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Fasting of Lungfishes
By:
Dr. `Abd Al-Hakam `Abd Al-Latif As-Sa`idi
Lecturer of Entomology – Faculty of Agriculture – Al-Azhar
University
It is well known that fish
breathe through their gills. However, there are some species called
lungfish that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has granted
lunglike organs (as well as gills) that enable them to breathe
atmospheric air. These fish inhabit rivers of central Africa and
the Amazon.
Generally
speaking, high temperature and drought oblige most animals
inhabiting tropical regions to go into a dormant state during the
summer, for they cannot survive in these hard conditions. With the
approach of the drought season, these lungfish start to make
cave-like mucus-lined “cocoons” in the mud.
The cocoons have holes in the top to admit air. They are built in
the bottom mud, about a half meter (20 inches) deep.
The
lungfish’s skin secretes a solid soft tissue that surrounds the
whole body to prevent the leakage of body fluids during this
period. This is by a great wisdom to which Allah, Most High, has
guided them.
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In
order to survive periods of drought, these wondrous fish remain
fasting and resort to diminishing their vital functions to the
lowest degree, and thus their respiration lowers due to lack of
motion. During this period, they keep alive by means of the fat
reserved within their bodies during their active period.
What is wonderful and miraculous in this connection is the length
of the fasting period, which differs markedly from one year to
another because of the differing conditions. When it rains heavily
again, these species start coming out of their hibernating state,
wiping off the transparent, soft covering. They break their fast
with water until they find their favorite foods.
If the period of drought extends, these fish will have no way but
to continue fasting and staying in these dark cocoons, glorifying
and exalting their Lord and supplicating Him for His provision.
Studies have proven that it is possible for the continuous fasting
during periods of drought to extend for four consecutive years.
What is really surprising is that after these fish come out of
their arduous long hibernating state, they continue their active
life with the falling of heavy rains and the abundance of water and
food.
Interestingly, Almighty Allah has narrated in the Glorious Qur’an
the story of People of the Cave, who stayed in their cave three
hundred years and nine more. In the same vein, this is a story of
the seen book that shows us clearly:
[…no want of proportion will you see in the creation of the Most
Gracious…]
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