoothly… Other nuclear reactions do not proceed by such a remarkable chain of lucky breaks…It is like discovering deep and complex resonances between a car, a bicycle, and a truck. Why should such disparate structures mesh together so perfectly? Upon this our existence, and that of every life form in the universe, depends.15 As we have seen, Greenstein (another materialist scientist), explains this miracle of Creation with "a remarkable chain of lucky breaks;" a wholly unscientific approach. Exactly because this is an impossibly unlikely thing to happen by chance, Greenstein makes the analogy of a very complex and crucial resonance between a car, a bicycle and a truck. He fails to call this a miracle because of his materialist credentials. Further, some other elements like oxygen were formed by such extraordinary processes of resonance. Fred Hoyle discovered these extraordinary processes, and in his book Galaxies, Nuclei and Quasars, he concluded that such precisely structured processes could not have arisen through the work of coincidences. Despite being a sworn materialist, he conceded that such double resonances had to be the result of design. 16 Carbon is the main building block for all Earthly life. The organic molecules composing the bodies of living things-proteins, fats and carbohydrates-are all formed from different carbon compounds. The atoms of carbon in your body as you read this book are actually leftovers from a supernova explosion, billions of years ago in the depths of space. In another article, he wrote: If you wanted to produce carbon and oxygen in roughly equal quantities by stellar nucleosynthesis, these are the two levels you would have to fix, and your fixing would have to be just about where these levels are actually found to be…A commonsense interpretation of the facts suggests that a super intellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as chemistry and biology, and that there are no blind forces worth speaking about in nature. The numbers one calculates from the facts seem to me so overwhelming as to put this conclusion almost beyond question. 17 This miraculous process so affected Hoyle that he was convinced other scientists could not possibly ignore this clear fact: I do not believe that any scientist who examined the evidence would fail to draw the inference that the laws of nuclear physics have been deliberately designed with regard to the consequences they produce inside the stars.18 THE BALANCE OF GRAVITATIONAL FORCES The physical laws of the universe are based on four primary forces: gravity, electromagnetism, and the so-called weak and strong nuclear forces. The values of each of the four have been fine-tuned to perfection for the universe as we know it to exist, and for human life. One of the most important forces that affect the order of the universe is gravity. Newton declared this was an extraordinary force that not only caused apples to fall from trees, but also served to maintain the planets in their orbits. Were the force of gravity any weaker, our Earth would escape the gravitational pull of the Sun and drift off into space. Were it just a little stronger, we would plunge into the Sun and be destroyed. Gravity is one of the most important forces affecting the universe's order. Newton declared that this force was responsible not only for apples falling to the ground but also that this mysterious force kept the stars in their orbits. Einstein introduced a new and deeper perspective to this phenomenon, theorizing about how it forced huge stars to collapse and turn into black holes. Gravity also controls the expansion rate of the universe. The force of gravity has a constant mathematical value that enabled the formation of the universe we live in. Had this constant been a fraction greater than it is, the formation of stars in the universe would have accelerated to the point that where even the smallest stars would have reached a mass 1.4 times greater than that of our Sun. They would have then burned up so quickly and unpredictably that the necessary conditions for life on any planets orbiting them could not have developed. Life depends on stars as small as our own Sun. Had the constant of gravity been a little greater than its current value, all stars of the universe would have already collapsed into black holes. Furthermore, gravitational forces acting on even the smallest planets would have been so great that no life forms larger than insects could have survived. At the other extreme, had the force of gravity been a fraction weaker, the largest stars in the universe could never have exceeded 0.8 times the mass of our Sun. These smaller stars would have burned long enough and been stable enough to support life on the planets orbiting them, but the heavy elements essential for the formation of planets and life could never have emerged in the first place. Iron and the other heavier elements can be created only in the cores of huge stars. Only stars of huge mass can produce and scatter beryllium-and other elements, necessary for the formation of planets and life-into interstellar space. As you can see, even very small fluctuations in gravitational forces would have prevented the formation of life-and therefore, humans. Fluctuation of a slightly higher magnitude in gravitational forces would have caused the collabpse of the universe within itself; a fraction smaller, and stars and galaxies could not have formed in the first place. Obviously, since we do exist on Earth, none of these negative possibilities has taken place. Every detail of the universe has been designed and created according to a flawless plan, and in perfect order. Almighty God has created the universe we live in a series of extraordinary miracles and in unequalled harmony: He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again-do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted! (Qur'an, 67:3-4) HARMONY BETWEEN THE OTHER FORCES IN THE UNIVERSE Investigating the other forces acting on the universe besides gravity, we discover that they too have fine-tuned values balanced at crucially critical ratios. Electromagnetic Forces Were electromagnetic force just a little weaker or stronger, atoms could not combine or stay together. As a result, molecules essential to life could never form. Electromagnetic force joins together the protons and electrons in the atom. As we all know, all living and non-living things are formed of the building blocks called atoms, which in turn are composed of protons and neutrons in their nuclei, and electrons that orbit the nucleus at high speed. The number of an atom's protons determines its type. For instance, an atom with only one proton is hydrogen; an atom with two is helium, and one with 26 protons is called iron. The same is true for all other elements. The protons in the atomic nucleus have a positive electrical charge, whereas the electrons orbiting it have a negative charge. This opposing electrical charge creates an attraction between protons and electrons, keeping the electrons in their orbit around the nucleus The force that binds the protons and electrons of opposing electrical charge is called the electromagnetic force. The nature of electrons' orbit around the nucleus determines the type of bonds that can exist between individual atoms and what type of molecules they can form. Had the value of the electromagnetic force been a fraction smaller, fewer electrons could have been retained in orbit around atomic nuclei. Had it been slightly greater, no atom could bond with any other. Either way, the molecules necessary for life could never have been assembled. Strong Nuclear forces One concrete example of nuclear power's impressive effects is the detonation of an atomic or hydrogen bomb. The so-called "strong" nuclear force holds