Chapter Four
UNIVERSE KEEPS ON PULSATING

THE BIG CRUNCH

     It was only seventy years ago that man discovered with certainty, with the aid of a Hubble telescope, that the universe has been expanding. Surprisingly, from the verses of a book compiled and distributed fourteen centuries ago, Muslims learn that this universe has been going through the cycles of 'Expanding and Contracting' and the period of pulsation is predetermined by Allah - the Sustainer of the universe. A century ago, such a strange hypothesis of an Oscillating Universe could only have come from a drunker rocking backwards and forwards on his bar tool.

   The all-knowing Creator would certainly not send any Revelation, especially concerning His own Creation, that could at a later date fall apart when mankind would become capable of making observations from outer space with sophisticated digital devices. By the same token, if the all-knowing Creator had indeed Revealed to Muhammad what was totally unknown to his contemporaries and was to remain unknown for the next thirteen centuries to the dedicated and learned star gazers of this world, does it prove something? Could this be the "Signature of God" notarizing His Holy Writ? 

        Before we read the actual text of the Holy Writ, let us examine what the physicists of our era have discovered. If one was to present a most recent "refined" research done by a respectable physicist, someone may counter the findings with an earlier study done by another known scientist. On this occasion, in order to avoid doubts and unessential debates, recourse is made to definitions contained in the recent edition of a reputable encyclopedia. 

Below is an excerpt from the Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia Deluxe, 1998 edition:

Big bang theory, a general theory held by many astronomers that the universe may have originated about 12 to 15 billion years ago as the result of a violent explosion of some primordial mass; since then the universe has been expanding and evolving; a refinement of the theory states that the universe pulsates, expanding and contracting every 80 billion years.
Comment: The above mentioned "refinement of the theory", puts to rest the earlier theory that the universe will continue to expand infinitely. The refined theory advocates that at the anticipated time the universe will stop expanding and begin to contract. Eventually, a situation termed the "Big Crunch" (a reversal of the "Big Bang") would occur. 

THE REVEALED TRUTH

    Read and visualize, how beautifully the revealed verses explain this "refined" scientific theory of repeated Expansions and Contractions, in everyday terms, that could be easily understood by lay people using the vocabulary of the sixth century.

On that day we will roll up the heaven as one rolleth up written scrolls. As we made the first creation, so will we bring it forth again. This promise bindeth us; verily, we will perform it.     Translation by  Reverend J. M. Rodwell
On the day when We shall roll up heaven as a scroll is rolled for the writings; as We originated the first creation, so We shall bring it back again - a promise binding on Us; so We shall do."     Translation by  Arthur J. Arberry
The Day that we roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed) even as We produced the first Creation so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We fulfill it.
                                    Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Transliteration:   yawm nat.we as- samaa' ka- t.ayy as- 
sijill li- al- kutub ka-maa bada'naa 'awwal khalq nuced -hu wacd(an) calay -naa 'in(na) -naa kunnaa faacilen 
           (Qur'an 21: 104)

 
Are We wearied out with the first creation? Yet are they in doubt with regard to a new creation!
                     Translation by Reverend J. M. Rodwell

What, were We wearied by the first creation? No indeed; but they are in uncertainty as to the new creation.
              Translation by Arthur J. Arberry

Were We then weary with the first Creation that they should be in confused doubt about a new Creation? 
                 Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Transliteration: 'a- fa- cayenaa bi- al- khalq al- 'awwal 
bal hum fe labs min khalq jaded         (Qur'an 50: 15)

Comment: The Pagan Arabs of the revelation era were familiar with the adoration of the written Holy Scrolls by their Jewish neighbours. It was a familiar site in a Jewish home or tent. A scribe would select a scroll of a particular "Book", very slowly unroll it and when finished he would meticulously roll it back. The process could be repeated day in and day out. What better analogy could there be for the repeated expansions and the contractions of our universe, in an era of total ignorance and naiveté!
We have not created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is between them otherwise than in truth and for a settled term. But they who believe not, turn away from their warning.    Translation by Reverend J. M. Rodwell
We have not created the heavens and the earth, and what between them is, save with the truth and a stated term; but the unbelievers are turning away from that they were warned of.     Translation by Arthur J. Arberry
We created not the heavens and the earth and all between them but for just ends, and for a term appointed: But those who reject Faith turn away from that whereof they are warned.   Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Transliteration: maa khalaqnaa as- samaawaat wa- al- 'ard. wa- maa bayna -humaa 'illaa bi- al- h.aqq wa- 'ajal musamma(n) wa- 'alladhena kafaro can maa undhiro mucrid.on                          (Qur'an  46: 3)

Comment: Today contemporary science tells us that the universe (all that is between the heavens and the earth) has it's existence for "a term appointed". The scientifically calculated time frame for one such oscillation is 80 billion years. Since the scientists have been able to work out the time frame gives credence to the idea that only is the process a tangible event but that there is a distinct possibility of measuring such an interval. The presented computation could be erroneous but if the theory itself is not, then that proves the point; the life of this universe has been "pre-determined". Allah who declared this centuries ago alone knows the veracity of this figure!

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 INDEX