In classical Arabic, an original meaning of the word
" Al'A'alam" , used in the first verse above and translated as ' flags' is
"mountains". Using this meaning of the Arabic word, the above verse may be
translated as: " Among His signs are the ships that sail the sea like
mountains." Now scientifically we have a potent and powerful verse and we have one
more reason as to why each verse of Quran is called "AYAH", a proof, an evidence
and a sign from God.
In the above verse God makes a comparison between
the ships that sail smoothly and freely, through the oceans, through a sea of water; and
the mountains that float, that sail, freely and smoothly, through a sea of space . As has
been alluded in connection with 27:88, this fact, movement of earth around the Sun and
through the space was not known at the time of Quran's revelation and long after that.
Scientifically , this comparison is accurate and exactly fitting. Only one with detailed
knowledge of earth's movement in the vastness of space would have used this example as
further proof that this verse and this chapter and this Quran is indeed from God, Lord of
the Universe. A book through which we have mathematical proof that God has indeed sent
many prophets and many messengers throughout the world and throughout history, all
carrying the identical message of "worshipping God Alone", and continues to send
messengers as He sees fit, even though each group that did receive a messenger, did
receive God's mercy will turn around and deny that mercy for other groups and will call
its messenger, the best, the last, the final, etc.
If God were to stop the operative forces, the winds in
the case of ships and the gravity in the case of earth and mountains, they would
absolutely stop motionless and remain so forever, a concept that is, once again,
scientifically correct and is clearly brought out in the Quran by the use of the word
" YAZLALNA ", whose verbal root has the meaning of " to continue to be
always in the same state", in this case, motionless as is stated in the verse.
Reflecting further on the verses and from another
perspective, they appear to be linked , forming a paragraph as it were. One possible
explanation for this interconnection could be that the three verses may well be describing
the three types of reactions people show when receiving God's message and guidance.
There are those who follow God's guidance alone, in our
case, Quran , submissively and absolutely. These fortunate few will go through life, sail
smoothly and free from dependence to other than God, happy here and in hereafter. Then,
there are those who waiver between belief and doubt, between submission and arrogance.
They are like ships in ocean of life, with no winds to their back, no force of God's
guidance to lead them, to propel them forward. They will remain in this state, stagnate
and motionless and eventually will rot, unless they decide to change and absolutely submit
to God and His guidance. Finally, there are those who arrogantly and deliberately reject
God's guidance and message. Due to God's mercy they will not be destroyed immediately as
they deserve, rather they will live their miserable lives, but they are doomed forever.
All praise belongs to God
- Hossein Kowsari
