The Myth of the Two Seas Not Mixing in the Qur'an: A Scientific and Theological Response
Author:
Maxwell Shimba, Servant of Jesus Christ, the Great God (Titus 2:13)
Date:
May 16, 2018
Abstract
This paper addresses the widely circulated claim among some Muslim apologists that the Qur’an contains a miraculous statement regarding the phenomenon of two bodies of water not mixing. By examining the Qur’anic passage in question alongside basic physical science — particularly concepts from physics such as density, salinity, and temperature — this study aims to demonstrate that the phenomenon is not a miracle but rather a well-understood natural occurrence. Furthermore, this article critiques the theological implications of attributing natural processes to divine miracles without scientific understanding.
Introduction
Among certain Islamic apologetic circles, there has persisted a claim that the Qur'an miraculously foretold a scientific phenomenon whereby two bodies of water meet but do not mix. This claim is often linked to Surah Al-Kahf (18:60-82), where it is mentioned:
“And remember when Moses said to his servant: 'I will not give up until I reach the junction of the two seas or continue for a long period.'” (Qur'an 18:60)
Many Muslim commentators have associated this verse with images showing the meeting of two distinct water bodies — typically a glacier-fed stream and a saltwater bay, claiming it as a miraculous confirmation of divine revelation. In this paper, we will scrutinize this claim using elementary physics and hydrology, demonstrating that this is not a miracle but a scientifically explainable event.
Defining the Scientific Concepts
Density
In physics, density (symbolized as ρ, the Greek letter rho) is a measure that compares the mass of a substance to its volume. The formula for density is:
Objects or substances with higher density have more matter packed into a given volume than those with lower density. The standard units for measuring density are g/cm³ or kg/m³.
For example, freshwater has a density of 1.0 kg/L at 4°C, while seawater, due to its higher salt content, typically has a density of around 1.025 kg/L.
Mass
Mass is a fundamental property of matter indicating the quantity of material present in a body. It is commonly measured in kilograms (kg).
Volume
Volume refers to the three-dimensional space occupied by a substance or object. In physics, it is measured in cubic meters (m³) or cubic centimeters (cm³).
Salinity and Water Classification
Seawater
Seawater is a solution containing dissolved salts, primarily sodium chloride (NaCl). On average, the world’s oceans have a salinity of 3.5%, meaning there are approximately 35 grams of dissolved salts per liter of seawater. This increases the density of seawater compared to freshwater.
Salinity affects not only the density but also the freezing point of water. For example, seawater typically freezes at around -2°C (28°F) depending on salinity levels. Additionally, seawater’s pH typically ranges from 7.5 to 8.4.
Freshwater
Freshwater, such as that found in rivers, lakes, and rainfall, has significantly less dissolved salt, typically under 0.1% salinity. Because of its lower salinity, freshwater has a lower density and different thermal properties compared to seawater.
Scientific Explanation of the Phenomenon
The famous images often circulated by Islamic preachers — showing what appears to be two distinct water bodies refusing to mix — are typically photographs taken from the Gulf of Alaska, where glacial meltwater meets offshore saltwater.
The explanation for this occurrence is not miraculous but rather based on simple, observable scientific principles:
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Density Difference:
Freshwater from melting glaciers is less dense than the saline seawater. This difference in density inhibits immediate mixing. -
Temperature Gradient:
Both water bodies are extremely cold, which slows down the rate of diffusion and mixing. -
Salinity Difference:
The stark contrast in salt content between glacial meltwater (very low salinity) and seawater (approximately 3.5% salinity) results in different physical properties, which delay mixing. -
Kinetic Energy:
The process of mixing solutions, especially in liquids at low temperatures, takes longer because of reduced molecular motion.
A useful analogy is dissolving sugar in water: sugar dissolves quickly in hot water due to high molecular movement but much slower in cold water. Similarly, cold freshwater and cold seawater mix slowly because of limited molecular interaction.
Thus, what appears to be two water bodies not mixing is simply a gradual, natural mixing process dictated by physics, not a supernatural event.
Clarifying Misconceptions
It is important to clarify that this phenomenon does not involve two seas as the Qur'anic verse suggests. The images used by Muslims to illustrate this claim depict the confluence of glacial freshwater and seawater, not the meeting of two seas.
Furthermore, the notion of water bodies having permanent barriers between them contradicts oceanographic knowledge. All water bodies eventually mix over time, though the rate of mixing depends on temperature, salinity, and density.
Theological Reflection
While Islamic apologetics often seeks to attribute unexplained natural phenomena to divine intervention, it is essential to distinguish between true miracles and scientifically explainable occurrences. Claiming natural events as miracles where science offers clear explanations reflects a lack of scientific understanding.
From a Christian theological perspective, God is the Creator of the laws governing nature (Colossians 1:16-17). To attribute every unexplained event to miraculous intervention rather than understanding His creation through the lens of science diminishes the richness of both theology and natural philosophy.
Conclusion
The claim that the Qur'an contains miraculous knowledge about two bodies of water not mixing is unfounded when examined scientifically. The observed phenomenon in places like the Gulf of Alaska is a natural result of differences in density, temperature, and salinity, and is well-explained by elementary physics and hydrology.
This study reaffirms the importance of sound scientific understanding in interpreting natural events and cautions against attributing divine intervention to phenomena that are part of the natural order established by God.
References
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Millero, F. J. (2013). Chemical Oceanography. CRC Press.
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Pinet, P. R. (2019). Invitation to Oceanography. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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The Qur'an, Surah 18:60-82
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The Holy Bible, Titus 2:13; Colossians 1:16-17
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