Embryology in the Quran
24:53
27 Nov 2011
Embryology, Miracles / Ijaz
TheRationalizer
In this vlog (video blog), the Rationalizer argues against representations that the Qurʾān contains miraculous information about embryology, also known as iʿjāz. He demonstrates with cited quotes from translations of Galen that the information in the Qurʾān could well have been known by physicians in Muḥammad’s time, or by Muḥammad himself. He stops short of pointedly saying the Qurʾānic text is not divine, although that is plain from his presentation.
He includes clips of P.Z. Myers, a biologist and embryologist, saying that what the (off screen) questioner was representing as Qurʾānic was wrong. He also pointedly debunks material from Hamza Tzortzis.
Evaluation:
Although the Rationalizer takes pains to say “Muslim apologists” and never “Muslims”, he clearly puts a great deal of time and energy into debunking Muslim ideas.
The science and history presented here is carefully cited from well known scholars, and includes material from ḥadīth (narratives about the Prophet Muhammad) and tafsīr (texts that interpret the Qurʾān) that support his representations.
About TheRationalizer
The Rationalizer is the user name for an anonymous vlogger (videos on YouTube since 2010) who began learning about Islam after he started learning Arabic in the UK. Raised by agnostic and atheist parents, he also attended a school with required Christian assemblies, which provided a grounding in religious beliefs. For a time as an adult he investigated Islam with a view to converting, but the claims for miracles in the Qurʾān (iʿjāz) led him to learn more about science and ancient beliefs, which ultimately led him down the path of becoming an atheist.
He works in the information technology industry as a business analyst and programmer.
To date (May 2015) he has created 25 videos about Islam, generally discussing errors in internet videos, often those associated with iʿjāz. (The ones addressing science and Islam may be found on the Portal using the search feature in the upper right corner of the site.)
In addition to his YouTube account, the Rationalizer is active on social media such as Twitter and the forums at CouncilOfExMuslims.com.