The Miraculous Ants and the Divine Revelation to Prophet Muhammad

The Divine Revelation and the Wisdom of Nature's Miracles

When we observe the lives of ants, we encounter fascinating phenomena that have been studied by researchers for centuries. One significant discovery is the role of ant queens or queen ants within ant colonies. In 1781, a biologist named Pierre André Latreille discovered that within ant colonies, there is one female ant that serves as the queen, laying eggs and ensuring the survival of the colony.

This science discovery was made more than 12 centuries after the Quran was revealed. However, it has already been explained in the Quran regarding a conversation between an ant queen and the ants under her colony. This conversation was heard by Prophet Solomon. This is the miracle of the Quran; it is not the composition of Prophet Muhammad, as it should be known that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an ummi prophet (unlettered) who did not receive formal education in reading and writing. How could Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have known about the life of ants having queens before the scientific discovery? The answer lies in the divine revelation received by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah explained it to him.

In the Quran, Allah says in Surah An-Naml (27:18):

"Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant (female)said, 'O ants, enter your dwellings that you may not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.'"

This verse depicts the intelligence of ants in protecting themselves and their nests from potential harm. Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) this conversation between the ant and the ant queen, which warns them to avoid the troops of Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him). This divine revelation provides information about the life of ants and reaffirms Allah's wisdom in the creation and functioning of their lives.

Look at how amazing it is that Allah narrates the story of these tiny ants and their words and conversations. Even though they are small, Allah knows what they say, and He conveys it to us.

If we reflect with reason, what is the importance and benefit of Allah narrating the story of ants to Prophet Muhammad? And why should the ants enter their nests? It is because they do not have wings. If they had wings, they could fly away. So because they lack wings, they need to quickly run into their homes. This is because female ants do not have wings. All worker ants are female and they do not have wings. This is modern scientific information, but Allah has used the appropriate grammatical structure. This is evidence that the Quran is from Allah. Prophet Muhammad could not have known these things, so it is not him who wrote the Quran.

This verse teaches us that ants actually have intelligence, and they recognize who Prophet Solomon and his soldiers are. They have a system of governance and a system of communicating information within their community. After seeing the ants roaming in and around our homes, we now know that they are creatures with intelligence.

As a prophet, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received divine revelations recorded in the Quran. The Quran is a source of divine revelation that provides guidance and knowledge about various aspects of life, including the marvels of nature and its creatures. In the verses of the Quran, Allah reveals His vast and profound knowledge about various natural phenomena, including ants and the life of ant queens.

Thus, although Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not personally observe the scientific discovery of ants having queens, he received knowledge and direct revelation from Allah that encompasses various aspects of life, including the lives of ants. This divine revelation enriched Prophet Muhammad's knowledge and understanding of Allah's creation, inspiring Muslims to continue studying and observing the miracles of nature as signs of Allah's greatness.

If we possess reason, surely we will believe in Allah and the messengers who bring the message of monotheism, which is to worship Allah alone, the Creator of all creatures in the heavens and the earth. Shouldn't we reflect on this?