1400 years ago, the common belief was that white hair was solely caused by old age. However, modern science has shown that other factors, including shock or trauma, can cause hair to turn white at any age. This concept was even referenced in the Quran long before it was scientifically confirmed.

It is well known today that extreme physical or emotional shock can affect the body's metabolism, which in turn can cause hair to lose its pigment and turn white. This typically occurs with new hair growth, not the hair that is already present. According to Dr. John O'Connor, a researcher at the University of Newcastle, while hair that has already grown out cannot be affected by such trauma (since hair is essentially dead tissue), new hair follicles can emerge with a white or grey colour after a significant shock or stressful event. This change is often linked to trauma, illness, or sudden stress.

In Quran 73:17, the scripture speaks of a future day that will cause "children to turn white-haired," which suggests a phenomenon that is not directly related to aging. The verse reads:

This reference to children, who are not typically associated with old age, indicates that the change to white hair is linked to a severe event or shock, not just the natural process of aging.

The Quran's reference to the phenomenon of shock-induced white hair aligns with modern scientific findings that stress and trauma can cause hair to lose its color. This insight, which was only scientifically confirmed in recent times, serves as another example of the Quran's accuracy in portraying aspects of the natural world.