Greetings,
When it comes to the miracles of the Qur'an, know that the scientific miracles are only one aspect, and that greater aspects of its miraculous nature exist and deserve more attention, such as the language and style of the Qur'an. It is true that some people have read in scientific facts that do not exist - often those who have knowledge of science but are not very familiar with the interpretation of the Qur'an. As Muslims, we believe that the scientific aspect of the Qur'an is one of the aspects of its miraculous nature, but without resorting to an erroneous methodology of understanding the Qur'an.
It is also worth noting that the Qur'an is from God and the laws that govern creation are also from God, so there can be no real contradiction between the two.
format_quote Originally Posted by
RedGuard
The notion of egg shaped egg comes from a minor (mis)translation of the Quran by Rashad Khalifa who declared himself a new messenger of God. It is interesting that Muslims have no problem rejecting him as a false prophet who mistranslated the Quran to fit his own agenda, yet when his translation agrees with modern science, then it "miraculously" becomes the only correct one.
This is not true. I am not aware of such a translation being 'the only correct one'. The following websites mention that the verse in question is not discussing the shape of the earth at all, but rather its spreading:
http://en.islamtoday.net/node/667
http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/in...twaId&Id=92448
The first link gives more details on where the association with eggs comes from.
First - the verse contains the word "alqā" which is a verb form IV meaning "to cast", "to throw". No mountain was thrown on the earth from above. There are three main ways by which mountains are formed - either by plate tectonics, erosion or buildup of magma from volcanoes. None of them has anything to do with throwing anything.
This approach illustrates a very common problem - that many people who seek to criticise the Qur'an do not even possess a minimal knowledge of Arabic. The word (alqā) appears in other verses too:
Indeed in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or who listens while he is present [in mind]. [50:37]
Rather, man, against himself, will be a witness, Even if he presents his excuses.[75:14-15]
We do not find the words 'to cast, to throw' in either of these translations. Clearly, words can have more than one meaning, depending on their context. This is why a solid understanding of the Arabic language is a vital pre-requisite for interpretation of the Qur'an.