Atom, Sub-Atomic Particles and Molecules

In ancient times people believed that the smallest unit of matter was the atom, which cannot be sub-divided. The Greeks originally proposed this theory and the ancient Arabs also believed that the smallest indivisible particle is an atom, which they called as 'dharrah'.

In recent times, modern science has discovered that it is possible to split even an atom into sub-atomic particles viz., electrons, protons, neutrons, and mesons.

The fact that the atom can be split further, is a development of the 20th century. But this is what Allaah said in the Holy Qur’an:

“Those who disbelieve say: ‘The Hour will not come to us.’ Say: ‘Yes, by my Lord, it will come to you.’ (Allaah, He is) the All-Knower of the unseen, not even the weight of an atom or less than that or greater, escapes from His Knowledge in the heavens or in the earth, but it is in a Clear Book.”

[Al Qur’an 34:3]

“Whatever you may be doing, and whatever portion you may be reciting from the Qur’an, and whatever deed you may be doing, We are Witness thereof, when you are doing it. And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in the heaven. Not what is less than that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record.”

[Al Qur’an 10:61]

These verses also refer to the Omniscience of Allaah, His knowledge of all things, hidden or apparent. The expression “greater than” is comprised with the knowledge of the greater compositions like molecules.

Thus these verses clearly shows that it is possible for something smaller than the atom to exist, a fact mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, discovered only recently by modern science!