Miracles

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Miracles are events that are considered to be outside the natural order and cannot be explained by natural laws. Such events are often attributed to a supernatural being, a miracle worker, a saint, or a religious leader.

Definition

The concept of a miracle varies among different religions and cultures. In general, a miracle is an event that is extraordinary, surprising, and not explicable by natural or scientific laws. This may include events that are the result of divine intervention in the natural order of the universe.

Religious views

Christianity

In Christianity, miracles are often seen as acts of God intended to confirm the divine origin of a religious message or the sanctity of a religious figure. Examples include the Resurrection of Jesus, the healings and exorcisms performed by Jesus, and events described in the Old Testament such as the Parting of the Red Sea.

Islam

In Islam, miracles are known as ayat (signs) or karamat (charisms) for saints. The Quran itself is considered a miracle in terms of its language and message, with the most famous miracle being the Night Journey of Muhammad.

Hinduism

Hinduism accepts the possibility of miracles, which are often associated with saints and avatars. Miracles in Hinduism can include acts of great physical endurance, psychic abilities, or events that defy explanation by normal scientific means.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, miracles are less emphasized, but stories of supernatural feats can be found in Buddhist texts. These feats are often performed by Buddhas or advanced monks to demonstrate their spiritual prowess rather than to prove divine authority.

Philosophical views

Philosophers have debated the existence and nature of miracles for centuries. David Hume, an 18th-century philosopher, argued that miracles are improbable and that accounts of miracles are generally not reliable. Conversely, other philosophers argue that miracles are possible and can be evidence of a transcendent reality.

Scientific perspective

From a scientific viewpoint, miracles are events that cannot be explained by current scientific understanding. Scientists typically seek natural explanations for observed phenomena, and events only remain classified as miracles until a natural explanation can be provided.

Cultural impact

Miracles have a significant impact on culture and are a common theme in literature, art, and film. They often serve to inspire faith in followers and can lead to pilgrimage to sites where miracles are believed to have occurred.