Birds don't accept adultery

For many years, scientists believed that birds are fighting and competing to get the female without any ethical rules. But is it the truth? Let us read ….

A new study for a tropical bird called "manakins" illustrated that male who wins the grand prize to get the female is the only one who lives with her till death, but after that his counterpart may marry and lives with his widow!!! That sincerity may not be found in human life.

What happens is that the tropical male birds perform a courtship song and dance, but the alpha male gets the girl every time. The dance, dubbed "backwards leapfrog", was filmed in Costa Rica by zoologists from the University of Wyoming.

"At first glance, it appears like a competitive [dance-off] but in fact it is a co-operative pact between buddies" says Dr David McDonald, of Wyoming University. Also he added" As far as I know it is the only example of male-male [mating] co-operation in the animal kingdom".

Hence we can say that there are two males: the (Alfa) who marries the female and the (Beta) who waits till the death of Alfa. Meanwhile the beta spends five years playing second fiddle. But he eventually inherits the mating site.

Here it is nice to say that the male birds' partnership lasts up to five years, during that time, the beta male does not copulate as he has to wait until alpha male dies - he doesn't kick him out. So he may be waiting until he's 10, 15 or even older. In return, he will eventually inherit the mating site and become the alpha himself.

The network of relations by the male decides his role in the courtship song and dance. "As males grow up, they go through a complex network of social interactions, as how well connected a young male is will predict how he will do - whether he becomes an alpha or a beta." says Dr McDonald.

In fact the females don't know the males individually. They map the sites where males are doing really hot performances. But how do the males decide which of them is the alpha? Dr McDonald says" It is not a case of who is a better dancer, what it comes down to is how -well connected- he is among his buddies".

From this study we can conclude that birds have high level of Morality and cooperation which is considered to be evidence that world of birds looks like our world. God be He blessed and exalted says: (There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.)(Sûrat Al-An’âm- verse38).

Also we can realize that those creatures can think and can distinguish between right and wrong, we see in mankind some people who looks at what others have got of livelihood (wife, money, sons, etc…).

Notice: most of animals and birds are like human as we can find lying, cheating and bluffing in their life, also they can distinguish between Good and evil, so the koranic description is very precise and accurate.

--------------------

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

www.kaheel7.com/eng

References:

1. http://www.uwyo.edu/news/webclips/showrelease.asp?webclipid=2601

2. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/arabic/sci_tech/newsid_7891000/7891460.stm

Ants are smarter than we think

The following picture calls any believer to glorify Allah almighty, world of ants is strange;….

The following picture calls any believer to glorify Allah almighty, world of ants is strange; hence there is a complete verse in the Qur'an named "the ant". Let us read and glorify Allah.

In the following pictures (enlarged by microscopes), we see a small ant extracts honeydew from Aphid. The ant emits adhesive material to stick the aphid on the plant inside a determined circle by that ant, so that aphid couldn't run away till the ant comes and sucks the honeydew from it!!

The honeydew is gathered at the same place till the ant comes and swallows the sugary honeydew.

Ants and aphids share a well-documented relationship of mutualism. Ants feed on the sugary honeydew left behind by aphids. In exchange, the ants protect the aphids from predators and parasites. In fact, honey ants will go to unusual lengths to ensure the health of the aphids in their care.

The Question, does the ant thank Allah? Of course it does, because He almighty taught her that technique to gather the sugary honeydew. Don't you believe that ant is smarter than we think? God be He blessed and exalted says: (And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus, grave). All is in a Clear Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz -the Book of Decrees with Allah).)(Sûrat Hûd-verse 6).

--------------------

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

www.kaheel7.com/eng

To watch some videos about the relationship between Ants and aphids click on the following links:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhi-SYxNPFw&feature=related

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqSZC7btVsA&NR=1&feature=fvwp

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE7UL2pAaL0&NR=1

References:

http://crawling-insects.suite101.com/article.cfm/aphids_and_ants

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ant_feeding_on_honeydew.JPG

Early warning system in the beetle

In this article we are going to see how German scientists had learned from the beetles how to make an early warning system to detect fires, the black beetle can detect the fire 80 kilometer away. Let us read….

During a forest fire, most insects and animals flee in all directions, flying, and running, crawling and using every possible means to avoid the deadly flames. But there are exceptions, like some spices of beetles.

Some scientists believe people can capitalize on their behavior and the body parts they use to detect fire or sense chemicals in the environment.

Scientific news from Germany

Nowadays, group of scientists in the University of Bonn are working hardly to invent sensors like the detection sensors in the black beetles which can detect the fire tens of kilometers far from the flame, those scientists are looking for that invention to help in preventing forests fires.