together the protons in the nuclei of atoms. As already mentioned, protons are particles with a positive electrical charge. According to the laws of electromagnetism, particles of opposing electrical charge attract one another, and those of the same charge repel each other. In other words, protons and electrons attract one another, while protons repel other protons-and electrons repel other electrons. In the nuclei of many larger atoms, tens of protons are found clustered together. Under normal circumstances, any protons brought together should have repelled one another into space with great force. But not so: Protons stay clustered together with great consistency, because an even greater force acts on them than of electromagnetism, which would have them repel one another. Strong nuclear force is the greatest universal force, which holds together neutrons and protons in the atomic nucleus. This so-called strong nuclear force is the strongest force in the universe. Its great power can be unleashed by detonating atomic or hydrogen bombs. This source of energy has been fueling the Sun for the past 4.5 billion years and has been calculated to continue to do so for another five billion years. The mathematical value of this extraordinary force is one of the universe's most critical. Changes of a few percentage points to the value of the strong nuclear force's constant would have forestalled the formation of carbon, the building block of life. Slightly higher fluctuations would alter all present laws of physics and wreck the harmony and order in the universe. The balance between the strong nuclear force holding atomic nuclei together and electromagnetism, rests on the most precise values. Had the strong nuclear force been even slightly weaker, it could not have held together the cluster of protons in the nuclei. Because of electromagnetic forces acting on them, they would have repelled one another into space. That would have made impossible the formation of atoms with more than one proton. Therefore, the only possible element in the universe would have been hydrogen. On the other hand, had the strong nuclear force been only a fraction larger in relation to the electromagnetic force, the element hydrogen with its single proton could never have been formed. The strong nuclear force would have dominated the electromagnetic force, so that every proton in the universe would have shown a tendency to cluster. As we have just said, hydrogen with its single proton could not have emerged. In this case, even if stars and galaxies had formed, they would have had totally different properties. Clearly, if these elementary forces were not balanced just as they are, no supernova, star, planet or atom could have been formed-and consequently, no life either.19 The Weak Nuclear Force The weak nuclear force carried by subatomic particles was created with a very delicate balance to ensure the formation of the universe in which we live. The remaining one of the four elementary forces also has a precisely determined constant value. This force is carried by some sub-atomic particles and causes a form of radioactive breakup. One example of this type of radioactive "split" is when a neutron breaks up to release three particles-one proton, one electron and one anti-neutron. As you can see from this example, the neutron-one of the fundamental particles in the atomic nucleus-is actually comprised by the combination of three other, smaller particles. The weak nuclear force causes the neutron to break up into its component particles; and it too has a precise value that keeps this order and harmony intact. If the weak nuclear force's value were even fractionally greater, neutrons would break up more readily and thus become a rarity throughout the universe. In such a case, hardly if any helium, with two neutrons in its nucleus, could have been created since the Big Bang. As we know, helium is the second lightest element after hydrogen, and so without the necessary helium, the heavier elements essential for life could not have been produced in the nuclear core of stars. As stated before, heavier elements like carbon, oxygen and iron are produced by the fusion of helium nuclei in the core of huge stars. In short, helium is the "raw material" of heavier elements. Without helium, no heavier elements necessary for the formation of life could have come about. On the other hand, if the weak nuclear force were weaker by even a fraction, then most, if not all of the hydrogen from the Big Bang would have been transformed into helium. That, in turn would have increased to abnormal levels the quantity of heavier elements in the core of stars. This would have made life impossible. One factor that makes the weak nuclear force so critical is its effect on the subatomic particles called neutrinos. These particles play a vital role in the supernova explosions that blast into space the heavier elements necessary for life. This weak nuclear force is the only force able to act on neutrinos. If the "weak" nuclear force were any weaker, neutrinos could move freely without being affected by gravitational forces. During a supernova's explosion, consequently, they would be able to escape without reacting with the outer spheres of the star, thus preventing heavier elements from being ejected into space. But had the weak nuclear forces been greater, neutrinos would have remained trapped in the center of supernovas and again, couldn't have let the heavier elements be ejected into space. Paul Davies states that the elementary laws of physics have been optimized for human existence, and that if their quantitative values had been slightly different, our universe would have become an altogether different place. He continues: Had nature opted for a slightly different set of numbers, the world would be a very different place. Probably we would not be here to see it…Recent discoveries about the primeval cosmos oblige us to accept that the expanding universe has been set up in its motion with a cooperation of astonishing precision. 20 Arno Penzias, who, along with Robert Wilson detected the cosmic background radiation for the first time, which effort earned them the Nobel price in 1965, makes the following statement about this extraordinary design: Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with the very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life, and one which has underlying (one might say "supernatural") plan. 21 Robert Astrow, founder and former director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, expresses this as follows: Thus, according to the physicist and the astronomer, it appears that the Universe was constructed within very narrow limits, in such a way that man could dwell in it. This result is called the anthropic principle. It is the most theistic result ever to come out of science, in my view... 22 As we have explained elsewhere in great detail, the forces acting on the universe, within their own ratios as well as the balances existing between them are miracles that cannot be explained by chance. The numerical values, responsible for the harmonious balances in the universe, do not fluctuate by even one or two percentage points. And these extraordinary balances have been preserved without a hitch since the first day of the universe, making them even more remarkable. As Astrow points out, these facts all prove that the universe has been designed diligently and its precise order was given. Such a miraculous order certainly could not have come about by itself, coincidentally. To claim that it formed and organized itself would be irrational. This flawless order has been formed and organized by God, the infinitely Wise and Mighty Creator. THE MAGNIFICENT HARMONY BETWEEN PROTONS AND ELECTRONS The Harmony in Electric Charges