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Introduction

When we think of ocean waves, our minds often drift to the surface—rolling swells and crashing waves visible from the shore. But beneath the ocean’s surface lies a mysterious phenomenon of immense significance: internal waves. These waves, referenced in the Quran over 1,400 years ago, highlight the depth of divine knowledge and the miraculous nature of Allah’s creation.

“Or [the state of a disbeliever] is like the darknesses in a deep sea covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds—darknesses, some of them upon others. When one puts out his hand [therein], he can hardly see it. And he to whom Allah has not granted light—for him there is no light.”

Surah An-Nur (24:40)

This verse vividly describes layers of darkness in the deep sea, with waves above waves and clouds above them, reflecting both physical and spiritual realities. Modern science now confirms the existence of internal waves within the ocean’s depths, an incredible validation of the Quran’s miraculous knowledge.

What Are Ocean Internal Waves?

“Ocean internal waves occur within the body of seawater, typically when there is density stratification—a layering caused by variations in temperature and salinity. Unlike surface waves, which are influenced by wind, internal waves are driven by the interplay of buoyancy and gravity within the ocean’s interior. Their frequency varies between the inertial frequency and the Brunt–Väisälä frequency, parameters tied to Earth’s rotation and the density gradient of seawater.

Despite being hidden from the naked eye, internal waves can have amplitudes that dwarf surface waves. According to Liu et al. (1998), the amplitude of these waves can exceed 100 meters, making them a colossal force within the ocean’s depths.” (Liu et al. 1998) ^[1]

The Darkness of the Deep Sea

During their groundbreaking dives in the early 1930s, William Beebe and Otis Barton used the Bathysphere to descend into the uncharted depths of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bermuda. As they ventured deeper, they observed the progressive fading of light, noting how sunlight diminished entirely by around 1,000 meters, plunging them into a realm of complete darkness. This firsthand experience provided one of the earliest direct confirmations of the aphotic zone, where light cannot penetrate. Beebe described the surreal nature of this descent, where even the faintest glimmers of sunlight vanished, replaced by the bioluminescent glow of deep-sea organisms. These observations not only confirmed the extreme darkness of the deep ocean but also laid the groundwork for understanding the adaptations required for life to survive in such an environment.^[2]

A Reflection of Divine Wisdom

The Quran’s reference to “darknesses in a deep sea” layered with waves is strikingly consistent with modern scientific discoveries about the ocean. The mention of waves upon waves, and the obscuring effect of clouds, mirrors the scientific understanding of surface waves and internal waves beneath the ocean’s surface. The phrase “waves upon waves” resonates with the modern discovery of internal ocean waves, a phenomenon unknown during the Quran’s revelation. This intricate description, revealed in an era devoid of oceanographic knowledge, stands as a testament to the divine origin of the Quran.

Furthermore, the metaphoric comparison of the profound darkness in the ocean’s depths illustrates the divine wisdom and knowledge of Allah, the All-Knowing. Just as the physical darkness of the deep sea, layered with surface waves and internal waves, conceals its mysteries, the spiritual darkness of disbelief obscures the light of truth. These layers of meaning demonstrate the Quran’s unparalleled ability to convey complex truths through simple yet profound analogies, showcasing its divine nature and eternal relevance.

The Science and Spiritual Implications

Understanding internal waves is not just an academic pursuit; it holds spiritual significance as well. For believers, these discoveries are a reminder of Allah’s infinite wisdom and the truth of His revelation. The layers of darkness described in Surah An-Nur can also be seen as a metaphor for the state of disbelief, where the absence of divine light leaves one in spiritual darkness.

Conclusion

Internal waves are a testament to both the hidden power of the ocean and the miraculous knowledge contained within the Quran. The vivid description in Surah An-Nur (24:40) aligns seamlessly with modern scientific findings, offering believers a profound reflection on the depth of Allah’s creation. By studying these waves, we not only gain insights into the ocean’s inner workings but also strengthen our conviction in the divine origin of the Quran.

We have certainly sent down distinct verses. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.

Surah An-Nur 24:46

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Citations:

1. Li, Y., Wu, J., & Chen, X. (2012). Analysis of ocean internal waves imaged by seismic data using empirical mode decomposition. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 9(3), 302–312. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-2132/9/3/302
2. Library of Congress. (2015, January 27). The waters were boiling with light. Now See Hear! https://blogs.loc.gov/now-see-hear/2015/01/the-waters-were-boiling-with-light/