Page 80 - Allah is Known through Reason

Just like the Van Allen Belt, the earth's atmosphere also protects the

earth from the destructive effects of space. We mentioned that the atmos-
phere protects the earth from meteors. However, this is not the only char-
acteristic of the atmosphere. For instance, a -273 temperature temperature
in outer space, which is called "absolute zero" would have a fatal effect on
people, were it not for the permanently higher temperatures of the earth
is atmosphere.
What is more interesting is that the atmosphere lets only harmless
rays, radio waves and visible light in, because these are vital elements for
life. The ultraviolet rays, which are only partially let in by the atmosphere
are very important for the photosynthesis of plants and for the survival of
all living beings. This radiation, which is very strongly emitted from the sun
to the earth, is filtered through the ozone layer of the atmosphere and only
a limited required portion of it reaches the earth. The sun's rays are one of
the most essential requirements of life.
Briefly, there is an excellent system at work on the earth which
encompasses itself and protects it from outer dangers. In the Qur'an, the
shielded state of the earth is revealed by the following verse:
And We have made the heavens a canopy well guarded: (yet) they turn
aside from its signs. (Surat al-Anbiya, 32)

There is no doubt that in the 7th century, it was impossible to have
known either about the protective quality of the atmosphere, or the exis-
tence of the Van Allen Belt. However, the expression "a canopy well guard-
ed" perfectly explains the protective agents around the earth that have not
been discovered until modern times. So the above verse referring to the
heavens as "a canopy well guarded" indicates that the Qur'an was sent by
a Creator Who has knowledge of everything and acknowledges all.

THE RELATIVITY OF TIME
The relativity of time is a proven scientific fact today. However, until
Einstein put it as the "theory of relativity" early this century, no one ever
thought that time could be relative and contingent on velocity and mass.
With a single exception though! The Qur'an yielded information about

80 Allah is Known Through Reason