The masses of protons and electrons-the basic particles which make up the atom-are very different. Yet miraculously, their electrical charges have been created equally in number. This extraordinary harmony is most important to maintaining equilibrium in the universe in which we live. In terms of both mass and volume, protons are much larger than electrons. A proton's mass is 1,836 times that of an electron. To make the comparison more visual, if an electron were the size of a hazelnut, a proton would be the size of a human being. In other words, electrons and protons are highly dissimilar. . Interestingly, though, they carry equal electrical charges, except that one is positive the other negative, such that an atom's electrical charges are balanced. Nothing forces or requires this equality: If anything, their electric charges should reflect their respective physical characteristics; i.e., the electron's charge should be smaller than the proton's, in proportion to its smaller size. But what would have happened if the electric charge of proton and electron were not equal? Every atom in the universe would have carried a positive electric charge, because of their more massive protons. As a consequence, all atoms would have repelled one another. What if this were to happen now, with all the atoms in the universe repelling one another? The results would be extraordinary. Let's begin with the changes to your body that would take place. If such were to occur, your arms and the hands that hold this book would disintegrate at once. Not only your hands and arms, but also your legs, head, eyes, teeth-in short, every bit of your body would just disintegrate into thin air. The room you are in, as well as the world outside, would disappear-together with all the seas and mountains and the planets of the solar system. They all would be irretrievably lost. What we call the universe would be a chaos of atoms repelling each other.. What is the imbalance between the electric charges of protons and electrons needed for such a disaster to take place? If the difference were small as a percentage point, would this disaster still happen, or is the critical limit more like only one thousandth? In his book Symbiotic Universe, George Greenstein has the following to say: The total number of protons and electrons in the universe has been calculated with the greatest precision. Both kinds of particles are practically identical in number. The equality is of crucial importance to ensure the universe's electromagnetic balance. Small things like stones, people, and the like would fly apart if the two charges differed by as little as one part in 100 billion. Larger structures like the Earth and the Sun require for their existence a yet more perfect balance of one part in a billion billion. 23 The Harmony in Numbers The proportion of protons to electrons in the universe is most important. This ratio permits the delicate balance between the mass gravitational and electromagnetic forces. While the universe was still less than one second old, anti-protons eliminated an equal number of protons-their oppositely-charged counterparts-, leaving behind a specific remaining number of protons, to form the building blocks of our present-day universe. The same thing happened between electrons and positrons (anti-electrons). Astonishingly, the numbers of protons and electrons remaining is the same, with only the very smallest difference between them: 1 in 1037. This equality is essential for the universe's electromagnetic equilibrium, because any imbalance in the number of protons and electrons would have caused same-charged particles to repel one another into the distance. Sub-atomic particles would not have been able to form atoms, which in turn could not have formed stars and the matter in the universe. Galaxies, stars and planets-including our Earth, so perfect for life-would never have come into existence. A MIND-BOGGLING PROBABILITY When all physical variables are considered together, what is the likelihood of a universe able to support life like ours to form by chance? Perhaps one in a billion billion, or one in a trillion trillion, or even less? This number was calculated by renowned mathematician Roger Penrose, a close colleague of Stephen Hawking. He considered all physical variables, accounted for all their possible sequencing combinations, and among all the other possible outcomes of the Big Bang, he computed the probability of the formation of a life-sustaining environment. Penrose's calculations yielded the following result: 10123 over 10. What this number actually means is difficult to comprehend. The number expressed as 10123 in mathematical terms has 123 zeros following the number 1. (This is already a number greater than the total of all the atoms in the universe, of which there are approximately 1078). But the number calculated by Penrose is far greater for it has 10123 zeros following the number 1. We can try to make sense of this literally astronomical number with a few examples. 103 is another way to express the number 1,000. 103 over ten, on the other hand, is a number formed by 1,000 zeros placed to the right of the 1. Nine zeros next to the 1 make a billion. Twelve zeros following the 1 make a trillion, but a number with 10123 zeros after the 1 is a number with no name or definition in mathematics. In mathematics, a probability smaller than 1 in 1050 is considered "zero probability," yet it is a number far greater than a trillion times trillion times trillion. In short, the statistic that Penrose calculated tells us that it is impossible to explain the universe by chance. About his number, which lies far beyond the limits of our comprehension, he says the following: This now tells how precise the Creator's aim must have been, namely to an accuracy of one part in 1010123 . This is an extraordinary figure. One could not possibly even write the number down in full in the ordinary denary notation: it would be 1 followed by 10123 successive 0's. Even if we were to write a 0 on each separate proton and on each separate neutron in the entire universe-and we could throw in all the other particles for good measure-we should fall far short of writing down the figure needed. 24 The universe we live in was formed as a probability of 1 in a number way beyond mathematical definition, and in just the necessarily perfect proportions. This is a clear proof of creation. No doubt, the fact that we live in such a perfect universe is not the result of blind coincidences, nor the doing of senseless atoms. The entire universe, with all its flawless systems and all the things and beings it contains, came into existence by the perfect creation of our Lord God. Professor Roger Penrose, the famous British mathematician, calculated the probability of a universe that allowed life to come into being by chance. He included all physical factors in his calculations, bore in mind the number of different ways they could be strung together, and worked out the chances of an environment capable of sustaining life emerging amidst all the other probable outcomes of the Big Bang. The probability that Penrose calculated was: 1 in 10123! It's hard even to imagine the significance of such a number. In mathematics, 10123 signifies a 1 followed by 123 zeroes . Even this number, representing a 1 followed by 123 zeroes, is a literally astronomical figure, even greater than the total of all atoms in the universe (1078). But the number calculated by Penrose is far greater for it has 10123 zeros following the number 1. Penrose says, "Even if we were to write a 0 on each separate proton and on each separate neutron in the entire universe-and we could throw in all the other particles for good measure-we should fall far short of writing down the figure needed."

