INTRODUCTION

The universe, the Milky Way galaxy that is home to our solar system, and our planet Earth are all governed by countless factors. All these laws and balances have been specifically designed and miraculously ordered to produce an environment suitable for human life.

Examining our universe in detail reveals that everything-from the most fundamental cosmic laws to the most critical physical properties, from the smallest balances to the finest ratios therein-have been arranged to meet the highest level of exactness. We are astonished to realize that this precision is set at the ideal values for human existence to not only survive, but thrive.

From the universe's rate of expansion to our Earth's location in the Milky Way galaxy, from the spectrum of the Sun's radiation to the viscosity value of water, from the distance of the Moon to the Earth to the ratio of the gases that form the atmosphere, countless other such factors are just right for human existence. In fact, the slightest alteration to even one of them would make life on Earth impossible.

Not even a single one of these factors could have become so ideal for life by sheer coincidence. The fact that thousands of elements and conditions combined to create this order is miraculous beyond the limits of human comprehension.

In fact, each of the factors necessary for the existence of human life is a miracle in its own right, not to mention the millions of factors that must combine to make this chain of miracles possible. On the other hand, a miracle is self-evidently created by God. Every bit of the universe is a miracle, the unequalled work of God's wisdom, might, and artistry.

Recent calculations demonstrate that if the current physical laws and reactions responsible for the order in the universe were altered even slightly, life-and therefore, human life-would not be possible. In terms of probability, these physical norms could have had arisen with any given value. But each one of them is set independently at its current ideal value, enabling human life which, as stated above, cannot be described with any other word but miracle.

Whichever law, principle or physical property in the universe we consider, we see that it could not have been brought to its current ideal state by itself, or through coincidence. Eyes that can see are a clear miracle. Chains of miracles are at work in every location of the universe and in every single one of its governing laws; these chains of miracles are proof for God's existence and His might.

In recent years, cosmologists and theoretical physicists began to call this mind-blowing order that spawns necessary conditions for human life "fine-tuning." Concentrating on this subject, they discovered or calculated countless examples of "fine-tuning" throughout the universe. It's appropriate here to quote some of these scientists' expressions of astonishment and wonder over the results of their research:

NASA astronomer Professor John O'Keefe: "We are, by astronomical standards, a pampered, cosseted, cherished group of creatures. If the Universe had not been made with the most exacting precision, we could never have come into existence. It is my view that these circumstances indicate the universe was created for man to live in." 1

British astrophysicist Professor George F. Ellis: "Amazing fine tuning occurs in the laws that make this [complexity] possible. Realization of the complexity of what is accomplished makes it very difficult not to use the word 'miraculous'..." 2

British astrophysicist Professor Paul Davies: "the laws [of physics] ... seem themselves to be the product of exceedingly ingenious design. The universe must have a purpose." 3

British Mathematician Professor Roger Penrose: "I would say the universe has a purpose. It's not there just somehow by chance." 4

All scientific data obtained to date shows that there is no room in the universe for chance or coincidence, anywhere or at any time. From the very first moment of the universe's inception, to its latest state at the moment when you are reading this book, it has been designed down to the last detail by the All-wise and Almighty God Who created man to witness, reflect on and appreciate His might and artistry.

In the creation of heavens and Earth, and the alternation of the night and day, and the ships which sail the seas to people's benefit, and the water which God sends down from the sky-by which He brings the Earth to life when it was dead and scatters about in it creatures of every kind-and the varying direction of the winds, and the clouds subservient between heaven and Earth, there are Signs for people who use their intellect. (Qur'an, 2:164)

This book contains examples of miracles that have occurred from the first creation of the universe and continue to occur to the present day. We have arranged these miracles into three main subjects:

• 1. The Universe
• 2. Our Solar System and the World
• 3. Living Things

The purpose of this book is to give the reader a feel for God's infinite power and artistry by showing some of the creation miracles in the universe. Also, it is also hoped that this book will lead to an awareness that everything around us, when looked at through the eyes of wisdom, is a miracle of God.

 Intelligent Design, in other words Creation

In order to create, God has no need to design

It’s important that the word “design” be properly understood. That God has created a flawless design does not mean that He first made a plan and then followed it. God, the Lord of the Earth and the heavens, needs no “designs” in order to create. God is exalted above all such deficiencies. His planning and creation take place at the same instant.

Whenever God wills a thing to come about, it is enough for Him just to say, "Be!"

As verses of the Qur’an tell us:

His command when He desires a thing is just to say to it, “Be!” and it is. (Qur'an, 36:82)

[God is] the Originator of the heavens and Earth. When He decides on something, He just says to it, “Be!” and it is. (Qur'an, 2:117)