Science - Sequence in development of human organs
In a publication featured in the Journal of the Islamic Medical Association, Professor Keith Moore reveals a fascinating insight into the intricate process of fetal development. He highlights that the formation of the eye occurs after the inner ear has already taken its initial shape, shedding light on the sequential nature of these vital transformations. Moreover, Dr. Moore elucidates that the brain, the epicenter of emotions and comprehension, embarks on its development journey following the completion of ear and eye formation.
Remarkably, the auditory system commences its development as early as the twenty-second day of pregnancy and reaches full functionality by the fourth month. This astonishing fact implies that the fetus can perceive sounds within the sanctuary of its mother's womb. It is this early development of the sense of hearing that accounts for its precedence over other essential functions in a newborn.
Beginning with the sixth week, eyes start to develop. Later around the 16th week, the ears stand out. However, at birth, the sense of hearing is much more dominant than the sense of sight. A child's clarity of vision (visual acuity) has usually developed to 20/20 by the time the child reaches six months of age. At this time, babies achieve fairly precise eye movement control. Therefore, the final development of hearing capability is prior to the completion of capability of seeing.
Finally, our understanding of things and learning through hearing is more than through seeing.
It is worth noting that around the 18th week of pregnancy, the baby's ability to hear sounds emerges, marking yet another milestone in the miraculous process of fetal growth.
Qur'an - Sequence in development of human organs
More than 1400 years ago, the Holy Qur'an stated the following scientific facts. It always mentions "hearing" before "vision", and both before "the brain".
During the baby's development, the ability to hear fully develops before the ability to see. Generally speaking, the sense of hearing holds more influence than sight. For instance, our vision is limited to a specific angle and requires sufficient light, whereas our hearing can perceive sounds from all directions, day or night. Hearing remains more active than sight. For instance, while our vision shuts down during sleep, our hearing remains engaged.
Sound information is more condensed compared to visual information. Both are processed by the brain.
وَٱللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّنۢ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْـًٔا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful. 16:78
إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ نَّبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَـٰهُ سَمِيعًۢا بَصِيرًا
Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; So We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight. 76:2
وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَشْكُرُونَ
It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give! 23:78