CHAPTER -1 MIRACLES IN THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE

CHAPTER -1
MIRACLES IN THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE

THE INCREDIBLE ORDER THAT CAME WITH THE EXPLOSION

The whole scientific community acknowledges that the universe we live in began approximately 15 billion years ago with a huge explosion popularly called "the Big Bang" and expanded to take on its present state and dimensions. Space, galaxies, planets, the Sun, the Earth-in short, everything that combines to make up the universe was formed as a consequence.

Here lies a great secret: Since the Big Bang was an explosion, matter would be expected to have scattered itself randomly across space, as atoms or sub-atomic particles. But not so; on the contrary, the universe in all its incredible order emerged instead. "Randomly" scattered atoms concentrated in certain places and bonded to form stars, solar systems and galaxies-certainly an extraordinary situation. And to use an analogy used by scientist, even more extraordinary than a hand grenade thrown into a wheat field with the result that the effect of the blast collects the cut wheat, ties it into uniform bales, and piles up the bales in an orderly fashion.

Professor Fred Hoyle, who opposed the Big Bang theory for many years, expressed his wonder as follows:

The big bang theory holds that the universe began with a single explosion. Yet, . . . an explosion merely throws matter apart, while the big bang has mysteriously produced the opposite effect- with matter clumping together in the form of galaxies. 5

An explosion always disperses and disorders matter.

Obviously, such an explosion that contained the whole of the universe's mass, from which the most spectacular order emerged, can only be explained by a miracle. Astrophysicist Alan Sandage, winner of the Crawford prize in astronomy, explains the situation as follows:

I find it quite improbable that such order came out of chaos. There has to be some organizing principle. God to me is a mystery but is the explanation for the miracle of existence… 6

As scientists state, it is a fantastic miracle that atoms should bond in the most appropriate ways to create the infinitely coordinated order of the universe, comprising countless trillions of planets, billions of stars in billions of galaxies, and all without the slightest hitch. This is a miracle shown to us by the infinitely powerful God.

He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the Earth belongs. He does not have a son and He has no partner in the Kingdom. He created everything and determined it most exactly. (Qur'an, 25:2)

A MIRACLE IN THE UNIVERSE'S EXPANSION RATE

The universe we live in emerged some 15 billion years ago, as the result of a giant explosion from a single point. The result of this huge explosion, which contained all the matter in the universe, was the present, extraordinarily regular cosmos that expanded to assume its present form.

The universe's expansion is critical to the formation of its present state. Had it been a fraction slower, the whole of the universe would have contracted once again and collapsed on itself, before the fledgling solar systems had any chance to develop. Had its rate of expansion been only a fraction faster, matter would have been dispersed irretrievably in the vastness of space, unable to form neither stars nor galaxies.

Either situation would mean that living things, let alone we humans, could not exist.

However, neither scenario happened. Thanks to the actual rate of expansion, the universe as we know it emerged. But how sensitive is this rate, actually?

Paul Davies, a renowned Professor of Mathematics and Physics at Australia's Adelaide University, made a series of calculations in order to answer this question. The results he obtained were astonishing. According to Davies, had the expansion rate following the Big Bang been different by one in a billion billions (1/10¹⁸), the universe could not have formed! Another way of stating this figure is: "0,000000000000000001" Any divergence of such a tiny scale would have meant no universe at all. Davies interprets this result as follows:

Careful measurements put the rate of expansion very close to a critical value at which the universe will just escape its own gravity and expand forever. A little slower and the cosmos would collapse, a little faster and the cosmic material would have long ago completely dispersed. It is interesting to ask precisely how delicately the rate of expansion has been "fine tuned" to fall on this narrow dividing line between two catastrophes. If at time I S (by which the time pattern of expansion was already firmly established) the expansion rate had differed from its actual value by more than 10-18, it would have been sufficient to throw the delicate balance out. The explosive vigour of the universe is thus matched with almost unbelievable accuracy to its gravitating power. The big bang was not evidently, any old bang, but an explosion of exquisitely arranged magnitude. 7

An article published in the journal Science describes this extraordinary rate of expansion at the beginning of the universe:

The speed of the universe's expansion is a most sensitive figure. Were it as little as one billion billionth different, the universe we now live in could never have formed. This is like placing a pencil on its sharp end in such a way that it will still be upright a billion years later. Moreover, as the universe expands, this balance grows even more delicate.

If the density of the universe was a little bit more, in that case, according to Einstein's relativity theory, the universe would not be expanding due to the attraction forces of atomic particles but contracting, ultimately diminishing to a spot. If the initial density had been a little bit less, then the universe would rapidly be expanding, but in this case, atomic particles would not be attracting each other and no stars and no galaxies would ever have formed. Consequently, man would never come into existence! According to the calculations, the difference between the initial real density of the universe and its critical density, which is unlikely to occur, is less than one percent's one quadrillion. This is similar to place a pencil in a position so that it can stand on its sharp end even after one billion years… Furthermore, as the universe expands, this equilibrium becomes more delicate. 8

Regardless of how much Stephen Hawking tried to ascribe the origins of the universe to chance, he had to concede the extraordinary fact of its universe's expansion rate in his book, A Brief History of Time:

There is a crucial balance between the density of the universe and the speed at which it is expanding.

If the rate of expansion one second after the big bang had been smaller by even one part in a hundred thousand million million, the universe would have recollapsed before it ever reached its present size. 9

Alan Guth, the father of the inflationary universe model developed as an extension to the standard Big Bang model of the universe, calculated in recent years an even more perplexing result for the fine-tuning of the universe's rate of expansion. He states that the margin of error was 1 in 1055. 10

What, then, does such a remarkable equilibrium indicate? Obviously this instance of "fine-tuning" cannot possibly be explained by chance; it must prove an intelligent design. Despite being a materialist, Paul Davies concedes:

It is hard to resist that the present structure of the universe, apparently so sensitive to minor alterations in the numbers, has been rather carefully thought out… The seemingly miraculous concurrence of numerical values that nature has assigned to her fundamental constants must remain the most compelling evidence for an element of cosmic design. 11

As we have seen, this conclusive data obtained by scientific means, led materialist Paul Davies to concede-whether he liked it or not-that the universe is the product of intelligent design. Or, in other words, that the universe was created.

