Bioluminescence In Quran

📖Quran 24:40
Or like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by clouds: depths of darkness, one above another: if a man stretches out his hand, he will not see it! If Allah does not give light to a person he will not have light!

The verse referring to “depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean,” where even if someone stretches out their hand they cannot see it, fits very well with the reality of the deep sea’s darkness, In the deep ocean, it is so dark that even close objects are invisible without light. Some sea creatures produce their own faint light (bioluminescence), but without Allah’s permission or “light,” the darkness would remain absolute, So, the verse describes how utterly dark the ocean depths are, beyond human sight, and how any illumination there, like bioluminescence, depends entirely on Allah’s will, This shows both a vivid natural description and the deeper spiritual meaning that all light, guidance, or knowledge ultimately comes from Allah.

Scientific Context:
In these deep-sea environments, many organisms survive using bioluminescence, the natural ability to produce light. This phenomenon is widespread in marine life, including species of fish, jellyfish, squid, crustaceans, and even some bacteria. Bioluminescence typically emits blue or green light, as these wavelengths travel farthest in water.

• In coastal habitats, about 2.5% of organisms are bioluminescent.
• In the open ocean’s deep pelagic zones, around 76% of the main animal groups can emit light.
• Over 700 genera of animals have recorded light-producing species.
• Some deep-sea fish even emit red or infrared light, and a rare genus called Tomopteris emits yellow light.

These organisms act as their own source of light in a realm where, as the Qur’an says, “if a man stretches out his hand, he will not see it, The term bioluminescence is a human-created scientific name used to describe the natural phenomenon of living creatures producing light. It is not possible for God to give such specific names because divine knowledge and descriptions transcend human language, classifications, and limitations. God’s revelations are meant to convey universal truths in ways that remain meaningful across all times and cultures, rather than providing precise technical terms that are bound to change with human discovery, Giving specific names like “bioluminescence” is a human endeavor based on observation, experimentation, and evolving scientific understanding. Such names depend on human perspectives and languages, which are limited and temporary. God’s descriptions in the Qur’an use broader, timeless imagery to communicate essential realities, leaving room for future knowledge and understanding without being confined by specific terms. This approach highlights the depth and flexibility of divine revelation compared to the narrow scope of human naming.