Allah Almighty has promised the protection of the Holy Quran: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian” (Surah Al-Hijr, Verse 9). Over time, the methods of preserving the Quran have evolved. From early versions written on stone tablets and bones to leather scrolls, from paper manuscripts to digital apps, Muslims in every era have discovered new means of preserving the Quran. Now, in the 21st century, this journey of science and faith has reached a new milestone: “Bio-Digital Quran.” This revolutionary concept presents the technology of preserving the Holy Quran in synthetic DNA. DNA, which is the fundamental building block of life, is now becoming a means of preserving the world’s most sacred text. This technology not only promises to preserve the Quranic text for thousands of years but also represents a new harmony between science and religion. In this article, we will comprehensively explore this new technology, its scientific aspects, religious status, and future possibilities.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is nature’s oldest and best storage system. All genetic information of every living being is stored in DNA molecules. These molecules can preserve information for billions of years, as proven by extracting DNA from ancient fossils. DNA consists of four basic units: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). These four letters are essentially nature’s binary code that stores all instructions for life. In the digital world, all information is stored in the form of 0s and 1s, while in DNA, information is stored in the sequence of A, T, G, C. Scientists have discovered that DNA is an ideal medium for storing digital information. One gram of DNA can store 215 petabytes (215 million gigabytes) of data. This means the entire world’s digital library can fit in a teaspoon of DNA. This incredible density makes DNA ideal for long-term storage. This characteristic of DNA makes it highly effective for preserving important texts like the Quran. When we preserve the Quran in DNA, we are essentially entrusting it to nature’s most stable and durable storage system. This method can ensure the preservation of the Quran not only for the present era but for many generations to come.

The relationship between the Quran and modern science has always been of interest to Muslims. Now, the Bio-Digital Quran is taking this companionship to a new level. Just as Allah described human creation in the Quran: “Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, Verse 14), similarly we are now using the fundamental component of this creative process (DNA) to preserve the Quran. This concept is not only a technological miracle but also a magnificent demonstration of harmony between faith and reason. When we preserve the Quran in DNA, we are essentially preserving Allah’s word in the fundamental component of His creation. This is a deeply symbolic act that demonstrates the connection between creation and revelation. The Quran itself encourages humans to pursue knowledge and research: “Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'” (Surah Az-Zumar, Verse 9). The technology of Bio-Digital Quran is practically an interpretation of this Quranic command that humans should advance in every field of knowledge. This technology also reminds us that there is no contradiction between science and religion; rather, they complement each other.

Traditional storage media such as paper, digital hard drives, or microfilm deteriorate over time. Paper decomposes in a hundred years, digital media becomes obsolete in ten to twenty years, while DNA can preserve information for thousands of years. Ancient mammoths and dinosaurs’ DNA are proof that these molecules can survive for extremely long periods. This long-term capability of DNA is ideal for preserving the Quran. Through this technology, we can preserve the Quranic text in a medium that will last for centuries. This characteristic makes it an excellent means of preserving the Quran from generation to generation. The method of preserving the Quran in DNA is actually a modern interpretation of Allah’s promise “and indeed, We will be its guardian.” Just as Allah has created new means of preserving the Quran in every era, similarly this technology can become a means of fulfilling that promise today. The long-term capability of DNA assures us that future generations will also be able to read the Holy Quran in its original form.

The process of creating a Bio-Digital Quran is a complex but fascinating scientific process. First, the Arabic text of the Quran is converted into digital binary code (0s and 1s). Then this binary code is converted into the four letters of DNA (A, T, G, C). This conversion happens through a special algorithm that transforms digital information into DNA sequence. After this, this sequence is obtained through a synthetic DNA synthesizer and actual DNA strands are produced. Each strand stores a portion of the Quranic text. In this encoding process, redundancy is added so that if any DNA strand gets damaged, no portion of information is lost. This is the method through which the complete text of the Quran can be preserved in DNA molecules. For the success of this process, it is essential to ensure the complete accuracy of the Quranic text. For this purpose, a team of various Islamic scholars and scientists work together to maintain the correctness of the Quranic text at every stage.

DNA naturally contains mechanisms for correcting errors. When an error occurs during DNA replication, enzymes within cells automatically correct that error. This feature can be incorporated into the Bio-Digital Quran. Through error correction codes, any type of change or corruption in the Quranic text stored in DNA can be detected and corrected. This feature helps maintain the textual integrity of the Quran. Additionally, DNA can be preserved under various conditions, such as in special gels or in lyophilized (dried) form, which protects it from external effects. Encryption techniques can also be used to further secure the Quranic text stored in DNA. All these security measures together protect the text of the Holy Quran from any type of alteration or distortion.