DISTANCES BETWEEN COSMIC OBJECTS

As we know, our Planet Earth is part of a solar system of nine planets, the Earth being the third planet orbiting our medium sized star.

First, let's understand the scale of this system. The Sun's diameter is 103 times the Earth's. To enable a comparison, image the Earth (whose true diameter is 12,200 kilometers, or 7,500 miles) as the size of a marble. In comparison, our Sun would be a sphere twice the size of a football. But what is really interesting is the distance between the two. On this scale, it would be 280 meters (920 feet). Planets at the outer reaches of the system would be many kilometers away from the sphere representing the Sun.

Yet the solar system's huge size is actually modest when placed in context with the rest of our Milky Way Galaxy. It contains an estimated 250 billion stars (or suns), the nearest of which is Alpha Centauri. If Earth and Sun are 280 meters (920 feet) apart, as in the above example, then on the same scale, Alpha Centauri would be a whopping 78,000 kilometers (48,500 miles) away.

Let's shrink this scale down until the Earth becomes a dust particle barely visible to the naked eye. The Sun would then be the size of a walnut, three meters away from the Earth. On this new scale, Alpha Centauri would be 640 kilometers (400 miles) away. Yet the Milky Way Galaxy consists of 250 billion stars with even more phenomenal distances in between them. Our solar system is a mere speck in this spiral galaxy.

If we consider the Earth as the size of a marble, and the distance between it and the Sun as 280 meters (920 feet), then the star Alpha Centauri should be placed 78,000 kilometers (48,500 miles) away!

The Milky Way itself covers a relatively minute area within the universe, when we consider there are approximately 300 billion other such galaxies besides it, and that the distances between them are millions of times greater than between our Sun and Alpha Centauri.

The diffusion of heavenly objects throughout the universe and the spaces between them are necessary conditions for life on Earth. The distances between stars are arranged by cosmic forces in such a way as to make possible life on Earth. These distances have a direct effect on planets' orbits and even their very existence. Were they any closer, gravitational attraction between stars would destabilize the planets' orbits, causing extreme fluctuation in temperatures. Had they been any farther, the distribution of heavier elements, shooting into space from supernovas, would have never reached the density required to form planets like our solid Earth.

The existing distances between stars are just right to permit the existence of solar systems like ours.

Michael Denton, a renowned Professor of Biochemistry, writes in his book Nature's Destiny:

The distances between supernovae and indeed between all stars is critical for other reasons. The distance between stars in our galaxy is about 30 million miles. If this distance was much less, planetary orbits would be destabilized. If it was much more, then the debris thrown out by a supernova would be so diffusely distributed that planetary systems like our own would in all probability never form. If the cosmos is to be a home for life, then the flickering of the supernovae must occur at a very precise rate and the average distance between them, and indeed between all stars, must be very close to the actual observed figure. 12

In the vast depths of space, our Earth occupies no more room than a grain of sand on a beach. The universe is too large for human minds to comprehend. Bodies in space have been created at the ideal distances from one another. In our galaxy, the slightest increase or reduction in the average distances between heavenly bodies would mean that no planet would exist that is suitable for life.

In The Symbiotic Universe, astronomer George Greenstein writes about these mind-boggling distances:

Had the stars been somewhat closer, astrophysics would not have been so very different. The fundamental physical processes occurring within stars, nebulas, and the like would have proceeded unchanged. The appearance of our galaxy as seen from some far-distant vantage point would have been the same. About the only difference would have been the view of the night time sky from the grass on which I lie, which would have been yet richer with stars. And oh, yes-one more small change: There would have been no me to do the viewing…All that waster space! On the other hand, in this very waste lies our safety. 13

The universe's vast empty spaces, Greenstein explains, determine the value of physical variables that make human life on Earth possible and also prevent the Earth from colliding with other cosmic objects traveling through the universe.

In short, the distribution of stars in the universe is exactly as they must be for human existence on Earth. The vast empty spaces are not coincidental-they were created.

In many verses of the Qur'an, God reveals that the heavens and the Earth have been created for a purpose:

We did not create the heavens and Earth and everything between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming, so turn away graciously. (Qur'an, 15:85)

We did not create the heavens and the Earth and everything between them as a game. We did not create them except with truth but most of them do not know it. (Qur'an, 44:38-39)

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

The universe, the Milky Way galaxy that is home to our solar system, and our planet Earth are all governed by countless factors. All these laws and balances have been specifically designed and miraculously ordered to produce an environment suitable for human life.

Examining our universe in detail reveals that everything-from the most fundamental cosmic laws to the most critical physical properties, from the smallest balances to the finest ratios therein-have been arranged to meet the highest level of exactness. We are astonished to realize that this precision is set at the ideal values for human existence to not only survive, but thrive.

From the universe's rate of expansion to our Earth's location in the Milky Way galaxy, from the spectrum of the Sun's radiation to the viscosity value of water, from the distance of the Moon to the Earth to the ratio of the gases that form the atmosphere, countless other such factors are just right for human existence. In fact, the slightest alteration to even one of them would make life on Earth impossible.

Not even a single one of these factors could have become so ideal for life by sheer coincidence. The fact that thousands of elements and conditions combined to create this order is miraculous beyond the limits of human comprehension.

In fact, each of the factors necessary for the existence of human life is a miracle in its own right, not to mention the millions of factors that must combine to make this chain of miracles possible. On the other hand, a miracle is self-evidently created by God. Every bit of the universe is a miracle, the unequalled work of God's wisdom, might, and artistry.

