Matter: The Ultimate Illusion

“Reality is merely an illusion, although a very persistent one”  Albert Einstein

Matter is all the “stuff” that we see, feel, and smell around us. By definition, matter has mass and takes up space, and it includes substances such as water, wood, rock, metal, and air. At the most basic level, these substances are built from atoms, and the atoms, in turn, are made up of particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Even the densest materials however, contain more space than substance.

Although atoms are too small to be directly observed, physicists have developed a good understanding of their structure. The current atomic model is loosely constructed. Surrounding a very small and dense nucleus of protons and neutrons is a “cloud” of electrons with orbits as large as 100,000 times the diameter of the atom’s nucleus.

In addition to electrons, there is also a tremendous amount of space in the electron cloud. Even in a substance as hard as a diamond, there is far more empty space between the subatomic particles than there is space occupied by those particles. If this is so, how can any substance be solid?

The solidity of a substance is the result of strong electrical bonds between electrons and their nuclei. Despite their distance from the nucleus, the negatively charged electrons are held strongly in place by their attraction to the protons in the atom’s center. This attraction creates a great deal of structural integrity and a strong force that repels the electrons of other atoms.

We benefit from this repellent force every day. Despite the empty spaces that exist in every atom, when we lean on a tabletop, or sit in a chair, our bodies do not pass through the wood or metal in those surfaces. Just as it would be impossible to pass one open fishnet through another open fishnet without cutting or tearing the fibers they’re made of, it is impossible to pass one atom through another without destroying the atoms entirely.

Here is another short clip from a documentary on Quantum Enigma of light.

Quantum Mechanics - Double Slit and Delayed Choice Experiments from Philip Cunningham on Vimeo.

Click Here To Watch 'The Worldly Illusion' Presentation

Interesting Note:

There were computer studies done which led to the Modern Big Bang theory, which predicts a singularity at the instant of the big bang, having essentially infinite density. The prominent astronomical authority, Terence Dickinson, claims that our observable universe was initially "one trillionth of the size of a proton" at the instant of the Big Bang. In other words, you could fit the entire mass of the universe in the palm of your hand. This gives [39:67] in the Quran a whole new perspective.

[Quran 39:67] They can never fathom the greatness of GOD. The whole earth is within His fist on the Day of Resurrection. In fact, the universes are folded within His right hand.* Be He glorified; He is much too high above needing any partners.

WHAT THE QURAN SAID BACK IN 610 A.D.

[3:185] Every person tastes death, then you receive your recompense on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever misses Hell, barely, and makes it to Paradise, has attained a great triumph. The life of this world is no more than an illusion.

[6:32] The life of this world is no more than illusion and vanity, while the abode of the Hereafter is far better for the righteous. Do you not understand?!

[31:33] O people, you shall reverence your Lord, and fear a day when a father cannot help his own child, nor can a child help his father. Certainly, GOD's promise is truth. Therefore, do not be distracted by this life; do not be distracted from GOD by mere illusions.

[35:5] O people, GOD's promise is the truth; therefore, do not be distracted by this lowly life. Do not be diverted from GOD by mere illusions.

[40:39] "O my people, this first life is a temporary illusion, while the Hereafter is the eternal abode."

[57:20] Know that this worldly life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you, and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then the plants turn into useless hay, and are blown away by the wind. In the Hereafter there is either severe retribution, or forgiveness from GOD and approval. This worldly life is no more than a temporary illusion.