In the quest to bridge the realms of the divine and the empirical, Mirza Tahir Ahmad’s scholarly work, “Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth,” stands as a testament to the Quran’s prescient wisdom on the atom bomb. His interpretation of Surah Al-Humaza is not merely an academic exercise but a profound exploration of the Quran’s seamless integration with scientific discovery.
The Quran’s Prophetic Vision:
Ahmad’s analysis reveals that the Quran, over a millennium ago, spoke of a fire “locked up in outstretched pillars” that would “leap suddenly onto the hearts.” This vivid imagery, he posits, mirrors the cataclysmic energy release of an atomic explosion, a concept far beyond the scientific understanding of the 7th century.
The Atom: A Divine Particle:
The Quran’s use of “hotamah” to denote the smallest particle is interpreted by Ahmad as a reference to the atom. This linguistic choice is striking, considering the atom’s invisibility to the naked eye and its unknown existence at the time of the Quran’s revelation. Such foresight, Ahmad suggests, affirms the Quran’s divine origin and its enduring relevance.
A Cautionary Tale of Power:
Moreover, Ahmad’s discourse extends beyond the marvels of prophecy to a cautionary reflection on the ethical use of knowledge. The mushroom cloud, described as a “three-pronged shadow” casting “flames like huge castles,” serves as a grim reminder of the suffering unleashed by nuclear weaponry. The Quran, thus, emerges as a moral compass, guiding humanity towards the judicious application of its intellectual pursuits.
The Ethical Imperative of Knowledge:
In essence, Ahmad’s elucidation of the Quranic verses is a call to action—a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge must be tempered with moral responsibility. The atom bomb, a symbol of human potential for both creation and destruction, underscores the need for knowledge to be harnessed for the betterment of humanity, underpinned by the principles of justice and compassion.
Radio VOIB 