Astronomy in the Qur’an

"God is the one who created the night, the day, the sun, and the moon. Each one is traveling in an orbit with its own motion." (Surah Al-Anbiya’, 21:33)

Modern scientific knowledge has shown that our galaxy revolves on its own axis. The sun is located eccentrically and thus revolves in an orbit around the center of the galaxy. This was not known to man 1400 years ago. The concept of motion of the heavenly bodies with an orbit of their own belongs to modern science. Earlier scientists regarded the sun as a stationary object.

"Has thou not seen how God merges the night into the day and merges the day into the night?" (Surah Al-Anbiya’, 21:29)

"He coils the day upon the night and coils the night upon the day." (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:5)

Astronauts have described the appearance of the Earth from space. The sun lights up half of the earth facing it and the other half is dark. As the earth rotates on its axis, the darker areas come to light, and the light areas merge into darkness. This is easy to understand at the present time. However, 1400 years ago this knowledge did not exist. In those days the earth was mistakenly thought to be flat and at the center of the universe. Modern scientific data are in full agreement with the Qur’anic description.

"God subjected the sun and the moon, each one runs its course to an appointed term." (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:2)

Modern science has estimated the age of the sun and has also estimated when it will run out of hydrogen and will cool off. Modern astronomy has discovered that the solar system is moving towards a point in the constellation of Hercules, named the Solar Apex.

"The heaven, we have built it with power. Verily, we are expanding it." (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:47)

The gradual expansion of the universe is one of the most important discoveries of modern times.

"O Assembly of Jinn (spirits) and men, if you can penetrate regions of the heavens and the earth, then penetrate them! You will not penetrate them save with a power." (Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:33)

This refers to man's entry into space and the exploration of the depths of the Earth.

"We sent down water from the sky in measure, and lodged it in the ground. And we certainly are able to withdraw it. Therewith for you, we gave rise to gardens of palm trees and vineyards." (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23: 18-19)

"Has thou not seen that God sent water down from the sky and let it through sources into the ground? Then He caused sown fields of different colors to grow." (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:21)

The water cycle as we know it today was described 500 years ago. Before that, many people believed that water from the ocean was thrust into soil which formed springs and underground reservoirs. It was also thought that moisture in soil condensed to form water. The Qur’an gave the correct view in an authoritative way 1400 years go.

"We have placed in the ground (mountains) standing firm, so that it does not shake with them." (Surah Al-Anbiya’, 21:31)

"Have We not made the earth an expanse and the mountains stakes?"  (Surah An-Naba’, 78:6-7)

According to modern theories, mountains played a key role in the formation and stability of landmass. They also contribute to the stability of the earth’s crust, which is relatively very thin.

Beneath the crust are molten rocks at very high temperatures. Qur’anic description and modern scientific discoveries are in agreement.

"Those who God wills to guide, He opens their breasts to Islam. Those who He wills lose their way, He makes their breasts narrow and constricted, as if they were climbing the sky." (Surah AlAn’an, 6:125)

This refers to breathlessness or "air hunger" due to the decreased quantity of oxygen available at high altitude. This is an accurate yet surprising statement, because high mountain climbing, air travel, etc. were not available at that time.

"God created every animal from water." (Surah An-Nur, 24:45)

"And We got every living thing out of water. Will they then not believe?"   (Surah Al-Anbiya’, 21:30)

Modern scientific data indicate that life is of aquatic origin and water is the major component of the living cell. Mankind did not know this in Muhammad's (Peace be upon him) time.