Recent calculations demonstrate that if the current physical laws and reactions responsible for the order in the universe were altered even slightly, life-and therefore, human life-would not be possible. In terms of probability, these physical norms could have had arisen with any given value. But each one of them is set independently at its current ideal value, enabling human life which, as stated above, cannot be described with any other word but miracle.

Whichever law, principle or physical property in the universe we consider, we see that it could not have been brought to its current ideal state by itself, or through coincidence. Eyes that can see are a clear miracle. Chains of miracles are at work in every location of the universe and in every single one of its governing laws; these chains of miracles are proof for God's existence and His might.

In recent years, cosmologists and theoretical physicists began to call this mind-blowing order that spawns necessary conditions for human life "fine-tuning." Concentrating on this subject, they discovered or calculated countless examples of "fine-tuning" throughout the universe. It's appropriate here to quote some of these scientists' expressions of astonishment and wonder over the results of their research:

NASA astronomer Professor John O'Keefe: "We are, by astronomical standards, a pampered, cosseted, cherished group of creatures. If the Universe had not been made with the most exacting precision, we could never have come into existence. It is my view that these circumstances indicate the universe was created for man to live in." 1

British astrophysicist Professor George F. Ellis: "Amazing fine tuning occurs in the laws that make this [complexity] possible. Realization of the complexity of what is accomplished makes it very difficult not to use the word 'miraculous'..." 2

British astrophysicist Professor Paul Davies: "the laws [of physics] ... seem themselves to be the product of exceedingly ingenious design…. The universe must have a purpose." 3

British Mathematician Professor Roger Penrose: "I would say the universe has a purpose. It's not there just somehow by chance." 4

All scientific data obtained to date shows that there is no room in the universe for chance or coincidence, anywhere or at any time. From the very first moment of the universe's inception, to its latest state at the moment when you are reading this book, it has been designed down to the last detail by the All-wise and Almighty God Who created man to witness, reflect on and appreciate His might and artistry.

In the creation of heavens and Earth, and the alternation of the night and day, and the ships which sail the seas to people's benefit, and the water which God sends down from the sky-by which He brings the Earth to life when it was dead and scatters about in it creatures of every kind-and the varying direction of the winds, and the clouds subservient between heaven and Earth, there are Signs for people who use their intellect. (Qur'an, 2:164)

This book contains examples of miracles that have occurred from the first creation of the universe and continue to occur to the present day. We have arranged these miracles into three main subjects:

• 1. The Universe
• 2. Our Solar System and the World
• 3. Living Things

The purpose of this book is to give the reader a feel for God's infinite power and artistry by showing some of the creation miracles in the universe. Also, it is also hoped that this book will lead to an awareness that everything around us, when looked at through the eyes of wisdom, is a miracle of God.

 Intelligent Design, in other words Creation

In order to create, God has no need to design

It’s important that the word “design” be properly understood. That God has created a flawless design does not mean that He first made a plan and then followed it. God, the Lord of the Earth and the heavens, needs no “designs” in order to create. God is exalted above all such deficiencies. His planning and creation take place at the same instant.

Whenever God wills a thing to come about, it is enough for Him just to say, "Be!"

As verses of the Qur’an tell us:

His command when He desires a thing is just to say to it, “Be!” and it is. (Qur'an, 36:82)

[God is] the Originator of the heavens and Earth. When He decides on something, He just says to it, “Be!” and it is. (Qur'an, 2:117)

A LAST WORD...

A LAST WORD... People who have seen that materialist philosophies brought with them nothing but destruction in the last century have finally begun turning to God. This return to religion and spiritual matters that began in the late 20th century in particular has rapidly pervaded the entire world. People who believe in and pray to God have begun forming communities that attach the proper values to concepts such as family, the state, the nation and moral virtues. Islam, Christianity and Judaism all speak of mankind living in peace and security at a time near the Day of Judgment and of there being a sacred age when plenty, abundance and justice replace troubles of all kinds. Immorality, fraud and degeneration will come to an end in that age. Belief in the One God will spread across the world in this blessed time awaited for centuries, and people will attain salvation as they begin living by the moral values beloved of God, all the benefits of technology will be placed at the service of mankind, there will be huge advances in science and medicine and there will be plenty, abundance and fertility everywhere. We are now living in that blessed age. The return to Earth of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is a miraculous and metaphysical phenomenon of an extraordinary nature that will affect the whole world. For that reason, all believers must at once mobilize all their resources in a spirit of union and prepare to welcome him. This great preparatory activity performed with enthusiasm, fervor and joy will be prayer in action, but those who do not make such preparations will no doubt feel a terrible shame when the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) does return. All the signs show that his second coming is imminent and that there is no time to lose for the preparations to be made. At this point, all believers must collaborate together and wage a united intellectual struggle against atheist and materialist ideas that inflict disorder and corruption on the world. According to Islam, the End Times are a blessed age that all believers have longed for over the centuries, when woes and shortages are replaced by plenty and abundance, injustice by justice, immorality by virtue and conflict by peace and security, when the moral virtues of Islam rule the world. The hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) contain detailed descriptions of this time and its characteristics. During this time, God will make a servant with superior virtues known as the Mahdi (meaning he who guides to the right path) His instrument in leading people to salvation. Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will first wage an intellectual struggle within the Islamic world and return Muslims who have broken away from the essence of Islam back to true faith and moral values. Later, together with the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), the Islamic and Christian worlds will unite in a single belief and the world will enjoy a time of peace, security, happiness and well-being known as the Golden Age.

THE HEART IS ONLY SATISFIED WHEN IT TURNS TO GOD

THE HEART IS ONLY SATISFIED WHEN IT TURNS TO GOD

The Enlightenment in the 18th century and the 19th-century materialism that followed turned European society away from the revealed faiths, and the spiritual vacuum that resulted brought in the 20th century many false Eastern faiths to the Western way of thinking, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism. These false faiths played a significant role in eliminating the deep-rooted influence of religious moral values in society, in causing the adoption of the materialist world view and in deceiving people on a spiritual quest with “a false religion that opposes belief in God.”