Researcher kloka from the Institute of Zoology at the University of Bonn confirms that some spices of beetles can hear the fires, also he say that he is trying to study those spices to figure out how it avoids fire and how it detects the emitted Infrared ray from that fire?

Under supervision of Professor Helmut Schmitz (University of Bonn), kloka concentrated on the black beetle which lives in forests and don’t runaway from fires, it searches for it. Its larva feeds on burned wood.

In their fire-seeking frenzy, flying into flames or crawling along still-smoldering trees, the beetles may be trying to beat competitors to weakened or dying trees so that they are the first to plant their eggs into them, researchers believe.

To do that, though, the beetles must be able to find burning trees and get to them quickly. While it has been known for decades that these insects have infrared detectors that allow them to sense the heat of fires, new research by scientists indicates they also possess highly sensitive detectors in their antennas that allow them to sense minute amounts of volatile substances in smoke from burning wood.

Scientists say that the beetle possesses highly sensitive detectors in its antenna that allow it to sense the volatile substances in smoke from burning wood.

The research team had succeeded to recognize how these systems work as they are willing to mimic it. Professor Schmitz says: 'we are cooperating with researchers in biology to build micro mechanic systems which are similar to what is in the beetles.'

Another researcher Dr. Stefan Schutz of the Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany, and colleagues say this highly sensitive smoke detection, coupled with their heat sensors, appears to be part of a system that allows the beetles to sense fires and home in on them from distances of more than 30 miles away.

''There is a complex interplay with the infrared system that we do not fully understand,'' Dr. Schutz said, also he added ''but we think detecting the smoke may be an early indication to the beetle that there is a fire in the area.''

''The beetles are often found in hilly places where there may not be the clear line of sight to a fire that is needed by their heat detectors'' he said.

E. Richard Hoebeke, a beetle expert in the entomology department at Cornell University said the German work was ''new and exciting'' but also showed how much people had to learn about insects.

'Think about how little we know of insects with incredibly sensitive and complex sensory mechanisms.' Mr. Hoebeke asked.

Dr. Daniel Young, director of the insect research collection at the University of Wisconsin's entomology department, said many beetle species found in the United States and Canada exhibited fire-seeking behavior, looking for stressed or dying trees in which to plant their eggs, so their larvae could develop in or under the bark.

Dr. William G. Evans, an entomologist who studied the insects 30 years ago as a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, said he was gratified that scientists were continuing to study the beetles, but not too surprised by their findings. ''All insects have olfactory organs in their antennas,'' he said, ''and you would almost expect the beetles to detect smoke.''

In earlier research, Dr. Evans discovered that Melanophila acuminata had a pair of thoracic pit organs that were sensitive infrared receptors, guiding the insect to fires.

These creatures are subjected to serve human

1. The above study by those group of scientists confirms that God had created everything for specific purpose but all creatures are subjected to serve human and must have a purpose , God says: (And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favor and kindness from Him. Verily, in it are signs for a people who think deeply.)(Sûrat Al-Jâthiyah-verse 13).

2. There is no mess in our universe and nothing is purposelessly, therefore every creature on earth has a benefit even animals and insects. God says: (Everything with Him is in (due) proportion.*All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Most Great, the Most High.)(Sûrat Ar-Ra‘d-verse 8-9).

3. Allah is the one who created and subjected all of these creatures (Animals, plants, insects, moon, sun, etc…….); shouldn't we thank and glorify that great God?

Scientists are asking very naïve question" How did these beetles develop their ability to lay eggs this way?'' The beetle expert Mr. Hoebeke asked.

Will Allah almighty forgives us and all people (Muslims and non Muslims) for the illiteracy of His graces?

Hence we Muslims should thank Allah for His graces and to be more submissive to His orders. God says: (Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah's Reminder (this Qur'an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, the disobedient to Allah).)(Sûrat Al-Hadîd- verse16).

Also we have to deliver the message of Islam and the miracle in Qur'an and Sunnah to all people even Muslims and non Muslims all over the world.

--------------------

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

www.kaheel7.com/eng

References:

1. http://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/11/science/on-the-trail-of-fire-detecting-beetles.html

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetle

3. www.dw-world.de

Cosmic rivers

It is a new scientific discovery in which the westerners use the exact Koranic term. Let us read about these rivers of stars that flow in our galaxy and recognize the greatness of this religion…

American scientists recently discovered a long river of elegant stars streaming in a thrilling and striking way. This river is 76000 light years distance from us. This river includes around 50000 stars! The scientists assure the multiplicity of such rivers which spread in the universe containing stars flowing and running in a way similar to the movement of the water of rivers on the earth.

