Iron

Sura 57 of the Quran is entitled Iron (Al-Hadeed / الحـديد), and the word iron occurs in the 25th verse of this Sura.

[57:25] We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength, and many benefits for the people. All this in order for GOD to distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers, on faith. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.

 لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنْزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ وَأَنْزَلْنَا الْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللَّهُ مَنْ يَنْصُرُهُ وَرُسُلَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

If you include the Basmalah, which is an unnumbered verse, then the word iron is the 26th verse of this sura, and it just happens that iron is the 26th element on the periodic table.

In Arabic, every letter also has a corresponding gematrical value, where each letter also represents a number, similar to Roman numerals.

If we look at the word iron in Arabic, Hadeed ( حـديد ), we see that this word has a gematrical value of 26. While the gematrical value of Al-Hadeed / الحـديد has a gematrical value of 57.

Verse 57:25, which mentions iron, contains the 26th mention of “God” in that chapter; that occurrence of the word “God” is also the 26th word of that verse (the dual occurrence of 26 could refer to a number of protons (26) and electrons (26) of Iron. Also, the most common isotope of iron on Earth is iron-56. It contains 26 protons, 26 electrons, and 30 neutrons, summing up to 82 particles. The sum of the chapter number (57) and verse (25) where iron is mentioned (57+25) is 82.

The Quran has 114 suras. If we divide 114 in half, we see that the center sura is 57, which happens to be entitled Iron (Al-Hadeed / الحـديد). Similarly, if we cut the earth in half, we see that the center of the Earth is also made from an iron core.

[57:25] We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength, and many benefits for the people. All this in order for GOD to distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers, on faith. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.

 لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنْزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ وَأَنْزَلْنَا الْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللَّهُ مَنْ يَنْصُرُهُ وَرُسُلَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

All elements in the universe were formed either during the initial Big Bang or through processes within stars, including their explosive deaths. Stars begin as clouds of hydrogen gas. Over time, gravity pulls this gas inward, increasing the star’s mass and compressing its core. As the core compresses, it heats up, enabling hydrogen atoms to undergo nuclear fusion, forming helium. This fusion process releases immense energy, balancing the inward pull of gravity.

As the star continues to grow in mass and density, the increasing temperature and pressure enable the fusion of heavier elements. After helium, elements like carbon and oxygen are formed. This cycle of fusion continues, producing progressively heavier elements, up to iron. Once the core begins to fuse iron, the process becomes unsustainable because fusing iron absorbs energy rather than releasing it. At this point, the star collapses and explodes in a supernova.

The supernova scatters the elements created during the star’s lifetime and generates even heavier elements in the process. These dispersed elements eventually coalesce into new planets and celestial objects. This is how Earth acquired its iron, a critical component for life and a cornerstone of human technological progress.

Earth’s Magnetic Field & Iron

The Earth’s iron core generates a magnetic field known as the magnetosphere, which shields the planet from harmful radiation emitted by the Sun and other cosmic sources. This magnetic field acts as a protective barrier, deflecting much of the dangerous radiation that would otherwise reach the surface. Without this magnetic forcefield, life on Earth would not exist. High-energy radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays, would bombard the planet, preventing the formation and survival of organic life. The magnetosphere is, therefore, essential for maintaining the conditions necessary for life to thrive.

Iron and Life

Iron is essential for all forms of life, and without it, life as we know it would not exist. Every living organism—plants, animals, humans, bacteria—depends on iron to survive and grow. In plants, iron is crucial for producing chlorophyll, which drives growth and generates oxygen, vital for animal and human respiration. Iron is also essential for creating DNA, the molecule that encodes the instructions for life, in plants, animals, and humans alike.

In animals and humans, iron plays a central role in forming hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin also helps remove carbon dioxide, which plants use in photosynthesis. Additionally, humans need iron to produce myoglobin, an oxygen-storing protein in muscles. Myoglobin provides the oxygen needed during physical activities like walking, running, or climbing. Without iron, these fundamental biological processes could not occur, making it indispensable to life on Earth.

Iron and the Advancement of Civilization

Iron has been a cornerstone of human civilization, driving progress and shaping the world as we know it. From the swords, shields, and armor of ancient battles to the cars we drive, the bridges we traverse, and the towering skyscrapers that define our cities, iron has played a critical role in our technological and structural advancements. It is also fundamental to countless technologies we rely on daily for work, entertainment, and sustenance.

Remarkably, it is estimated that an individual born in America today will depend on over 20,000 pounds of iron throughout their lifetime to enjoy the conveniences and advancements of modern society. This profound reliance on iron serves as a reminder to appreciate the abundance of resources provided to us, inspiring gratitude for the blessings we derive from this essential material.

Final Thoughts

Iron is a remarkable element intricately woven into the fabric of existence, science, and civilization. From its cosmic origins in the hearts of stars to its critical role in shaping Earth’s magnetic shield, iron demonstrates its indispensability for life. Its significance extends to sustaining biological processes, such as oxygen transport and DNA synthesis, and fueling the advancements that define human progress.

The Quran’s emphasis on iron in Sura 57, along with its profound gematrical and symbolic connections, highlights the intricate balance between natural phenomena and divine wisdom. Recognizing the unparalleled contributions of iron encourages not only scientific appreciation but also spiritual gratitude for the extraordinary design of our universe.