The Holy Quran, the sacred text of Islam, contains profound insights about the moon that have been validated by modern scientific discoveries. As our understanding of the universe deepens through advancements in space exploration, many of these Quranic revelations have gained remarkable resonance with the scientific truths we’ve uncovered.
Crescent Moon for Reckoning Time:
In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:189), the Quran speaks of the crescent moon being used to mark fixed times for mankind and Hajj. This concept is in alignment with how the lunar calendar has been traditionally used for determining important dates in Islamic culture.
“They ask you about new crescent moons, say they are to mark fixed times for mankind and Hajj.” (2:189)
Moon’s Influence on Timekeeping
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In Surah Al-An’am (6:77), the Quran presents the moon as a celestial body that sets and, in doing so, signifies the passage of time. This parallels our contemporary understanding of the moon’s role in timekeeping.
“When he saw the moon rising in splendor He said: “This is my Lord.” but when the moon set he said: Unless my Lord guide me I shall surely be among those who go astray.” (6:77)
Sun and Moon for Time Reckoning
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Surah Al-An’am (6:96) states that Allah created the night for rest and the sun and moon for reckoning time. Modern science affirms that the sun and moon’s positions are integral to our time measurement systems.
“And He who made the night for rest and sun and moon for reckoning of time. This is the decree of the Exalted, the All-knowing.” (6:96)
Celestial Bodies Governed by Laws:
Surah Al-A’raf (7:54) speaks of Allah’s commandment that governs the sun, moon, and stars. This concurs with our scientific understanding of the natural laws that control the movements of these celestial bodies.
Indeed your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days,1 then established Himself on the Throne. He makes the day and night overlap in rapid succession. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars—all subjected by His command. The creation and the command belong to Him ˹alone˺. Blessed is Allah—Lord of all worlds! (7:54)
Moon as a Measure of Months:
Surah At-Tawbah (9:36-37) discusses the number of months being twelve, as ordained by Allah. This aligns with the lunar as well as solar calendar we use today.
Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve… (9:36)
Moon’s Light:
In Surah Yunus (10:5), the Quran depicts the sun as a lamp and the moon as a source of light. Modern science affirms that the moon merely reflects the light of the sun.
He is the One Who made the sun a radiant source and the moon a reflected light, with precisely ordained phases, so that you may know the number of years and calculation ˹of time˺. Allah did not create all this except for a purpose. He makes the signs clear for people of knowledge. (10:5)
Sun, Moon, and Orbits:
Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:2) describes how Allah has subjected the sun and moon to His commandment, and each runs its course for an appointed term. This concurs with the concept of celestial bodies moving in orbits.
It is Allah Who has raised the heavens without pillars—as you can see—then established Himself on the Throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon, each orbiting for an appointed term. He conducts the whole affair. He makes the signs clear so that you may be certain of the meeting with your Lord. (13:2)
Celestial Bodies Subject to Humanity:
Surah Ibrahim (14:32-33) conveys that Allah made the night, day, sun, moon, and stars subject to humanity. This aligns with our capability to study, understand, and utilize these celestial bodies for various purposes.
It is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth and sends down rain from the sky, causing fruits to grow as a provision for you. He has subjected the ships for your service, sailing through the sea by His command, and has subjected the rivers for you.
He has ˹also˺ subjected for you the sun and the moon, both constantly orbiting, and has subjected the day and night for you.
(14:32-33)
Moon’s Illumination:
Surah Al-Isra (17:12) describes Allah’s creation of the night and day as signs, with the night being dark and the day being bright. This echoes our scientific understanding of the moon’s reflection of sunlight.
“We made the day and night as two signs. So We made the sign of the night devoid of light, and We made the sign of the day ˹perfectly˺ bright, so that you may seek the bounty of your Lord and know the number of years and calculation ˹of time˺. And We have explained everything in detail.” (17:12)
Orbits of Celestial Bodies:
In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:33), the Quran asserts that the sun, moon, and night follow their ordained paths. This aligns with our knowledge of celestial bodies moving in predictable orbits.
“And He is the One Who created the day and the night, the sun and the moon—each travelling in an orbit.” (21:33)
All Things Bow to Allah:
Surah Al-Hajj (22:18) signifies that everything in the heavens and on earth, including the sun, moon, and stars, submits to Allah’s will. This echoes our understanding of cosmic forces acting under universal laws.
Do you not see that to Allah bow down ˹in submission˺1 all those in the heavens and all those on the earth, as well as the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, and ˹all˺ living beings, as well as many humans, while many are deserving of punishment. And whoever Allah disgraces, none can honour. Surely Allah does what He wills. (22:18)
Moon’s Reflected Light:
Surah Al-Furqan (25:61) refers to the moon as a light reflecting the sun’s radiance. This mirrors our modern understanding of the moon’s role as a reflector of sunlight.
“Blessed is He who made constellations in the skies, and placed therein a lamp and a moon reflecting light” (25:61)
Celestial Bodies’ Courses:
In Surah Luqman (31:29), Allah’s role in merging night into day and day into night is highlighted, alongside the sun and moon’s courses. This is in harmony with our knowledge of the cyclical nature of day and night.
“See you not Allah merges night into day and day into night; And subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law); each one runs its course for a term appointed.” (31:29)
Sun and Moon’s Orbits:
Surah Ya-Sin describes the moon’s orbit and its inability to be overtaken by the sun, paralleling our understanding of celestial bodies’ orbits and motions.
“It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day. All float in an orbit.”
Ordained Paths of Celestial Bodies:
Surah Az-Zumar (39:5) asserts that Allah established proportions in the heavens and subjected the sun and moon to their ordained paths. This aligns with our knowledge of celestial mechanics.
“He created the heavens and the earth for a purpose. He wraps the night around the day, and wraps the day around the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each orbiting for an appointed term. He is truly the Almighty, Most Forgiving.” (39-5)
Sun and Moon’s Precise Courses:
Surah Ar-Rahman (55:5) highlights the calculated courses of the sun and moon, aligning with our understanding of their predictable orbits.
The sun and the moon ˹travel˺ with precision (55:5)
Light and Moon’s Radiance:
Surah Nuh (71:16) depicts the moon as a light and the sun as a glorious lamp, consistent with our knowledge of the moon’s reflective nature.
“placing the moon within them as a ˹reflected˺ light, and the sun as a ˹radiant˺ lamp?” (71-16)
Full Moon Symbolism:
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:18) refers to the moon when it becomes full, signifying its various phases.
And by the moon when it waxes full! (84-18)
Celestial Synchronization:
Surah Ash-Shams (91:1-2) makes an oath by the sun and moon, emphasizing their synchronized movements.
By the sun and its brightness, and the moon as it follows it, (91:1-2)
As science delves deeper into our universe, it often corroborates the wisdom contained in ancient scriptures. The revelations in the Quran about the moon’s characteristics, orbits, and roles in timekeeping find resonance in modern scientific understanding.
The Quran’s insights, combined with ongoing exploration and discovery, serve to deepen our appreciation for the cosmic wonders around us.
Chandrayaan’s lunar mission offers the potential to enhance our comprehension of the moon. By employing advanced technology and conducting scientific investigations, it aspires to reveal fresh perspectives on the moon’s geological makeup, composition, and historical evolution. Moreover, the mission could potentially provide validation for several lunar references mentioned in the Qur’an.