If we visualize their discoveries, we notice that they use the word “stream” which means “run” which is a word the Quran uses to express the movement of the sun. And as we know, the sun is a star, and there are more than a hundred thousand million suns flowing in our galaxy all in a precise system. Allah (SWT) describes the movement of the sun saying “And the sun runs on its fixed course for a term (appointed). That is the decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing” [ya-sin: 38].

In a study that was published in the “Astrophysical Journal Letters” magazine of March-2006, the owner of the discovery Carl Grillmair, an American researcher working for the California Institute of Technology’s Spitzer Science Center, caught my attention for his attempt to find a connection between the rivers in the sky and the rivers in the earth.

An image from NASA assures the existence of numerous rivers of stars in our galaxy. Glory to Allah!

In his research, Carl Grillmair says that studying the stars’ rivers is very necessary to know the way the galaxies were shaped, exactly like studying the earth and the mountains to recognize how rivers were formed. What is amazing is that when Allah (SWT) spoke regarding the sun, the following verse was talking about the earth’s rivers and mountains! He Almighty says: “He has subjected the sun and the moon each running (its course) for a term appointed) [Ar-Rad: 2], He then said in the following verse: (And it is He who spread out the earth, and placed therein firm mountains and rivers” [Ar-Rad: 3].

From here we recognize that speaking of the flowing of the sun, the moon, and the rivers are among the Quranic signs which proves that this book can’t be a human made; it is Allah’s (SWT) words, the lord of humankind. Scientists say that no one could see or predict these cosmic rivers before 2006 and that the scientists used a new technology referred to as “matched filtering”. The discoveries are still in the preliminary steps, and no one could have predicted stars running in the sky before the twenty first century.

This proves that the Quran preceded the scientists in using the description “running” regarding the sun. That’s because the description is precise, matches the reality, and is scientifically acknowledged. Let’s look at this amazing Quranic description with reference to the running sun and the running ships in the seas: He almighty says: “See you not (O Muhammad) that Allah merges the night into the day, and merges the day into the night, and has subjected the sun and the moon, each running its course for a term appointed; and that Allah is All-Aware of what you do* That is because Allah, He is the Truth, and that which they invoke besides Him is falsehood; and that Allah, He is the Most High, the Most Great* see you not that the ships run through the sea by Allah’s Grace that He may show you of His signs? Verily, in this are signs for every patient, grateful (person)” [Luqman: 29-31].

Scientists say that the movement of the stars in the galaxy including the sun is to some extent similar to the movement of a ship in the sea. They each run and swim in currents similar to waves, and that the movement is ascending and descending. Allah (SWT) says: “It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit” [Ya-Sin: 40]. The word “float” is scientifically very accurate.

Since that the scientists are studying the rivers of the skies; if the scientists found these terms inaccurate, they wouldn’t use them. This provides evidence for the exact match between the Quran and science. Allah (SWT) says: “Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely, have found therein many a contradiction” [An-Nisa: 82].

--------------------

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

www.kaheel7.com/eng

References:

1. Astronomers Discover A River of Stars Streaming Across The Northern sky, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/03/060320221139.htm
2. http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap021017.html

This is the creation of Allah: the camel

Camels have lived in some of the most desolate corners of our planet, and not only do they live,….

Camels have lived in some of the most desolate corners of our planet, and not only do they live, they thrive. Most large animals are unable to survive in these kinds of desolate places. This is because of their large requirement for resources such as food and water. Camels are able to use this to their advantage as a survival strategy.

Allah almighty had supported this animal with some characteristics to enable it to live in desert in unbearable circumstances. The question is why the nature or coincidence did support that animal with these characteristics and didn't support the others!!!?

Camels can travel long distances which allow them to take advantage of the maximum number of resources. They can withstand a massive amount of dehydration which allows them to survive not only between watering holes, but sometimes between seasons. For food, camels are omnivorous. They can eat almost anything be it vegetation, meat, or bone, -- salty or sweet, a camels stomach knows no limits.

Look at this beautiful creation, when we see that we have to remember Allah's saying: (Say: "Have ye seen (these) 'Partners' of yours whom ye call upon besides God? Show me what it is they have created in the (wide) earth. Or have they a share in the heavens?)(Sûrat Fatir- verse40)

General Characteristics of the camel

The camel's body Length is 300 cm (10ft) and its Shoulder Height is 180-210 cm (6-7 ft). The Tail Length of the camel is 50 cm (20in) and its weight is from 600 to1000 kg (1320-2200 lb).

