The Frontal Lobe

Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

{Nay! If he does not cease, We shall pull him down by his forelock—a lying, sinful forelock.}

(Quran, 96:15-16)

Scientific Analysis

The human brain consists of four main lobes: (1) the frontal lobe, (2) the occipital lobe, (3) the temporal lobe, and (4) the parietal lobe. Each lobe has its own special function, while at the same time working together and complementing one another.

The frontal lobe in humans is distinctive from that of animals since it includes centers that are responsible for speaking and behavior. It also includes certain neural centers with distinctive functions and places including the pre-frontal cortex which happens to be right behind the forehead and forms the major part of the frontal lobe. This pre-frontal cortex is the main unit for building the character of a person. It plays a role in both initiative and judgment. It also contains the motor speech area of Broca which coordinates the process of producing sound between the organs of speech, including the larynx, the tongue, and the face. It also contains the movement zones which include the frontal eye field. The frontal eye field sustains the organized movement of the eye to the opposite direction. The primary and secondary motor areas control the willed movements of the muscles. All this shows that the frontal area of the frontal lobe, which lies behind the forehead, is for directing behavior and shaping the human personality. Any damage to this area would lead to the deterioration in moral criteria and the efficiency of memory and the ability to work out logical problems.

The Miracle

The understanding of this verse was only recently expanded. It is no wonder that the Quran mentioned the area of the forehead as being lying and sinful. Further, the Quran said that this part will be hit and held; this could be an allusion to the area which monitors human behavior. So it is the body part to be held accountable for man's deeds.

It is Allaah's divine wisdom that He Commanded this part to be placed on the ground in prostration so that it will learn how to be honest and upright. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Prayer prevents lewdness and vice, and the remembrance of Allaah is greater; Allaah knows what you do.} (Quran, 29: 45)