Creation of the Universe
Professor Yoshihide Kozai: I say, I am very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in the Qur'aan.
Professor Yoshihide Kozai, Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University, Hongo, Tokyo, Japan, was also a Director of the National Astronomical Observatory, Mikata, Tokyo Japan.
During a meeting with Islamic scholars, Professor Kozai was presented with some Ayah (Verses) from the Holy Qur-an about the universe. He enquired about the time when those Ayah (Verses) from the Qur-an was revealed. When told that those were revealed 1400 years ago, he was amazed. He said that everything told in those verses is absolutely accurate and clear. He said that these verses reveal the facts as if it is a record from the diary of One Who has seen it all.
Professor Yoshihide Kozai said that all scientific theories prove through observations that at one point in time the entire universe was a cloud of smoke. Scientists are now able to see new stars forming up out of that smoke.
Then he turned to the sky, and it had been (as) smoke (dukhan): 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 dukhan or smoke mist also, but Professor Kozai specified that the term “mist” does not fit well here, because mist is typically 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'aanic verse we presented to him.
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'aan or in the Sunnah? Do you think that the Qur'aan 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'aan, 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'aan and by answering to the questions, I think I can find my future way for investigation of the universe."
Professor Kozai believes it is impossible that the Qur'aan 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'aan, 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'aanic 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'aan:
But Allah bears witness to that which He has sent down (the Qur-an) unto you (O Muhammad S); He has sent it down with His Knowledge, and the angels bear witnes. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Witness.
Surah (Chapter) Nisa' (The Women) Qur-an 4:166
And say (O Muhammad S) to these polytheists and pagans.: "All the praises and thank are to Allah. He will show you His Ayat (signs, in yourselves, and in the universe or punishments) and you shall recognise them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do."
Surah (Chapter) An-Naml (The Ants) Qur-an 27:93