Secrets of the Age of Forty

Human brain is not fully mature until he or she reaches forty years old, new study say. But 1400 years ago the Qur’an told us the same result. Let us read…..

For many years scientists used to believe that our brain stopped physically evolving in early childhood but new research has shown that keeps changing well into middle age.

By using the latest scanning technology, brain scans have shown that prefrontal cortex – the area just behind our forehead – continues to change shape in our 30s and 40s.The discovery is particularly significant as the prefrontal cortex is a key area of the brain and is often thought said to be key to what makes us human.

It is said to be involved with decision making, social interaction and many other personality traits.

The researchers used the functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) which is a type of specialized MRI scan. It measures the hemodynamic response (change in blood flow) related to neural activity in the brain or spinal cord of humans. It is one of the most recently developed forms of neuroimaging.

Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a neuroscientist at University College London, revealed the new thinking by saying: “Until about 10 years ago we pretty much assumed that the human brain stopped developing in early childhood.”

“But we now understand from brain imaging that that is far from the truth and that many human brains keep on developing for many decades.” She added

“The area of the brain that goes through the most protracted development is the prefrontal cortex right at the front of the brain.” She explained

“It is the part of the brain that is involved in high cognitive function such as decision making, planning and social behavior. It is also to do with understanding other people.” Confirmed Sarah

She says “It starts develop in early childhood, is reorganized in late adolescence and continues developing well into the 30s and 40s.”

Science and Qur’an

This scientific fact was mentioned in the Qur’an 1400 years ago as Allah Almighty says: (And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30) months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: “My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to you in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will).”){ Sûrat Al-Ahqâf – The Curved Sand-hills -verse15}.

Scholars explain this verse by saying that when human reach the age of forty, his or her brain became fully matured and his or her understanding became completed (explanation of Ibn- Kathir). We have to mention that this explanation was published hundreds of years ago which confirm that the understanding of old scholars to the verses of Qur’an is right and correct.

But, who told our illiterate prophet this scientific reality?

Indeed Allah Almighty is the teller because at that time no one had got this piece of advanced knowledge which is known to recent scientists.

Also we should not forget this holy verse as Allah Almighty says: (“I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth).){Sûrat Hûd -(Prophet) Hûd-verse 56 }.

Again, who told prophet Mohamed peace be upon him about the importance of the forelock, especially all recent researches confirm that this area is responsible for decision making and personality of human?

He is Allah Almighty who says about Himself: (Such is Allah, your Lord! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Wakil (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things.){ Sûrat Al-An’âm – The Cattle-verse102}.

References:
• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8204782/Brain-only-fully-matures-in-middle-age-claims-neuroscientist.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_magnetic_resonance_imaging