The smooth coat is beige to light brown in wild-type individuals, with the undersides slightly lighter. The legs are long and slender, with callousness on the 'knees' where they touch the ground when the animal is lying down. Though often called the one-humped camel, the dromedary has two humps used for energy storage in the form of fat. The under-developed anterior hump sits over the shoulders and the large rear hump is found in the centre of the back. The upper lip is deeply split, and the nostrils can be closed. There are long eyelashes, which help to keep sand out of the eyes. The two broad toes on the feet are able to spread widely as an adaptation to walking on sand.

Ecology and Behavior

The ability of the camel to survive in desert conditions without water for long periods of time is rivaled by none. The many physiological adaptations the dromedary has even earned it the title "ship of the desert". Dromedaries can glean much of their needed water from desert vegetation, and can survive after losing over 40 percent of their body weight in water.

When water is available (fresh or salty), camels drink well - up to 57 liters at a time. Camels also have a flexible 'thermostat', and will not start sweating until their body temperature reaches 42^oC / 107.5^oF. Nor do heating mechanisms kick in during the cooler nights until the internal temperature reaches 34^oC / 92^oF. Besides saving energy, this physiological adaptation allows the camel to "store" coolness in preparation for the next day. On hot days, dromedaries will rest together in closely packed groups, with reduces the heat reflecting off of the ground considerably.

The mouth is very sturdy, able to chew thorny desert plants. Long eyelashes and ear hairs, together with sealable nostrils, form a barrier against sand. Their gait and their widened feet help them move without sinking into the sand

Also to save water the kidneys and intestine of a camel are very efficient at retaining water. Urine comes out as thick syrup, and their feces are so dry that they can fuel fires. Camels do not store water in their humps as is commonly believed. The humps are actually a reservoir of fatty tissue. Concentrating body fat in their humps minimizes heat-trapping insulation throughout the rest of their body, which may be an adaptation to living in hot climates. When this tissue is metabolized, it acts as a source of energy, and yields more than 1 g of water for each 1 g of fat converted through reaction with oxygen from air.

This car is a human made… But who created this magnificent? Creation, coincidence or blind nature?

Allah says: (Do they not look at the Camels, how they are made?* and at the Sky, how it is raised high?* and at the Mountains, how they are fixed firm?*and at the Earth, how it is spread out?*Therefore do thou give admonition, for thou art one to admonish) (Sûrat Al-Ghasyha verse 17-21).

--------------------

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

www.kaheel7.com/eng

References:

1. http://fohn.net/camel-pictures-facts/

2. http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Camelus_dromedarius.html

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camel

Children are Born Believers in God

Children are "born believers" in God and do not simply acquire religious beliefs through indoctrination, according to an academic..

Dr Justin Barrett, a senior researcher at the University of Oxford's Centre for Anthropology and Mind, claims that young people have a predisposition to believe in a supreme being because they assume that everything in the world was created with a purpose.

He says that young children have faith even when they have not been taught about it by family or at school, and argues that even those raised alone on a desert island would come to believe in God.

Human sperm created from stem cells in world first, claims British university. The preponderance of scientific evidence for the past 10 years or so has shown that a lot more seems to be built into the natural development of children's minds than we once thought, including a predisposition to see the natural world as designed and purposeful and that some kind of intelligent being is behind that purpose," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"If we threw a handful on an island and they raised themselves I think they would believe in God."

In a lecture to be given at the University of Cambridge's Faraday Institute on Tuesday, Dr Barrett will cite psychological experiments carried out on children that he says show they instinctively believe that almost everything has been designed with a specific purpose. In one study, six and seven-year-olds who were asked why the first bird existed replied "to make nice music" and "because it makes the world look nice".

Another experiment on 12-month-old babies suggested that they were surprised by a film in which a rolling ball apparently created a neat stack of blocks from a disordered heap.

Dr. Barrett said there is evidence that even by the age of four, children understand that although some objects are made by humans, the natural world is different. He added that this means children are more likely to believe in creationism rather than evolution, despite what they may be told by parents or teachers.

Dr Barrett claimed anthropologists have found that in some cultures children believe in God even when religious teachings are withheld from them. "Children's normally and naturally developing minds make them prone to believe in divine creation and intelligent design. In contrast, evolution is unnatural for human minds; relatively difficult to believe."

Allah All Mighty says: (So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: (establish) God's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by God: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not.) [30 / 30].

This verse refers to fact that every child has born on "pattern" i.e. they believers in God, and this is what scientists say today.

