Critical Analysis of Scientific Interpretations of Verse 33 of Surah al-Raḥmān

Empirical sciences and modern human achievements have been mentioned as one of the tools to reach the meaning of the Qurʾānic verses. Some Qurʾānic commentators and researchers have considered verse 33 of Surah al-Raḥmān to be one of the scientific miracles of the Qurʾān. This view can be disputed from two perspectives. The precision in the meaning of the words of the verse indicates that the word «نفوذ» literally means "exit"; and its use in ascending to the sky is a new application and caused by a neglect of the original meaning of this substance, which was formed under the influence of human achievements in the field of contemporary cosmic sciences. Because in the usages of the Qurʾān, the two roots «عرج» and «صعد» are used to ascend to the sky. On the other hand, paying attention to the inner context of the mentioned verse indicates that the meaning of the verse is to weaken and show the weakness of jinns and humans against Allah's power and not leaving them from the divine dominion. Also, by reflecting on the verses before and after verse 33 of Surah al-Raḥmān and their relationship with each other, it becomes clear that the context of these verses is related to the conditions of the Day of Judgment and the reckoning on that day; and the meaning of the verses is to express the encirclement and dominion of Almighty Allah over jinns and humans.