Superionic Water In Quran
The concept of superionic water, water that becomes black and viscous under extreme heat and pressure, was only discovered relatively recently by scientists. This state of water, also called ice XVIII, is formed when water is subjected to extraordinarily high temperatures and pressures. In this phase, oxygen ions crystallize into a lattice, while hydrogen ions move freely within this structure, making the water highly conductive, almost like a metal. Additionally, superionic water is black in color and more viscous compared to the normal water we encounter under standard conditions.
📖Quran 18:29
And say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “˹This is˺ the truth from your Lord. Whoever wills let them believe, and whoever wills let them disbelieve.” Surely We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire whose walls will ˹completely˺ surround them. When they cry for aid, they will be aided with water like molten metal, which will burn ˹their˺ faces. What a horrible drink! And what a terrible place to rest!
- The Arabic word “Muhl” (مُهْلِ) is translated as “molten” or “tar-like,” describing water in Hell as extremely dense, viscous, and intensely hot. Modern science has discovered a phase of water called superionic water, which forms under extreme heat and pressure, such as those inside planets like Uranus and Neptune. To create this state in the lab, scientists first compressed water into cubic ice (ice VII), which is 60% denser than normal water, and then subjected it to six powerful lasers, producing intense shock waves that simultaneously heated and compressed it. This water behaves like a fluid yet has the rigidity of a solid, giving it a molten, tar-like quality, capable of burning anything exposed to it.
While this extreme form of water does not naturally exist on Earth, the Quran’s description perfectly matches its properties: viscous, molten, intensely hot, and harmful. The verse does not name “superionic water” (the Quran is not a science book), but it leaves a sign for humans to reflect on such extreme phenomena. Everything described, its density, burning nature, and viscous molten form, is aligned with what scientists now understand about superionic water. Thus, we can conclude that the Quran’s depiction of “water like molten metal” corresponds conceptually to this extraordinary, destructive state of matter, demonstrating the precision and depth of Allah’s description.
Reference: Superionic Water
Additional Information
The Quran is not a science textbook; it does not aim to teach physics, chemistry, or the phases of matter. Instead, it provides signs for reflection and contemplation. The mention of intense, molten, tar-like water in Hell (Quran 18:29) leaves a sign for humans to understand the severity of punishment through vivid imagery. Modern discoveries like superionic water or extreme phases of ice provide a scientific analogy that helps us conceptualize such phenomena, but the Quran itself is guiding humans morally and spiritually, not giving technical scientific explanations. Its descriptions point to realities beyond everyday experience, leaving humans to explore and understand the underlying truths.