-------------------

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

www.kaheel7.com/eng

Sources:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/3512686/Children-are-born-believers-in-God-academic-claims.html

Happiness

Let us examine the results of one American study regarding reasons for happiness and how our Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) told us about them fourteen centuries ago.….

Causes that bring happiness to humankind

After many years of wondering about the causes of human pleasure, a new study revealed three reasons that solve this complex problem and show the sources of humanities cheerfulness.

In their study, Jonathon Height and Jenifer Silvers found that communication and interaction between people increases the release of the hormone oxytocin and increases the effects of the vagus nerve; both appear to enhance happiness. The results were partially publicized on the Oprah program, where a video showed how a mother’s actions reflected on her happiness. On the program, Height explained that human happiness appears to come from the process of the human body interacting with its’ surroundings. Height then clarified three reasons that better serve the human psyche: communicating and interacting with others, volunteering to help others, and thinking about the universe.

Communicating and interacting with others

Interacting with others, feeling with them and their successes is a significant cause for happiness. Conversely, a person should always aim to reach an intended goal, to aid in progressing while living.

Volunteering to help others

The researchers found that the process of volunteering to help others helps raise peoples’ self esteem. It can aid in feeling self-confident when difficulties arise.

Thinking about the universe

A final source of happiness is to track the mysteries of the universe and the world. This can bring joyfulness to the heart.

The hormone of love

Other studies have also found that happiness is linked to the hormone oxytocin. The hormone has become known as the “hormone of love” since it’s released during intercourse and when meeting with loved ones. It has also been linked to feeling confident and sincere.

The Vagus nerve

Other investigators have found that happiness is also linked to the vagus nerve, which is the only nerve that originates in the brain and ends in the digestive system. It links the muscles of the face to both the heart and lungs. Researchers have clarified that the vagus nerve carries messages between the central nervous system and the main organs of the body. It also helps maintain the heart beat at a low level and calms the immune system.

Did the prophet (peace be up on him) talk about these results before western scientists?

After long experiments, the scientists appear to have verified the commands of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). The Prophet commanded us to pray in congregation, to gather with a group to remember Allah (swt), and to publicize the truth about Islam and Allah (swt) almighty. A believer should not be away from others, rather they should spend time with their fellow muslims. Taking care of kin is one of the most important worships, and severing the bond of kinship is one of the worst deeds. That’s why Islam commands us to communicate and interact with others; for our and their own benefit, just as the study found.

The study found that happiness is linked to helping others; Islam commands us to help others and lend a hand to our brothers. Islam commands us to be good to our parents and to serve them, to provide for the poor and needy people among us, to forgive those who have treated us unjustly, to exonerate those who have mistreated us, and not to harm others. We should remember the Prophets’ saying “Whoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, ALLAH will remove from him one of the grieves of the Day of Resurrection“, Narrated by Muslim.

The study points out the importance of thinking about the mysteries of the universe and the creation, but as a Muslim, I have a great book to help me comprehend these mysteries, the Quran. The Quran is full of universal miracles that invite the believer to have more humbleness, faith, and happiness. Thinking about the universe is one of the most significant forms of worship. In the Quran, Allah (swt) almighty says “And think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth” (Al-Imran:191).

As to the importance of the “hormone of love” and its link to happiness, we remember that Islam commanded us to get married and enjoy marriage within the ruling of Islam. Moreover, our religion commands us to gather with believers and remember Allah (swt). Let us remember that most of the commendations and inhibitions from Allah (swt) that are directed toward the believers com in the plural form of “oh you who believe”, which is a proof about the importance for the believer to be within a group and not to leave it.

As for the vagus nerve and its link to happiness, Islam commands us to eat food that is good, avoid unlawful food, and it prohibits us from wasting. If the believers followed these instructions he would be guaranteed good health and to not get diseases, hence he would be guaranteed more happiness.

Aren’t all of these things what Islam has brought to mankind? Shouldn’t western scientists admire this religion and know that when they provide us with studies aimed at determining what makes humankind happy that the Prophet (peace be upon him) came with these same sources before them? By Allah (swt), the Prophet (peace be upon him) who came with these instructions that guarantee happiness to humankind was a noble and merciful prophet, not a prophet of destruction or terrorism as they imagine him! He is as Allah (swt) the majesty describes him in the Quran: “Verily, there has come unto you a messenger from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is anxious over you; for the believers full of pity, kind, and merciful but if they turn away, say (O Muhammed): “Allah is sufficient for me. None has the right to be worshipped but He. In him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne” (Al-Taubah:128-129).

--------------------

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

www.kaheel7.com/eng

Source: CNN