The debate about science and religion is still an ongoing one. Some have claimed the two are mutually incompatible, while others have said the two are not mutually exclusive. There is no clear-cut answer that serves all parties; rather the debate is an open-ended one with a variety of opinions on the matter.
But when a photo of a scientific phenomenon closely resembles that of a religious pilgrimage, the distinction between science and religion becomes more difficult to make.
A science-based Twitter account recently shared a photo of "iron filings responding to magnetic field." As soon as the photo was uploaded on Feb. 19, many thought it was a photo of the Kaaba, the Islamic holy site located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The metal rod in the center resembles the cube-shaped black stone in Mecca, and the iron filings resemble the pilgrims who perform the Islamic Hajj annually.
Exhibit #1:
Exhibit #2:
Muslims were pulled in by the magnetic force and couldn't help but express their sentiments online. Truth be told, the resemblance is quite uncanny.
One user advised Physics & Astronomy Zone to delete the photo before it reaches Islamic Twitter. But little did he know that the damage had been already done.
"My first thought was Kaaba"
"I can't be the only one"
Well, not one Muslim was alone in this
Some thought it was a "painting" of the Kaaba
The white piece looks like a magnet, doesn't it?
"People performing tawaf around the kaaba"
"My Muslim ass thought this was the Hajj"
"Islamic magnetic field"
And this is how you know you're Muslim
