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The iris has 256 unique characteristics; hence, iris scans can be used for security purpose. These are a few facts sufficient for us to thank God often. (References: discoveryeye.org, vsp.com)
[23:78] He is the One who granted you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains. Rarely are you appreciative.
Let us look at another complex organ—the brain—and appreciate some facts.
The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body. It is made up of more than 100 billion nerves. These nerves communicate through trillions of connections called synapses (junctions). The cortex is the outermost layer of the brain cells, thinking and voluntary movements begin in the cortex. Basic functions like breathing and sleep are controlled by the brain stem. A cluster of structures in the center of the brain coordinate messages between other brain areas. The cerebellum is at the base and at the back of the brain which controls the balance. The frontal lobes of the brain are responsible for problem solving, judgment and motor function. The parietal lobes (upper area, behind the frontal lobe) manage sensation, handwriting and body position. The temporal lobes (at the sides and base) are involved with memory and hearing. The occipital lobes (at the back) contain the brain’s visual processing system. (References: nursingassistantcentral.com, bebrainfit.com, epyk.com)
And look at the ear, an amazing and wonderful creation of God. Let’s review a few of the noteworthy facts about the ear.
In addition to hearing, our ears also provide us with a sense of balance. There are three small bones in our ear. While they are just like the other bones found within our body,
all three of them are so small that they can fit on a penny. In fact, the smallest bone in our whole body is the stirrup bone, found in our ears. Our internal ear is the size of a pencil eraser but there are more than 20,000 hairs on it. It is interesting to note that our ear drum is less than 0.7 inches in width and only has to move less than a billionth of an inch to do its job. Our ears never shut down, not even while we are sleeping. They still hear sounds, but these sounds are blocked by our brain. Many people don’t realize that ears clean themselves, thanks to the ear canal’s pores that are able to make cerumen (ear wax) coupled with the cilia (very small hairs) that are found there. While too much of this ear wax can make it difficult for you to hear, it will typically come out on its own. It’s also interesting to note that you get a new ear canal every year. The skin here continually increases by approximately 1.3 inches per year. If the old skin didn’t drop off, you would have a 2 feet long cord coming out of your ear by the time you’re 20-years-old. (References: hearingaids.com, factslegend.org, thesinusdoctor.com)
So, these facts are not only amazing but are also wonderful. We may use these organs every day until we die, without ever realizing how much we are blessed by God. These organs are unmatchable with any man-made creations. God has commanded us to be thankful and highlight His blessings upon us. We need to humbly appreciate these blessings of God and never forget the supremacy of God in good times as well as in the bad times.
[93:11] You shall proclaim the blessing your Lord has bestowed upon you.
Appreciating God’s blessings humbly and proclaiming them is a very important trait of the righteous.
God has created this earth and made it habitable. If we seriously reflect upon this creation and its enormity, it will compel us to accept the supremacy of God. The existence of the living creatures and non-living things in it follow the precision system of God. But this excellent creation of God is not permanent. God has made this material world for us to spend our temporary life for a fixed period.
I often wonder, if this temporary abode is so wonderful then how will it be in our final and permanent abode. It is beyond our imagination (32:17). Just think about the immense mercy of God. Though we were thrown out of paradise for not accepting the absolute authority of God, He has not left us to struggle on a barren land or at a place without any protection. He has sent us fully equipped with wisdom. He kept on sending the guidance through His messengers, prophets and scriptures. He has stored all the necessary resources required for our survival. He has not at all shown vengeance for not upholding the absolute authority of God. In fact, He has given us a chance to redeem ourselves. I think this is the greatest blessing of God.
[68:49] If it were not for his Lord’s grace, he would have been ejected into the desert as a sinner.
If God had ejected us on this earth without any help, then it would have been quite a challenge to pass this exam required for admission to Paradise. When we place our trust in God, we can be assured that He provides for all our needs.
Besides our hearing, eyesight and brains, here are a few blessings we receive from the Lord:
Forgiveness. When you place your trust in God and decide seriously to repent and reform, your sins are washed away. He not only forgives you but also transforms your sins into credit and at times overlooks your lesser sins.
[25:70] Exempted are those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life. GOD transforms their sins into credits. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
[42:34] He can annihilate them, as a consequence of their own works. Instead, He overlooks many (of their sins).
Freedom. God has given us freedom to choose whichever path we want . There is no compulsion, whether to accept the guidance of God or to reject it.
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