Many people today seek peace and happiness in these false religions. Eastern religions espouse many heretical and distorted teachings, and all these religions’ practices conflict with both reason and logic. Above all else, these religions contain teachings that legitimize racism and violence.

All those who sincerely believe in God must wage a multi-faceted intellectual struggle against such movements that turn people away from belief in God and seek to replace the moral virtues taught by all the revealed faiths with materialist and superstitious beliefs. One of the things that needs to be done to that end is to reveal the huge gulf between a world filled with the peace, justice, equality, mutual aid, compassion, affection and love taught by the revealed faiths and a life style based on spiritual and physical perversion in superstitious faiths. It must not be forgotten that the aim of a great many people in Western society who sympathize with these heretical faiths is in fact to draw attention to themselves with their unusual and outlandish behavior. On the other hand, they mistakenly think they will find happiness in these religions. But by turning away from the true paths of the true faiths communicated by God through His messengers they inflict terrible damage and a depressing world full of woe, fear and hardship on themselves. It needs to be known that true happiness in this world and the Hereafter is only possible through sincere faith in God and in abiding by His verses.

Superstitious teachings that will do nobody any good are advertised on television programs and in newspapers and magazines, and some people influenced by this indoctrination, looking for something and unaware of what they are doing, start doing the same things. The reiki fashion that has lately swept over the public is a product of the same deception. People who want to attract attention and be original are affected by these teachings’ propaganda. The fact is however, that reiki is a huge deception and can never lead people to salvation. Man has no other friend, helper or guide than God. No power other than God can wreak any harm or bestow any benefit.

New Age beliefs, that atheist and materialist circles are trying to keep alive using various different propaganda techniques, are intended to turn people away from belief in God and cause them to abandon the moral values bestowed by religious virtues and replace God’s revelation with superstition. Present-day practices such as yoga, meditation, bio-energy therapies and transcendental meditation occupy a significant place in superstitious beliefs. Astrology, the tarot cards, fortune-telling and mediumism also represent a significant part of this culture. Heretical New Age beliefs include karma, reincarnation, reiki, feng shui, astral body, the belief in the power of crystals over the human body, black and white magic, telling the future, believing that talismans can ward off evil spirits, summoning the devil, telepathy and telekinesis. One frequently hears these terms these days as part of materialists’ propaganda activities.

 

MUSLIMS WHO ABIDE BY THE QUR'AN ARE THE MOST MODERN PEOPLE IN TH

MUSLIMS WHO ABIDE BY THE QUR'AN ARE THE
MOST MODERN PEOPLE IN THEIR ENVIRONMENTS

God explains everything in the finest and wisest manner in the Qur’an, and reveals the true path to them through it. People who abide by the Qur’an are those who think most rationally, always make the best decisions, behave best and are the finest quality, most select, lovable and compassionate people in the world, who harm no-one but who benefit themselves and all those around them.

Under the influence of some publications opposed to God and religion, however, some people have a misconceived idea of Muslims and think they are not all modern or rational. Of course the role of some people who describe themselves as Muslims, but who live in a manner far removed from the moral values commanded by God in the Qur’an, in the formation of that mistaken view cannot be denied.

The fact is that every Muslim who embodies the moral virtues enjoined in the Qur’an is not only modern, but super-modern and exceedingly rational. The nobility in their appearance, demeanor and behavior carries them beyond the modernity and rationality of the time they live in. So much so that if the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) were to appear today he would immediately be recognized as the most contemporary person of this century. And even of the centuries to come.

THE SECOND COMING OF THE PROPHET JESUS (PBUH): GLAD TIDINGS COMM

THE SECOND COMING OF THE PROPHET JESUS (PBUH):
GLAD TIDINGS COMMON TO CHRISTIAN WORLD

The love of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) has bestowed moral virtues on Christians down the ages. In the Qur’an, God describes Christians as "the people most affectionate to those who believe" and says:

... That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Surat al-Ma’ida, 82)

In another verse He refers to Christians’ positive moral values:

Then We sent Our Messengers following in their footsteps and sent Jesus son of Mary after them, giving him the Injil. We put compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. (Surat al-Hadid, 27)

Throughout the course of history, Christians have experienced various forms of oppression, chosen lives of hardship by withdrawing from the joys of this world, and made great sacrifices. These things are all important signs of their sincerity. However, that sincerity needs to be strengthened still further in this time when the return of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is close at hand.

• According to Christian sources, too, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will return to Earth. The Gospel refers to the second coming of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) many times.

• According to Christian sources, too, the return of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is close at hand. Many Christians believe that the second coming is imminent because almost all the portents in the Gospel and the Torah regarding the coming of the Messiah have come about.

• According to Christian sources, too, the return of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will be the greatest happening in the history of the world. Since such a Prophet as Jesus (pbuh), blessed by God, will soon be returning to Earth, the preparations for that must be made and the matter kept constantly on the agenda.

• Since the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will unite all believers when he returns, all disagreements, disputes and quarrels among Christians that will be meaningless in the near future must be set aside now.

• When the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) returns, all Christians and Muslims who believe in him will unite in a common belief, so we must strive from now on to overcome all prejudice and distrust between Christians and Muslims.

The final book of the Injil, "Revelation", says:

… "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his [Messiah], and He will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

There is not one of the People of the Book who will not believe in him before he dies… (Surat an-Nisa’, 159)

It is indicated in this verse of the Qur’an that when the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) returns everyone will believe in him, and that faith will thus rule the world in the End Times.

