✦ Field of knowledge
Cosmology & Astronomy in the Quran
The origin of the universe, its expansion, the sun, moon and orbits, and the protective sky.
The Expanding Universe
Quran 51:47 says "indeed, We are [its] expander" (la-mūsiʿūn). Arabic analysis, the discovery of cosmic expansion by Lemaître and Hubble, and a balanced assessment.
Heavens & Earth Joined, Then Parted
Quran 21:30 says the heavens and earth were a "joined entity" (ratq) and were then separated (fatq). The Arabic, classical tafsir and the Big Bang compared.
The Heaven as "Smoke"
Quran 41:11 says the heaven "was smoke" (dukhān) when Allah turned to it. How this compares with the hot gas of the early universe and the nebulae where stars form.
Sun and Moon in Their Orbits
Quran 21:33 and 36:40 say each body is "in an orbit" and "swimming," and 36:38 says the sun runs toward its stopping point. Arabic and astronomy compared.
Sun a Lamp, Moon a Light
The Quran calls the sun a "burning lamp" (sirāj) and the moon a "light" (nūr), never the reverse. The Arabic distinction and the science of moonlight explained.
The Sky as a Protected Ceiling
Quran 21:32 calls the sky a "protected ceiling" and 86:11 swears by "the sky which sends back." How Earth's atmosphere and magnetosphere protect life.
Iron "Sent Down"
Quran 57:25 says "We sent down iron." Iron is forged in massive stars and scattered by supernovae. The Arabic verb anzala, its other uses, and a fair assessment.
Pairs in All Things
The Quran says everything was created in pairs, including "that which they do not know" (36:36). Pairs in biology and physics, from plants to matter and antimatter.
Other fields: Earth & Geology · Oceans, Water & Weather · Life & Embryology · Human Body & Medicine · Animals & Plants · History & Prophecy