Hypoxia, the condition in which the body or a part of the body is deprived of sufficient oxygen, is a concept that was not known to earlier civilizations. However, the Quran contains descriptions that align remarkably well with modern medical understanding of hypoxia and its symptoms. Despite being an unlettered man living over 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ conveyed knowledge that matches discoveries made only in recent times regarding the effects of oxygen deprivation on the body.

At high altitudes, the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere decreases, leading to hypoxia. One key physiological response to hypoxia is hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), where the blood vessels in the lungs constrict to preserve oxygen for vital organs. This was only understood recently, but the Quran presents a metaphorical description that aligns with this phenomenon:

Cyanosis, a condition where the skin or mucous membranes turn blue due to low oxygen saturation in the blood, is a common sign of hypoxia. The Quran describes a similar phenomenon in the context of the Day of Judgment:

In cases of brain hypoxia, individuals may experience motor impairments, such as difficulty in movement or coordination. Severe oxygen deprivation can cause paralysis or loss of muscle control. The Quran uses a metaphor to describe such impairments:

This could be interpreted as a depiction of motor dysfunction, a symptom commonly associated with hypoxia, where the body’s movements become uncoordinated or impaired.

Dizziness is another symptom of hypoxia, which can feel similar to intoxication. The Quran describes individuals appearing to be drunk on the Day of Judgment, although they are not:

This sensation of being "drunk" is a symptom of hypoxia, as lack of oxygen affects the brain, causing disorientation and dizziness.

Severe oxygen deprivation can result in cortical blindness, a loss of vision due to ischemia (lack of blood flow and oxygen) to the occipital lobe of the brain. The Quran mentions a form of blindness that may be linked to this phenomenon:

This temporary blindness could correspond to the effect of oxygen deprivation on the brain’s visual processing areas, resulting in the disbelievers being raised blind on Resurrection Day.

Choking, which obstructs the airway and leads to hypoxia, is another common cause of oxygen deprivation. The Quran describes a state of extreme suffering that involves choking:

The phrase "will barely swallow" indicates choking, a condition that leads to oxygen deprivation and is associated with hypoxia.

This mention of "thorns" could symbolize choking or obstruction in the throat, leading to symptoms of hypoxia.

The Quran includes references that, when examined through the lens of modern medical knowledge, describe symptoms of hypoxia—a condition that was unknown 1400 years ago. The Quranic descriptions of constricted chests, cyanosis (blue skin), motor dysfunction, dizziness, blindness, and choking align closely with the physical signs of oxygen deprivation. These remarkable correlations raise the question: how could an unlettered man from the 7th century have known these intricate details about the human body’s response to low oxygen levels?