The “God of the Gaps” fallacy and the Koran
Rad/3
Rad-3 And it is He Who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the night as a veil o'er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are Signs for those who consider!
In this verse, since two matters which are emphasized as “done by God” seem like necessity, they should be explained. The first, what is intended by the wording “spreading out the earth” is the formation of earth’s crust. Koran frequently uses the words “spread out, extend” regarding the earth (world). I recommend you to search in Google for these phrases i.e. “sea-floor spreading”, “extended crust”, “expanded earth”, “earth’s crust stretched”, “continental spreading”, “continental drift” etc… In all of them, you will get the results regarding the formation of earth’s crust. The intention of the Koran in using the phrases “spreading out the earth” and “making the earth like a carpet” is this formation. These processes are examined in the science under the title “Plate Tectonics”. Some planets, e.g. Venus, do not seem to have such plate tectonics. Namely, this is not a necessity.
The second point is the formation of mountains. This is also not a necessity and is again related with the “Plate Tectonics”. In order for mountains to emerge in a planet, there has to be a solid layer, and then these layers have to move. In addition, planet must also rotate around its axis for the formation of mountains, and none of these requisites are necessity. For instance, there are no mountains in Jupiter, which is a gas giant. There are mountain formations in some other planets. However, the important point here is the fact that the mountains of earth are intended in the Koran. Mountain chains on earth are unique throughout the solar system and formed upon plate tectonics. For example, there is no other replication of Himalayas in the whole solar system. (Please see: Role of Plate Tectonics in Mountain Building)
The verses of the Koran regarding the Plate Tectonics are not limited to these. Spreading out the earth, extending the earth and placement of mountains are expressed in many verses. Additionally, the Koran also refers to plate tectonics in some other verses:
Rad/41
See they not that We gradually reduce the land from its outlying borders? (Where) Allah commands, there is none to put back His command: and He is swift in calling to account.
Enbiya/44
Nay, We gave the good things of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them; See they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will win?
The occurrence referred to in these verses by the expression of “reducing the land from its borders” is destruction of earth’s crust at the zones called “subduction zone”. Characteristics of these zones are that they are described as “disruptive / destructive” and at these zones; the crust shrinks through sinking into the mantle. These layers which return to the mantle melt there.
Neml/88
Thou seest the mountains and thinkest them firmly fixed: but they shall pass away as the clouds pass away: (such is) the artistry of Allah, who disposes of all things in perfect order: for He is well acquainted with all that ye do.
In the foregoing verse, movement of the earth plates is referred. Together with the movement of these plates, mountains virtually drift on them.