Science and Signs in the Qur’an

“And the moon—We have determined for it phases, until it returns [appearing] like the old date stalk.” (Al-Qur’an 36:39)

The Lunar Cycle and the Movement of the Universe According to the Holy Quran

By A.S.M Razan

The absolute power of Allah and His precise planning are wondrously manifested in the creation of the universe and its functioning. Modern scientific discoveries related to astronomy confirm many realities that the Holy Quran eloquently and clearly revealed approximately 1,400 years ago. In particular, the Quranic verses concerning the movement of the moon and its orbit demonstrate to the world the harmony and order of the universe.

The Holy Quran states: (21:33) “And it is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; all [heavenly bodies] are swimming in an orbit.”

In this verse, the Arabic word “Falak” designates a sphere or an orbital path. Similarly, the word “Yasbahoon” describes an object floating or swimming in water. According to modern astronomy, the moon travels in an elliptical orbit around the Earth, and the overall movement of the universe is controlled by very precise gravitational forces, creating the impression of floating as if in water.

Regarding the phases of the moon in Allah’s creation, it is stated elsewhere: (36:39) “And the moon—We have determined for it phases, until it returns [appearing] like the old date stalk.”

Here, “Manazil” indicates the precise phases of the lunar cycle. The duration of the moon’s revolution around the Earth and the changes in its luminosity become an important tool for humanity to calculate time. The analogy with the withered date palm branch (Urjunin Qadeem) accurately describes the shape of the crescent moon and the curvature of the orbit along which the moon travels.

Scientifically, the sun and the moon do not precede one another; they all follow a specific system, which the Quran emphasizes as follows: (36:40) “It is not permissible for the sun to reach the moon, nor does the night overtake the day, but each, in an orbit, is swimming.”

These verses are not merely literary expressions, but fundamental rules concerning orbital mechanics. The fact that every planet and star in the universe moves in its own orbit, utilizing gravity without colliding, is a profound proof of the infinite power of Allah.

In conclusion, the information provided by the Quran on the precise movement of the universe, at a time when science was not advanced, confirms that these are not human words, but a clear guidance from the Creator of the universe. For those who reflect upon the miracles of this grand creation, the power of Allah and the harmony of the universe become undeniably evident.

References (Sources)
1. Quranic Information and Scientific Evidence:
The Holy Quran:Verses 21:33, 36:39, and 36:40 explaining the orbits of celestial bodies, the phases of the moon, and orderly movement.
2. Exegesis (Tafsir): Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Karim the linguistic and historical meaning of the verses. (such as Tafsir Ibn Kathir) used to understand.
3. Science: Works such as Maurice Bucaille’s The Bible, the Quran and Science, NASA data on the lunar orbit (elliptical orbit), and scientific articles explaining orbital mechanics and the phases of the moon.

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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