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The Recreation of our Dermatoglyphics

Citing, once again, the Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, Mr. Meherally informs us:

"Fingerprints, the characteristic elevated ridge patterns on the finger tips of humans, are unique to each individual. The fingers and toes, the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, are covered with a system of ridges which form certain patterns. The term dermatoglyphics is applied to both the configurations of the ridges, and also to the study of fingerprints. Beside the medicolegal importance of the ridge patterns of fingerprints, characteristic dermatoglyphic abnormalities frequently accompany many chromosomal aberrations."

Comments:

1. Since the chromosomal abnormalities are the genetic indicator in the formation of aberrant ridges, one can say that the pattern of ridges of the skin of the figure tips are not a kind of haphazard formations but a pre coded arrangement built within the genetic codes of human beings.

True, based on the findings of modern science, we could say that fingerprints are the result of genetic coding and that some (but by no means all) chromosomal anomalies can be detected through an analysis of fingerprints. However, the Qur'an DOES NOT SAY THIS!

2. Of all the body parts, the next to impossible component to replace would be the "fingertips" of a man. The author of the Holy Quran, the Supreme Creator, warns us not to under estimate His capacity for its recreation.

Are you talking about finger tips or fingerprints? The finger tips are impossible to replace, as are most other parts of the body; however, fingerprints are not since they do grow back. Many criminals use sandpaper to smooth their fingerprints so that they do not leave evidence, however, they grow back in exactly the same pattern. The Arabs living in the harsh environment of the Arabian Peninsula, where there are many abrasive materials, would have known this! If this is what you are "replacing", it is not a miracle, merely an observation!

3. If the original formation of these ridges was pre coded, its recreation from a known code would be a scientifically comprehensible possibility

This conclusion can be reached by observation! Our skin is always exfoliating - sloughing off its outer layers. This includes our fingers in which the new skin has the same print patterns after the older layers are exfoliated. Once again, this is a simple observation - we do not need a divine revelation to explain this and this IS NOT what the Qur'an tells us.

Sura 75:1-4:

Yusuf Ali:

I do call to witness the Resurrection Day; And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit: (Eschew Evil). Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones? Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.

Pickthall:

Nay, I swear by the Day of Resurrection; Nay, I swear by the accusing soul (that this Scripture is true). Thinketh man that We shall not assemble his bones? Yea, verily. We are Able to restore his very fingers!

Shakir :

Nay! I swear by the day of resurrection. Nay! I swear by the self-accusing soul. Does man think that We shall not gather his bones? Yea! We are able to make complete his very fingertips

Comments: In the era when the above verse was revealed, the marvel of replacing the finger tips could have sounded like a mere term of expression. Today, we know what it really means. Who else could have spoken with such confidence, His Supernatural ability of: "putting together in perfect order, the tips of our fingers", in the sixth century, than the One who had created the genetic code that formed these ridges?

Comments: This Sura was addressed to those who did not believe in the resurrection and the afterlife according to Syed Maududi's commentary and the verses cited refer to the day of resurrection. I am sure that we both agree that all of God's creation in general, and the human body in particular, is awesome. The scene on the day of resurrection will also be an incredible sight as God raises the dead, gathering their bones and regenerating the flesh, for the last judgement.

The main problem with this alleged "miracle" of the Qur'an is that this passage says NOTHING about genetic codes or fingerprints for that matter! Once again, I believe that this is a sad example of attempting to read something from the text which is clearly not there.

Andrew Vargo

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