Page 173 - For Men of Understanding

advanced, magnetic receptor systems enabling them to find their way by making use
of the magnetic field of the earth. This system helps birds determine their direction
by sensing the change in the magnetic field of the earth during their migrations.
Experiments reveal that migratory birds can even perceive a 2% variation in the
magnetic field of the earth.
Some think that they can explain the subject away by saying that birds
have a sort of compass in their bodies. The main question, however,
lies just here.
The question is: how do the birds come to be equipped with
a "natural compass"? We are aware that the compass is an
"invention" and a work of human intelligence. So how does
a compass - an apparatus produced by man with his col-
lected knowledge - come to exist in the bodies of birds?
Is it likely that some years ago, a bird species, while
finding direction, thought about making use of the
magnetic field of the earth and invented a magnetic
receptor for its own body? Alternatively, was a bird
species, years ago, equipped with such a mechanism
by "coincidence"? Definitely not....
Neither the bird itself nor a coincidence can add
an extremely advanced compass to the body. The
bird’s body structure, lungs, wings, digestive system
and its ability to find direction are the examples of
the perfect creation of Allah:
"He is Allah - the Creator, the Maker, the Giver
of Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful
Names. Everything in the heavens and earth glo-
rifies Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise."
(Surat al-Hashr: 24)

"Do you not see that
everyone in the heavens
and earth glorifies
Allah, as do the birds
with their outspread
wings? Each one knows
its prayer and glorifi-
cation. Allah knows
what they do"."
(Surat an-Nur: 41)

The Signs in Living Things 171