The technology of Bio-Digital Quran can take the preservation of the Quran to a global level. Imagine Quran DNA copies being preserved in different countries around the world. These copies would remain safe from natural disasters, wars, or other threats. In this way, Allah’s promise of protecting the Quran appears to be fulfilled in a new form. This technology can ensure the preservation of the Quran not only for present generations but also for future generations. The establishment of a global Quran library where Quran DNA copies are preserved could actually become a symbol of the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Scientists and scholars from different countries can work together on this project, which will promote international cooperation.

Although Bio-Digital Quran technology is very promising, it faces some challenges. The cost of DNA synthesis and sequencing is still relatively high. This cost is decreasing over time. The second challenge is the speed of reading information stored in DNA. Currently, DNA sequencing is a relatively slow process. The third challenge is finding the best methods for long-term storage of DNA. Work is ongoing on these challenges, and solutions are expected in the near future. Scientists believe that in the coming ten to fifteen years, this technology will become suitable for common use. Until then, Muslim countries should invest in research and development of this technology so they can be prepared for its use.

It is also necessary to consider the religious aspects of this new technology. A large number of scholars consider it a legitimate and useful means of preserving the Quran, provided that no changes are made to the Quranic text and it is used with respect. The encoding of the Quran in DNA is actually a new form of the text, which can be considered a means of preservation. However, it is essential to ensure that this technology is used in accordance with the sanctity of the Quran. Some scholars believe that encoding the Quran in DNA is actually a modern form of “mus’haf” (physical copy of Quran), which can be considered permissible according to Sharia. However, it is emphasized that DNA-stored Quran copies should not be disrespected and should be kept properly.

In the future, there could be more interesting possibilities for this technology. For example, every Muslim family could have a small DNA copy of the Quran that could be passed down through generations. Or DNA copies of the Quran could be preserved in mosques. This technology could also introduce new methods of Quran education and teaching. Students could be taught the Quran through DNA technology. Additionally, this technology could provide new means of accessing the Quran for visually impaired people.

The technology of Bio-Digital Quran is actually a magnificent demonstration of human knowledge. It is an important achievement not only for Muslims but for all humanity. This technology can also be used to preserve the holy books of other religions. In this way, it can become a means of interfaith harmony and mutual cooperation. Representatives of different religions can work together to use this technology to preserve their holy books on a long-term basis.

This technology can prove to be an excellent means for the new generation to understand the relationship between science and religion. Students can be taught about the connection between DNA technology and Quran preservation. This could be the beginning of a new chapter in Islamic science. Teachers can use this technology to generate both scientific and religious interest in students. This technology is actually a modern interpretation of the Quranic command “Iqra” (Read).

Digital signatures can be included in the Bio-Digital Quran to verify the authenticity of the text. This feature would make any type of alteration or distortion in the Quranic text impossible. Through cryptographic techniques, the Quranic text stored in DNA can be made completely secure. Additionally, using blockchain technology, any type of change in the Quranic text can be recorded. All these security measures together ensure the integrity of the Holy Quran’s text.

The process of preserving the Quran has been continuous from the beginning. First through memorization, then through writing, then through printing, and now through DNA. This continuity is actually clear evidence of the fulfillment of Allah’s promise. The Bio-Digital Quran is a new link in this historical continuity. In every era, Muslims have used the most modern technology of that time to preserve the Quran. Today’s era is the era of digital and biotechnology, so it is natural that we use these same technologies for Quran preservation.

DNA storage is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional data centers. Data centers use a lot of energy while DNA storage has very low energy consumption. This technology is perfectly in line with the principles of environmental protection. Additionally, DNA storage requires very little space, which helps conserve earth’s resources. All these characteristics make DNA storage an ideal means for preserving the Quran.

In the future, through DNA computing, we might be able to interact with the Quranic text. Or we might be able to read the Quran on DNA-based displays. The possibilities are limitless and science is progressing day by day. In the coming years, we might see more amazing uses of this technology. It’s possible that in the future, the Quranic text could be stored in DNA in such a way that it can be read directly.

Finally, the Bio-Digital Quran is actually a beautiful blend of faith and science. It proves that science and religion are not conflicting but complementary to each other. When we preserve the Quran in DNA, we are essentially preserving Allah’s word in the fundamental component of His creation. This is a deep spiritual experience that strengthens our faith. This technology also reminds us that Allah’s signs are present in every corner of the universe, and science is actually a means of discovering those signs.

The technology of Bio-Digital Quran is a revolutionary step in the preservation of the Holy Quran. This technology can not only preserve the Quranic text for thousands of years but also demonstrates magnificent harmony between science and religion. As Allah Almighty said: “We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth” (Surah Fussilat, Verse 53). Perhaps this technology is one of those signs that assures us of the truthfulness of the Quran. This technology gives us hope that future generations will also be able to read the Holy Quran in its original form, and that Allah’s promise will be fulfilled in new ways in every era.