As you know every verse of the Quran is called a’yah, a sign, a proof and an evidence from God, a proof of His majesty, His power and His mercy. Thus we are always reminded to study the Quran and to reflect  on it as God will continue to give us better and better understanding of its contents.

Among His proofs are the ships that sail the sea with sails like flags. If He willed He could have stilled the winds, leaving them motionless on top of the water. These are proofs for those who are steadfast, appreciative. He can annihilate them, as a consequence of their works. Instead, He overlooks many (of their sins). [42:32-34]

In classical Arabic, another meaning of the word al-a’lam, flags, is “mountains.” Using this meaning of the Arabic word, the above verse may be translated as “among His proofs are the ships that sail the seas like mountains.” Now scientifically we have a potent and powerful verse, and one more reason to why each verse of the Quran is a proof, an evidence and a sign from God.

In the above verse, God makes a comparison between the ships that sail smoothly and freely through the oceans, through a sea of water and the mountains that float, that sail through a sea of space. As has been alluded to in verse 27:88, this fact was not known at the time of the Quran’s revelation and for sometime after that. Scientifically, this comparison is accurate and fits exactly. Furthermore, if God were to stop the operative forces, the winds in the case of ships and gravity in the case the earth and mountains, they would absolutely stop motionless and remain so forever. This is a concept that is once again, scientifically correct and is clearly brought out in the Quran by the use of the word yad’lalna, whose verbal root has the meaning “to continue to be always in the same state,” motionless in this case, as stated in the verse above.

Only one with detailed knowledge of earth’s movement in the vastness of space (and not just some vague ideas as some may have had) would have used this particular example is further proof that this verse and this chapter and this Quran is indeed from God, Lord of the Universe. A book through which we have mathematical proof that God has sent many prophets and many messengers throughout the world and throughout history, all conveying the identical message: worship God Alone, follow God’s guidance alone. It is a book with mathematical proof that Muhammad was the last prophet (33:40), and that Rashad was the messenger of the covenant (3:18).

Reflecting further on the verses 42:32-34, we see that they appear to be linked by the use of the prepositions, forming a paragraph. One possible explanation of this connection between the three verses is that they may be describing the three types of reaction people show when given God’s message and guidance.

There are those who readily accept and follow God’s guidance, in our case the Quran alone, absolutely and submissively. These fortunate few will go through life, sail smoothly and free from any dependence on other than God, happy here and now and in the Hereafter.

Then there are those who waver between belief and doubt, between submission and arrogance. They accept some parts of Quran, and reject others. They are like ships in the ocean of life, with no wind to their back, no true force of God’s guidance to lead them on, to propel them forward and to take them out of the darkness and danger that surrounds them from all sides. They will remain in this state, stagnant and motionless, unless they decide to unconditionally accept God’s guidance.

Finally, there are those who deliberately and arrogantly reject God’s message. Due to God’s predetermined plan, these people may not be annihilated immediately as they deserve. Rather they continue to sail in misery. But eventually their ship will sink or death will catch up with them, and they will be doomed forever.

Praise be to God.

Hossein Kowsari

God willing, this year’s United Submitters Conference will be held in Tucson, Arizona. The dates of the conference are August 18-20, 1995.

The conference is by invitation only. If you have not attended one of our conference before and would like an invitation, please contact us.

We made the hotel and conference site arrangements, and are beginning to accept registrations for the conference. The registration fees are $57 for each adult and children over 12 years of age, $29 for children of ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free.

The registration fee includes two lunches and two dinners on Friday and Saturday, and child care costs for all three days.

The registration fee does not include lodging. Hotel rooms are $57 a night inclusive of tax, full breakfast, and shuttle service to and from the airport. Children 18 and under stay free with their parents. If you are single, you may share a room with other submitters. If you need us to make the arrangements for a roommate, please let us know. We will get you the hotel information as soon as we receive your registration fee.

Therefore mark your calendar, and start making your plan’s to attend the conference. Remember that this is a great opportunity to be with the submitters from all around the world.