All Christians must share the awareness, fervor, passion, excitement and joy of this approaching great event. As Muslims who share these feelings, we call on Christians:

Come, let us prepare for the approaching return of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) together. Let us respect the differences between our beliefs in the knowledge that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will teach us the truth. Let us strive to fill the world with the peace, brotherhood, compassion and love that he will wish to see. Let us together wage an intellectual struggle against philosophies and ideologies that are hostile to him and deny the existence of God.

Come, let us together await one of the greatest miracles and gladdest tidings in the history of the world.

THE SECOND COMING OF THE PROPHET JESUS (PBUH): GLAD TIDINGS COMM

THE SECOND COMING OF THE PROPHET JESUS (PBUH):
GLAD TIDINGS COMMON TO CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS

The fact that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will return to Earth is most important for Muslims. By a miracle from God, he is a prophet who was born with no father, called the People of Israel to the truth and showed them many miracles. He is the Messiah and, as revealed in the Qur’an, "the word of God" (Surat an-Nisa’, 171). With his return to Earth, disputes between Muslims and Christians, who believe in God in the same way, share the same moral values and are, again as revealed in the Qur’an, "the most affectionate" (Surat al-Ma’ida, 82) to one another will be resolved and these two greatest religious communities will be unified. Members of the other revealed religion, the Jews, will find guidance by believing in the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), the Messiah (Surat an-Nisa’, 159). In this way, the three revealed faiths will be united, and there will be a single faith on earth, based on belief in God. That religion will inflict an intellectual defeat on pagan beliefs and philosophies that deny God. The world will thus be freed from wars, conflicts, racial and ethnic enmities, oppression and injustice, and mankind will enjoy a “Golden Age” of peace and happiness.

This is without doubt one of the greatest events in the history of the world. This climate in which the three revealed faiths will be united means that the whole continent of America, Europe, the Islamic world, Russia and Israel will establish an alliance based on common belief, a thing that has never been brought about in the world before. The peace, security, stability and happiness this union will bring to the world have never before been established, either, nor anything like it.

Furthermore, the fact of the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) return to Earth is one of the greatest miracles of all time. In the light of the signs imparted by God in the Qur’an, the hadiths of our Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace) and comments by Islamic scholars, we believe that this blessed time is imminent. As Muslims, we feel great excitement at the imminent return of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and are doing all we can to prepare ourselves and the world for this blessed guest.

We call on Christians to be as sensitive, aware and enthusiastic as possible on the subject.

HISTORY IS FULL OF EXAMPLES OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND TH

HISTORY IS FULL OF EXAMPLES OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK Caliph Umar's declaration to the Orthodox patriarch Sophronios in 638. This declaration guaranteed all of the Christians' rights in the Holy Land. Anyone looking at the position of Christians and Jews under Islamic rule in history with an unbiased eye will encounter one manifest reality: The People of the Book have always lived in peace and security under Islamic administration. Some even sought shelter in Islamic lands when they were oppressed by other rulers, and found the security they sought in Muslim countries. It is noted in the Qur’an that compared to members of other communities of believers, Christians will enjoy a particular friendship with Muslims. In this verse God describes how and why Christians are the people closest to Muslims: ... You will find the people most affectionate to those who believe are those who say, “We are Christians.” That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Surat al-Ma’ida, 82) The first instances of the closeness and warm relations described in the verse came in the time of the Prophet of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace). Some oppressed Muslims were advised by the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) to Abyssinia, which was under the rule of the Christian King Negus, where they lived in peace and security. Excellent relations were established between Muslims and Christians in the early days of Islam, based on the principles of compassion, peace, respect, cooperation, mutual aid and freedom of religion, belief and worship. Aspects of social life such as marriage, trade and neighborliness were also implemented in such a way as to be role models for all Muslims and Christians.

MUSLIMS ARE DEVOTED TO THE PROPHET JESUS (PBUH) WITH A VERY GREA

MUSLIMS ARE DEVOTED TO THE PROPHET JESUS (PBUH)
WITH A VERY GREAT LOVE

In the Qur’an a great deal of information is provided about the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). It is described how the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) came to the world without a father, when Gabriel told Hazrat Mary the glad tidings, how he spoke with people immediately after his birth and how he worked miracles even as a baby through inspiration from God. Again as revealed in the Qur’an, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was an exemplary servant and Messenger of God throughout the course of his life. He preached the Injil, a guide and counsel, confirming the Torah, and called on people to sincerely serve God.

One of the main factors that weld Christianity and Islam together is the love for the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) shared by the members of both faiths. It is described in the Qur’an how all the prophets communicated the same Divine message, told people glad tidings and also warned them, and also served as the finest role models for their communities. For that reason, Muslims believe in all the prophets and make no distinctions between them.

Like the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace), Muslims also believe in the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and feel a great love and respect for him. The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is described in the Qur’an as "the Messenger of God and His Word" (Surat an-Nisa’, 171); it is revealed that he is “a Sign” for mankind (Surat al-Anbiya’, 91); and very important information about his struggle, miracles and life is provided. Jesus the Messiah is praised as follows in this verse from the Qur’an:

When the angels said, “Mary, your Lord gives you good news of a Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, of high esteem in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 45)

Muslims believe that the Injil is a Divine scripture sent down from the Sight of God (but that it was subsequently corrupted by people, even though some of the true pronouncements in it have survived unchanged). They regard the Injil as a guide for Christians, sent down by God with qualities that distinguish between truth and error, lawful and unlawful. In one verse of the Qur’an the qualities of the Injil given to the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is described thus:

And We sent Jesus son of Mary following in their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came before him. We gave him the Injil containing guidance and light, confirming the Torah that came before it, and as guidance and admonition for those who have piety. (Surat al-Ma’ida, 46)

There can be no clash between Islamic civilization and Western civilization, because the Judeo-Christian belief that constitutes the basis of Western civilization is in harmony and agreement with Islam, rather than in conflict with it.