[الطامعة في رضا ربها]

 

A NATURAL BARRIER BETWEEN SEAS

Scientists have recently proven that where two bodies of water come together there is a barrier undetectable to the human eye which maintains the salinity, temperature and density of each, with neither transgressing the other. This can be observed where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. When it comes to sweet water meeting slat water in estuaries this is also true. This 'barrier' was mentioned in the Qur'an over 1400 years ago.


"He released the two seas, meeting [side by side]; Between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses." (Qur'an 55, 19 – 20)


And it is He who has released [simultaneously] the two seas [i.e. bodies of water], one fresh and sweet and one salty and bitter, and He placed between them a barrier and prohibiting partition." (Qur'an 25, 53)


What is interesting is that pearl divers in the Gulf knew of this natural phenomena. There are in the salty waters of the Arabian Gulf, 'springs' of sweet water that lay about four to six meters below sea level. During the long months at sea pearl divers would frequent these springs, where they would die to replenish their stores of fresh water. One such famous spring is 'Ain laghmisa; which lies to the north-east of the city of Jubail in the Kindgdom of Saudi Arabia.

From Book: UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Supervised by: Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs
Financed by: Qatar Enowment Authority