Professor Yoshihide Kozai: I say, I
am very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in
the Qur'an.
Dr. Kozai is Professor Emeritus at Tokyo
University, Hongo, Tokyo, Japan, and was the Director of the
National Astronomical Observatory, Mikata, Tokyo Japan. We
presented to him a number of Qur'anic verses describing the
beginning of creation and the heavens, and which deal with the
relationship of the earth to the heavens. After studying these
verses, Professor Kozai asked us about the Qur'an and about
the time when the Qur'an was revealed. We informed him that it
was revealed 1400 years ago, and then we asked him about the
facts which these verses contained. After each answer we would
show him the Qur'anic text. He expressed his astonishment,
saying that this Qur'an describes the universe as seen from
the highest point, everything seen is distinct and clear. He
who said this sees everything in existence. Seen from such a
point, there is nothing which can be unseen.
We asked him whether at some point in
time the firmament was in a form of smoke. He stated that all
signs and indications are converging to prove that at one
point in time the whole firmament was nothing but a cloud of
smoke. This has come to be established as a proven visible
fact. Scientists now can observe new stars forming up out of
that smoke, which is the origin of our universe, as we see in
this picture (Figure 17.1).
Fig.
17.1
This picture was obtained only recently
with the help of the spaceship. It shows one of the stars as
it forms up out of the smoke. Look at the outer reddish parts
of the smoke as it begins to heat and cluster. And look at the
center of the cloud and how the smoky matter is of such high
density that it becomes irradiant. The illuminating stars we
see today were, just as was the whole universe, in that smoke
form. We presented to him the Qur'anic verse
saying:
Then he turned to the
sky, and it had been (as) smoke (dukhaan): He said to it and
to the earth: come you together, willingly or unwillingly.
They said: we do come (together) in willing
obedience. (Qur'an
41:11).
Some scientists describe this dukhaan or
smoke “mist”. But Professor Kozai pointed out that the term
“mist” does not correspond to the description of this smoke,
because mist is characteristically cold, whereas this cosmic
smoke is somewhat hot. Dukhaan indeed is made up of diffused
gases to which solid substances are attached, and this is the
exact description of the smoke from which the universe emerged
even before the stars were formed. Professor Kozai said that
because that smoke was hot, we cannot describe it as “mist”.
Dukhaan is the best descriptive word that can ever be.
In this way Professor Kozai continued to scrutinize each
Qur'anic verse we presented to him.
17.2
Finally we asked him: ‘What do you think
of this phenomenon which you have seen for yourself, namely,
that science is beginning to discover the secrets of the
universe, whereas many of these secrets have already been
revealed in the Qur'an or in the Sunnah? Do you think that the
Qur'an was given to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi
wa sallam) from a human source?’
Professor Kozai replied: "I say, I am
very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in
Qur'an, and for us modern astronomers have been studying a
very small piece of the universe. We have concentrated our
efforts for understanding of a very small part. Because by
using telescopes, we can see only very few parts of the sky
without thinking about the whole universe. So, by reading
Qur'an and by answering to the questions, I think I can find
my future way for investigation of the
universe."
Fig. 17.3
Professor Kozai believes it is impossible
that the Qur'an was from a human source. He further stated
that we scientists in our studies concentrated only on a small
area, but if we read the Qur'an, then we will see a much
larger picture of this universe. Scientists have to look at it
in a panorama, not within limited and narrow perspectives.
Professor Kozai acknowledges relating to the Cosmos, he is now
able to define his way in the future. He states that, from now
on, he will plan his research guided by the comprehensive
Qur'anic view of the universe.
Glory to You O Lord, may You be exalted!
This is the ever-lasting miracle which renews itself. This is
a miracle which gives life and which convinces Muslims and
Non-Muslims, and which will convince all generations until the
Day of Judgment. Allah said in the Qur'an:
But Allah bears witness
that what He has sent unto thee He has sent with His (own)
knowledge. (Qur'an
4:166).
And say: Praise be to
Allah, Who will soon show you His signs, so that you shall
know them. (Qur'an
27:93).