This text emphasizes that everything in nature, from the smallest particles to stars, has a unique structure. Even human cells have distinct DNA sequences. Similarly, subatomic particles are also unique.
According to the Pauli Exclusion Principle, two electrons in the same atom cannot share the same quantum state. Proposed by Wolfgang Pauli in 1925 and later confirmed through experiments, this principle explains why atoms and materials have different properties. It has led to discoveries in superconductors and the diversity of elements.
Additionally, Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle states that a particle’s position and momentum cannot be precisely determined at the same time. This uniqueness applies to the macro world as well; for example, neutron stars do not collapse into black holes because neutrons cannot share the same position. From the tiniest particles to massive stars, the universe is created in a state of balance.
All human beings have similar organs, but each organ has qualities unique to itself and to the person it belongs to. Research has revealed that even some of the genes of monozygotic twins are different [1]. As opposed to the previous assumption that “when it comes to DNA, every cell in the body is essentially identical to every other cell,” it has been found that each cell has a DNA of its own [2]. This uniqueness originates from the fact that the order and number of molecules and proteins are different, which is valid for atoms and sub-atom particles as well. Having spent countless hours on microscopes and spectroscopes, a university professor of mine once said, “I witnessed different structures of iron atom each time I observed one. We even need to produce a separate periodic table for the iron element alone.”
We also witness that particles have been created uniquely, just like human beings are. From the micro universe (one millionth of a meter) down to femto universe (one quadrillionth of a meter), each particle is called a boson or fermion. When particles are examined to find out in what conditions they resemble each other in the femto universe, doors of a new world will be opened in terms of knowledge and contemplation. According to this new perspective, while the things and events are sometimes explained through mathematical equations and formulations, they are sometimes explained through experiments of thought trying to attain the truth behind them. Pauli exclusion principle is one such experiment.
Pauli Principle
There are around 380 sub-atomic particles [3]. In atomic and subatomic dimensions, two fermions (e.g. two electrons) of an atom cannot have the same set of quantum numbers. Wolfgang Pauli first explained this principle in 1925 and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1945 after experiments proved that the theory was correct. This theory has gone down in history as the Pauli Exclusion Principle.
The motion equations of subatomic particles are expressed by their magnetic states. Pauli said that none of the electrons of an atom can share the same quantum state at the same time. In other words, two electrons in the same atom cannot share the physical features such as magnetism, motion, position and velocity in the same state [2].
In addition to the three quantum numbers (principal, subordinate, and magnetic quantum numbers) described so far, Pauli defined a quantum number for the spin of a fermion (e.g. electron). The spin quantum number is related to the rotation of the electron around its axis because an electron rotates around its own axis as it rotates around the atomic nucleus. According to the Pauli Principle, if an orbit has an electron with a spin of 1/2, an electron with a spin of -1/2 can be placed in the same orbit. If we assume that the spin of an electron rotating clockwise is 1/2 the spin of an electron rotating counterclockwise will be -1/2. Thus, with Pauli’s contribution, four quantum numbers were defined for subatomic particles and it was stated that even if the other three quantum numbers were the same, electrons with different spin quantum numbers could circulate in the same orbit.
The Pauli Principle shows that atoms are not identical. This principle also applies to solid crystals, that is, the materials we use daily. The Principle is also able to explain the fact that the ores that make up the element are different, and the fact that there are different elements in the periodic table. With this principle, important properties of superconductors have been discovered.
In 1927, based on the Pauli Principle, German physicist Karl Werner Heisenberg showed that it is not possible to measure the physical properties of a particle, such as the position and momentum, at the same time and that these results can only be expressed with uncertain probability and statistics [5].
This uniqueness also manifests itself in the space we call the macro world. Stars consisting of only neutrons are called neutron stars. A neutron star is very dense: its mass is 2–3 times that of the Sun, but only about 10 km in diameter. A neutron star should theoretically collapse into a black hole, but this does not happen. The reason for this, it has been discovered, is that neutrons that cannot share the same position prevent collapse and that neutron stars remain in balance [6].
The universe has been created with balance, and everything, from the minutest particles to the stars in the outer space, follows their particular courses to maintain the order.
