The human body is a wonderful sign of the boundless skill of Allah’s creation. Like the eyes, ears, heart, brain or breathing, the fine lines on our fingertips are a reminder of how remarkable creation is. Because every person’s fingerprint pattern is unique, it is used in modern science and technology as an important way of identifying a person. Looking closely at these tiny lines, one can see in how many fine details of human creation Allah has placed signs of His infinite power.
1. Fingerprints: a mark of individual identity
The lines, curves and patterns of fingerprints differ from person to person. Even the prints of different fingers on the same person’s two hands are not the same. This feature plays a special role in identifying people. The use of fingerprints in modern forensic science, identity checks and security systems shows their practical importance.
Drawing attention to the diversity of human identity and features, Allah says: ‘And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.’ (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:22) The verse presents human diversity as a sign of Allah, and the science of fingerprints is a tangible example of it.
2. The fine development of the body in the womb
A person’s fingerprints form in the mother’s womb before birth. Alongside inherited traits, the environment of the developing foetus in the womb also shapes their pattern. That is why fingerprint lines are individual. In the Quran, Allah says: ‘We have certainly created man in the best of stature.’ (Surah At-Tin, 95:4)
Reflecting on the human body and its fine features deepens one’s understanding of this verse. The verse does not, however, describe the scientific process of fingerprints directly; it speaks of the dignity and form of human creation as a whole.
3. The Quran’s notable mention of the fingertips
The verse most relevant to a discussion of fingerprints is in Surah Al-Qiyamah. Allah says: ‘Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. We are able even to restore his fingertips.’ (Surah Al-Qiyamah, 75:3-4)
The central message of the two verses is that raising people again after death is not at all difficult for Allah. By mentioning His power to reassemble a person’s bones and to restore even the fingertips, Allah shows His infinite power. This mention of the fingertips invites reflection on the fine detail of the human body. But the context of the verses is the resurrection on the Day of Judgement, and it is not right to present them as a direct statement of modern fingerprint technology.
4. Fingerprints and modern forensic science
In modern forensic science, fingerprints found at a crime scene can be important evidence of identity. The lines and features of prints left on an object are analysed and checked for a match with a suspect. But the reliability of such analysis depends on the quality of the print, how it was preserved, the method of analysis and the expert’s judgement. So although fingerprints are considered important evidence, they should not be called infallible proof without proper checking.
Allah says: ‘And on the earth are signs for the certain in faith, and in yourselves. Then will you not see?’ (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:20-21) In the light of this verse, scientific inquiry into the human body and nature can inspire reflection and study.
5. The role of fingerprints in delivering justice
In criminal investigations, fingerprints can be used to test whether a person was present or involved. The technology is also used in banking, identity verification, border security and many administrative tasks. But justice requires decisions to be made by weighing all the evidence, not by relying blindly on any one piece of it.
Islam places special emphasis on establishing justice. Allah says: ‘O you who believe, stand firmly for justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or your parents and relatives.’ (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135) The verse sets out the basic principle of justice, and it must be followed in the use of modern investigative technology too.
6. Fingerprints in digital security
Today fingerprints are used to verify identity on smartphones, computers, office entry systems and many digital services. They add a layer of security alongside passwords. But no technology is entirely free of risk, so protecting personal data, storing it securely and keeping other ways of verification are also important.
Islam gives great importance to protecting people’s property and rights. Allah says: ‘Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and, when you judge between people, to judge with justice.’ (Surah An-Nisa, 4:58) The teaching of trustworthiness and fair conduct is relevant to the use of personal data and identity technology as well.
7. Looking for Allah’s signs within oneself
People are often overwhelmed by the wonders of the distant sky, the mountains or the sea, yet pay little attention to the countless fine systems of their own bodies. From the tiny lines on the fingertips to the sight of the eyes, the beating of the heart and the regularity of breathing, all of it moves people to reflect. Allah says: ‘And on the earth are signs for the certain in faith, and in yourselves. Then will you not see?’ (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:20-21) The verse calls on people to think deeply about their own existence and the creation around them.
The fine lines on a person’s fingertips are not only a means of identification; they are also a striking example of the individuality and complexity of the human body. Modern science has explained the practical importance of this feature, and the Quran calls on people to reflect on their own existence and the signs of creation. Verses 3 and 4 of Surah Al-Qiyamah remind us that raising people after death lies within Allah’s infinite power. By mentioning the restoration of even the fingertips, the Quran turns human thought towards the fineness of creation. Reflecting on even the smallest features of one’s own body, pursuing knowledge and remaining grateful to the Creator can therefore be important lessons in the life of a thoughtful person.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report