One unexpected feature of the stomach mucus is that it contributes to the structure of the blood. Stomach mucus does not itself produce blood, but it does, however, contribute important assistance to bone marrow, which produces red blood cells. It permits Vitamin B12, which is of great importance to the body, to reach the bone marrow. When you examine the journey undertaken by Vitamin B12 en route to the bone marrow, and the role of stomach mucus in that journey, a great miracle appears on the microscopic level.
After entering the human body, Vitamin B12 travels along the digestive system and subsequently passes from the small intestine to the bloodstream, and finally reaches the bone marrow.
The assimilation of Vitamin B12 starts in the small intestine. However, no digestive cell in the small intestine is capable of adhering to Vitamin B12. However, in one small region of the small intestine is a group of cells whose sole function is to do this.32 These cells devote their whole lives, in a miraculous manner, to trapping Vitamin B12. These cells are able to distinguish and seize Vitamin B12 from among trillions of other molecules.
Consider the miracle that is taking place: The cells that trap the Vitamin B12 must know its importance for the human body. They have been specially located in a specific part of the small intestine, in order to fulfill that function. Although they devote their lives to catching Vitamin B12, the vitamin is actually of no benefit to them. Having caught the vitamin, they release it back into the bloodstream and send it somewhere else of which they are unaware.
The motive displayed by these cells as they trap this vitamin cannot, of course, have come into being by chance. Clearly this system has been specially created. When you examine the system in a little more detail, still more astonishing miracles appear.
The cells in the small intestine are unable to recognize Vitamin B12 in its raw state. In order for these cells to identify and trap Vitamin B12 molecules, they need to be indicated by another special molecule. This requirement has of course been considered, and a system has been installed allowing Vitamin B12 to be “marked” before reaching the small intestine.
While the Vitamin B12 is still in the stomach, the cells produce a special molecule for it in the form of an ID card that the Vitamin B12 molecule will need on the following stages of its journey. This identity card sticks tightly to the Vitamin B12 as it continues on its way, eventually arriving at the small intestine.
As you have seen, a small group of cells in the small intestine, responsible solely for finding Vitamin B12, will allow it to travel through the bloodstream. Yet these cells will be unable to recognize Vitamin B12 in its natural state, which is when the identity card comes to the vitamin’s assistance. Thanks to this ID card, the nerve cells recognize Vitamin B12 from among trillions of molecules. Subsequently, they permit the Vitamin B12 to enter the bloodstream. In this way the B12 reaches the bone marrow through the blood.
As you see, the stomach cells know the importance of Vitamin B12 for the human body. Moreover, these cells know that cells in the intestine will need a special marker to recognize Vitamin B12, and duly produce that identifying molecule. Then the intestine cells—devoid of eyes, hands or brain—recognize this marker and trap the Vitamin B12.
Don’t forget, the Vitamin B12 assimilated as a result of all these events is of no use to cells in either the stomach or the intestine. This vitamin is used far distant, in the bone marrow, thanks to which, red blood cells can be produced in the body, and human life is able to continue.
Just the details of journey undertaken by this vitamin are sufficient to demonstrate the perfection of the systems within the human body.
No doubt, the consciousness and flawless functioning exhibited during these processes cannot be performed by the cells in question. When all is said and done, cells are only structures formed by assemblages of unconscious molecules. It is utterly meaningless to search in the cell for consciousness, free will or power. The evident truth is that the stomach cells, together with the mechanisms that give rise to blood production, were created by the same creator—Allah—and that they fulfill their functions through His inspiration.
Allah, there is no deity but Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness or sleep. Everything in the heavens and the Earth belongs to Him. Who can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them but they cannot grasp any of His knowledge save what He wills. His Footstool encompasses the heavens and the Earth and their preservation does not tire Him. He is the Most High, the Magnificent. (Surat al-Baqara: 255)
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