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Introduction

I’m sure you’ve seen atomic bomb explosions either in videos or on television. Yes, the atom, which we know as the smallest particle, is where the atomic bomb gets its name. But not just any atom—only certain types are required, specifically unstable atoms with large nuclei like Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239. Atoms aren’t singular, absolute particles; they have a structure and are composed of several elements, such as a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, along with electrons orbiting the nucleus. The combination of these elements forms an atom.

It’s worth noting that Democritus, a renowned Greek figure who lived 23 centuries ago, was the first to introduce the theory that everything in the universe is made up of small particles called atoms. According to his theory, the atom is the smallest particle, with nothing smaller than it. However, the Quran presents a different perspective.

Surah Saba

But those who disbelieve say, “The Hour will not come to us.” Say, “Yes, by my Lord, it will surely come to you. [Allāh is] the Knower of the unseen.” Not absent from Him is an atom’s weight¹ within the heavens or within the earth or [what is] smaller than that or greater, except that it is in a clear register –

Surah Saba 34:3

The Arabs of the past already understood a similar concept to Democritus, referring to the smallest particle as dharrah, which corresponds to the atom. In the verse recited earlier, the term ذَرَّةٍۢ refers to the atom. Furthermore, the verse implies that there is something even smaller than that.

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atom into smaller parts. This process forms the basis for the creation of atomic bombs, also known as nuclear bombs. It is called so because this process involves splitting the nucleus of an atom into two smaller nuclei. This splitting of the atomic nucleus releases a massive and tremendous amount of energy.

Nonetheless, this verse proves that Allah is the All-Knowing Lord.

Nothing escapes His knowledge, whether hidden or evident. The verse goes even further, stating that Allah knows everything, including what is smaller or larger than the atom. It is also worth noting that the Day of Judgment, as mentioned in this verse, has been predicted by scientists to occur as a continuation of the Big Bang process. Truly, this is something profound, and it is up to us to reflect upon it if we are among those who seek understanding.

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Citations:

1. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). Atomic bomb | History, Properties, Proliferation, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/atomic-bomb
2. Duignan, B. (2024, May 16). Democritus | Biography & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Democritus
3. Steinberg, E. P. (2024, May 23). Nuclear fission | Examples & Process. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/nuclear-fission