Terminal Velocity refers to the highest speed an object can reach while falling freely under gravity, when the force of air resistance balances out the force of gravity. For instance, a skydiver in a belly-to-earth position typically reaches a terminal velocity of around 195 km/h (120 mph). However, certain birds can exceed this speed, with the Peregrine Falcon reaching an incredible 389 km/h, and the Golden Eagle reaching speeds of 240-320 km/h. These raptors can dive faster than a skydiver, which has significant relevance when considering the Quranic reference to birds overtaking a falling human.

In Quran 22:31, the verse describes a metaphor in which those who associate partners with God are likened to someone falling from the sky, being snatched by birds or carried away by the wind:

This verse mentions birds snatching a person in mid-air, a description that, on the surface, could seem implausible. However, considering the context of raptors like the Peregrine Falcon and Golden Eagle, which can exceed a skydiver's terminal velocity, the metaphor becomes strikingly accurate. These birds can indeed outpace a free-falling human, capable of swooping down faster than terminal velocity allows for humans in free-fall.

While the concept of terminal velocity was not known 1400 years ago, this verse in the Quran aligns with the modern discovery that certain birds, specifically raptors, can dive at extraordinary speeds that can easily surpass a skydiver's descent. The Quran's reference to birds being able to snatch a person mid-fall illustrates a remarkable level of precision in the depiction of natural phenomena, aligning with what we know about the flight capabilities of these birds today. The Peregrine Falcon, in particular, is known for its speed, reaching 389 km/h in a dive. This makes it the fastest bird—and indeed the fastest animal—on Earth, capable of overtaking any skydiver at 195 km/h terminal velocity. The description in the Quran, therefore, isn't just poetic but can be seen as remarkably accurate in light of modern scientific understanding. Whilst these verses might not necessarily reference the scientific findings mentioned here, they clearly showcase how the guidance mentioned in the Quran are very much scientifically possible. Whilst these verses might not necessarily reference the scientific findings mentioned here, they showcase how, even the most hard to imagine realities explained by the Quran, can be shown to be permissible with modern scientific discoveries.