The Quran mentions mountains with streaks of different colours, a phenomenon that may have been unimaginable to people in the Arabian Desert 1400 years ago. Today, geological discoveries have confirmed the existence of such colourful mountains, providing a striking alignment with the Quranic description.
Quranic ReferenceIn Surah Fatir (35:27), Allah says:
Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky with which We bring forth fruits of different colours? And in the mountains are streaks of varying shades of white, red, and raven black;35:27
The verse describes mountains streaked with various colours, including white, red, and black. This imagery is vivid and specific, and such mountains were not known in the Arabian Peninsula at the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Modern Geological Findings - Multi-Coloured MountainsGeologists have found colourful, streaked mountains in places like the Vinicunca Mountain (Rainbow Mountain) in Peru, as well as formations in China’s Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. These streaks are the result of mineral deposits and sedimentary layering over millions of years. Different minerals contribute to distinct colours: Iron oxides result in red hues. Limestone and other lighter minerals create white streaks. Basalt and other volcanic materials contribute to darker, black streaks.
The Role of MineralsMinerals such as hematite, chlorite, and gypsum, among others, form layers that differ in colour based on their chemical composition and the environment in which they were deposited.
Rarity of Streaked MountainsWhile minerals can individually exhibit various colours, the phenomenon of multicoloured streaks in the same mountain is relatively rare. Such formations are celebrated as geological wonders. Contextual Analysis
Arabian GeographyIn the Arabian Peninsula, mountains are generally monochromatic, predominantly brown or grey. The concept of streaked, colourful mountains would have been completely foreign to the Arabs of the 7th century.
Scientific AccuracyThe Quran’s description aligns with modern understanding of geological processes, including mineral layering and erosion. The verse is not merely poetic but reflects a reality discovered centuries later.
ConclusionThe Quran’s reference to streaked colourful mountains in Surah Fatir (35:27) is supported by modern geological discoveries of multicoloured formations, such as the Rainbow Mountain in Peru. This phenomenon, unknown to the people of Arabia 1400 years ago, is another indication of the Quran’s alignment with scientific knowledge revealed long after its time.
