Science and Signs in the Qur’an
“And the sun runs towards its resting place. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.” Qur’an 36:38
The Orbit of the Sun and the Miraculous Truths of the Quran
By A.S.M Razan
The universe’s grandeur and its secrets have always amazed human intellect. In that sequence, the truth that the sun shines daily in the sky is not merely a stationary ball of fire, but is on a magnificent journey, is one of modern science’s greatest discoveries.
However, fourteen centuries ago, when humanity knew very little about outer space, the Holy Quran proclaimed this wondrous truth with utmost precision, and it perfectly aligns with modern scientific facts, one of the awe-inspiring miracles of the Creator.
According to astronomical science, the sun is not simply standing still at the center of our solar system; it is revolving around the center of our Milky Way galaxy at a speed of about 220 kilometers per second. It takes approximately 225 million years for the Sun to complete this colossal orbit once. This astounding cosmic movement is wonderfully described in the Quran. The verse Surah Yaseen (36:38) records this movement of the universe profoundly: “And the sun runs towards its resting place. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.”
The word ‘Tajree’ used here signifies moving or running, vividly placing the continuous orbital journey of the sun before our eyes. Furthermore, in another chapter of the Quran, Al-Anbiya (21:33), it is stated: “And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Each of them floats in an orbit.”
The Arabic word ‘Yasbahoon’ used in this verse does not merely denote moving; rather, it signifies celestial bodies gliding smoothly and effortlessly through space in their own orbits without any disruption, much like a swimmer gracefully floating in water by their own motion. This word corresponds remarkably with the kinetic properties used by modern science to describe the movement of planets and stars in space.
This orbital journey of the sun and its systematic movement ensures the balance and stability of the universe. The scientific truths pointed out by the Quran back then intellectually prove that this Holy Book was not written by any human, but rather is the ultimate divine guidance revealed by the Creator of the worlds. The calculated journey of the sun and its light silently remind humanity every moment of the Creator’s supreme power and infinite wisdom.
Scientific References:
1. Galactic Orbit and Speed Astrophysical measurements confirm the Sun orbits the center of the Milky Way at roughly 220 to 230 kilometers per second.
Key literature: Binney, J., & Tremaine, S., Galactic Dynamics, Princeton University Press.
2. Galactic Year (Cosmic Year) The Sun completes one full orbit around the galactic center approximately every 225 to 250 million years.
Key literature: Karttunen, H., et al., Fundamental Astronomy, Springer-Verlag.
3. Orbital Mechanics Celestial bodies maintain stable, continuous motion and trajectories through space via gravitational equilibrium.
Key literature: Goldstein, H., Classical Mechanics, Addison-Wesley.
About the Author:
A.S.M. Razan (Abdul Salam Mohamed Razan) writes on Islam and science, with particular interest in the relationship between Qur’anic revelation and discoveries in biology, astronomy and cosmology. He is a physiotherapy student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and has a background in Biological Sciences. He is a guest writer for PEACE Magazine.
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