Explanation of the First Three Verses of Surah At-Tariq
1. وَالسَّمَاءِ وَالطَّارِقِ
“By the sky and At-Tariq!”
2. وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الطَّارِقُ
“And what will make you understand what At-Tariq is?”
3. النَّجْمُ الثَّاقِبُ
“It is the piercing star.”
In these verses, the word “At-Tariq” is mentioned. In Arabic, “Tariq” means “the one that comes at night” or “the one that knocks” (i.e., something that appears suddenly or forcefully). Then, Allah (SWT) emphasizes its significance by stating, “And what will make you understand what At-Tariq is?” This highlights the depth of its meaning. The third verse explains that At-Tariq is “an-Najm ath-Thaqib”, which translates to “a piercing star” or “a star that penetrates”.
Scientific Interpretation and Relation to Neutron Stars
The phrase “piercing star” suggests a celestial object that emits strong light or energy. From a modern astronomical perspective, this description closely matches neutron stars and pulsars.
1. Characteristics of Neutron Stars:
• They are extremely dense and have immense gravitational forces.
• They form after the supernova explosion of massive stars.
• They possess powerful magnetic fields and emit strong radiation.
• Some neutron stars, called pulsars, spin rapidly and emit periodic pulses of electromagnetic radiation.
2. Connection to the “Piercing Star” Description:
• Density: Neutron stars are among the densest objects in the universe. Despite their small size, they have an enormous gravitational pull.
• Brightness: Some neutron stars (like pulsars) emit intense electromagnetic waves and appear extremely bright.
• “Piercing” (Thaqib): Neutron stars, especially pulsars, send out powerful electromagnetic radiation, almost like “piercing” through space. Their high-energy emissions can also affect surrounding gas and matter.
Because of these characteristics, some scholars and scientists believe that the “piercing star” (Najm ath-Thaqib) mentioned in Surah At-Tariq may refer to neutron stars or pulsars. However, it is important to note that the Quran’s descriptions are often multi-layered and can hold both metaphorical and literal meanings. It is possible that Allah used this term to describe something that humanity would only fully comprehend with time and scientific advancement.
Explanation of the First Three Verses of Surah At-Tariq
1. وَالسَّمَاءِ وَالطَّارِقِ
“By the sky and At-Tariq!”
2. وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الطَّارِقُ
“And what will make you understand what At-Tariq is?”
3. النَّجْمُ الثَّاقِبُ
“It is the piercing star.”
In these verses, the word “At-Tariq” is mentioned. In Arabic, “Tariq” means “the one that comes at night” or “the one that knocks” (i.e., something that appears suddenly or forcefully). Then, Allah (SWT) emphasizes its significance by stating, “And what will make you understand what At-Tariq is?” This highlights the depth of its meaning. The third verse explains that At-Tariq is “an-Najm ath-Thaqib”, which translates to “a piercing star” or “a star that penetrates”.
Scientific Interpretation and Relation to Neutron Stars
The phrase “piercing star” suggests a celestial object that emits strong light or energy. From a modern astronomical perspective, this description closely matches neutron stars and pulsars.
1. Characteristics of Neutron Stars:
• They are extremely dense and have immense gravitational forces.
• They form after the supernova explosion of massive stars.
• They possess powerful magnetic fields and emit strong radiation.
• Some neutron stars, called pulsars, spin rapidly and emit periodic pulses of electromagnetic radiation.
2. Connection to the “Piercing Star” Description:
• Density: Neutron stars are among the densest objects in the universe. Despite their small size, they have an enormous gravitational pull.
• Brightness: Some neutron stars (like pulsars) emit intense electromagnetic waves and appear extremely bright.
• “Piercing” (Thaqib): Neutron stars, especially pulsars, send out powerful electromagnetic radiation, almost like “piercing” through space. Their high-energy emissions can also affect surrounding gas and matter.
Because of these characteristics, some scholars and scientists believe that the “piercing star” (Najm ath-Thaqib) mentioned in Surah At-Tariq may refer to neutron stars or pulsars. However, it is important to note that the Quran’s descriptions are often multi-layered and can hold both metaphorical and literal meanings. It is possible that Allah used this term to describe something that humanity would only fully comprehend with time and scientific advancement.