Science and Signs in the Qur’an

“Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you may not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.'” (Surah An-Naml, 27:1 8)

Surah An-Naml and Entomology: Scientific Parallels in Ant Communication

By A.S.M Razan

The intricate beauty of nature often finds its strongest echo in ancient spiritual wisdom, bridging faith, literature, and the keen observations of modern science. In the narrative framework of classical texts, tiny creatures frequently carry profound lessons of community, foresight, and survival, showing how the smallest living entities hold immense structural significance.

The Quranic account of Prophet Solomon’s journey through the valley of the ants paints a striking portrait of leadership, empathy, and selfless devotion. As the majestic army approached, a single insect recognized the impending peril and voiced a warning to her colony: “Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you may not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.'” (Surah An-Naml, 27:18).

What makes this timeless story so breathtaking is how accurately it mirrors the underlying biological realities of insect societies, presenting a vivid depiction of active communication, organizational awareness, and collective responsibility that transcends centuries.

Ants do not navigate their worlds through simple individual instinct, but through a deeply sophisticated network of chemical signals known as pheromones. When danger looms near the nest, a single ant can instantly synthesize and release volatile alarm chemicals that ripple swiftly through the underground passages, signaling the entire population to retreat to safety.

By attributing foresight, strategic awareness, and a direct communicative duty to an individual ant, sacred tradition illuminates an astounding truth that modern entomology continues to study today.

In Arabic grammar, the phrase “Qatalat namlatun” explicitly uses the feminine verb form, pointing directly to a feminine subject. Modern biology confirms that the social structure of ants depends almost entirely on sterile female workers, which build, forage, protect and sustain the daily life of the colony. The text’s precise linguistic phrasing subtly reflects this hidden biological hierarchy, highlighting the female worker’s vital role in shielding her kin from unforeseen harm.

Furthermore, the narrative highlights the profound ethical dynamic of the universe through Prophet Solomon’s compassionate response: “So Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, ‘My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve and admit me by Your mercy among Your righteous servants.'” (Surah An-Naml, 27:19).

This interaction underscores a profound moral balance where supreme power istempered by humility and empathy toward even the most humble creation. Theruler does not crush the small out of arrogance, nor does the smallcreature despair in silence.

This harmony between ancient revelation, moral ethics, and contemporary science elevates simple observation into a tapestry of wonder, inviting humanity to look closer at the world beneath our feet. Through this narrative, we are reminded that every life form operates with extraordinary purpose, proving that true strength lies in community, vigilance, and reverence for all creation.

References:
1. Scientific & Entomological
Colony Dynamics: Hölldobler & Wilson (1990), The Ants; Passera (1984), L’organisation sociale des fourmis.
Pheromone Signaling: Vander Meer et al. (1998), Pheromone Communication in Social Insects; Morgan (2009), Bioorg. Med. Chem.
Cuticle & Crushing Dynamics: Vincent & Wegst (2004), Arthropod Struct. Dev.
2. Classical Quranic Exegesis & Rhetoric (Balagha)
10 Rhetorical Components: Al-Zamakhshari (d. 1144), Al-Kashshaf.
Textual Precision: Al-Zarkashi (d. 1392), Al-Burhan; Ibn ‘Ashur (d. 1973), Tafsir al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir.
3. Grammar & Linguistic Nuances;
Feminine Conjugation: Al-Sammara’i (2003), Ma’ani al-Nahw.
Scientific Concordance: Akrom (2024), Proceedings of ISETH.
4. Scriptural Sources;
Quran: Surah An-Naml (27:18).
Hadith: Sahih Muslim, Hadith 5567 (Book of Salutations)

About the Author:
A.S.M. Razan (Abdul Salam Mohamed Razan) writes on Islam and science, with particular interest in the relationship between Qur’anic revelation and discoveries in biology, astronomy and cosmology. He is a physiotherapy student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and has a background in Biological Sciences. He is a guest writer for PEACE Magazine.

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