I’ve been very busy lately, with various activities and commitments. My university switched over to semester system in March and we have our first semester finals in June, preparation for which is in full swing, Alhamdolillah. One very important thing that I’m becoming increasingly aware of – and amazed by – as I delve deeper into my medical books, is the immensely intricate and absolutely beautiful system that is at work in our bodies.

These days, I’m going through a chapter in Pathology (Pathology = literally, the study of diseases) that explains the processes underlying the development of Neoplasias or tumors/cancers. The book describes how cells normally are regulated within very strict cycles of life, with constant quality contol to ensure mutations (leading to unlimited cell multipilication – cancer) do not arise or go unnoticed. SubhanAllah, there are so many different genes and gene-products working round the clock to ensure cells stay in line! And there are so many different points where things could go wrong were it not for the constant ‘policing’ by regulatory genes and enzymes. Imagine this for instance – as the cells prepare to divide, they make copies of their DNA for the daughter cells to receive. This DNA, during the copy-process, naturally incurs some breaks, some missing parts, etc. and if it were left like that, we’d be unable to exist as we do today. The accumulation of such potentially lethal or even carcinogenic (cancer-causing) changes/mutations would make life impossible – or make grossly distorted and dysfunctional bodies an inevitable occurence. Instead, repair and analytical enzymes put the DNA through strict testing measures. If repair is possible, it is done but if it is not possible, these regulatory mechanisms activate certain “suicide” genes which activate cell-shut down mechanisms, to prevent the mutated DNA from proceeding into further daughter cells! SubhanAllah!

Could we have ever imagined all this could be going on inside our bodies? Even as you read this, your cells are constantly at work like a super factory, where each departments and each process is playing its role to sustain your life, without your having to tell them to do so! Amazing isn’t it? And I’ve only introduced you to the tip of the iceberg! The specific genes, enzymes, receptors, nuclear transciption factors, growth factors and checkpoint molecules, as we discover them with each passing day, are impossible to describe here. Researchers are wow-ed over and completely taken in by what they discover. Only a scientist will tell you with conviction that all this, just one part of the great complexity that we call ‘nature’, is not something to take lightly. We’re dealing with intelligence at levels we cannot even comprehend!

“Soon, We will show them Our signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the truth! Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is Witness over all things?

Verily! They are in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Verily! It is He who is surrounding all things!”

Quran: Surah Fussilat (Chapter 41): Verse 53-54

Everytime I read something about such intricate processes in nature, it only makes me realize that all of these beautiful systems did not arise by ‘accident’. They were designed and guided into this evolving system by the One Creator – the One Who Created man the first time, the One Who gives life to all living things… the One Who created you and I! And all of this did not happen without a purpose.The core of all this is that we recognize the Beauty and Superiority (in all power and attributes) of Allah (swt)! And that we be grateful to Him with all sincereity, obey His commands and follow the lifestyle He designed for us, that meets our every need perfectly. Would not the Creator be aware of the best ‘Instruction manual‘?

All thanks and praise be to Allah, who made me so perfect and protects me from harm, even within my own self!

“…It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah…”

Quran: Surah Faatir (Chapter 25): Verse 38