Qur'an itself mentions seven heavens

[1]
and a vast universe sustained by Allah. Islamic thought categorizes the entire cosmos into two domains: the Unseen Universe (Arabic
, Aalam-ul-Ghaib), which is imperceptible to mankind in general, has properties unknown to us, and includes Allah (metaphorically), angels, Paradise, Hell, seven
heavens, and Al-Arsh (the Divine Throne)[1]; and the Observable Universe(Arabic , Alam-ul-Shahood), perceptible through the five senses (possibly enhanced by
means of instruments). The Qur'an says: "Allah is He, Who is the only God, the knower of the Unseen and the Observed."
[2]
"And the heavens We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander." 51:47 Sahih International
"Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from wat er every living
thing. Will they not then believe?" 21:30 Yusuf Ali translation
"The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed),- even as We produced the first creation, so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have
undertaken: truly shall We fulfil it." 21:104 Yusuf Ali translation.

Rather than literally comparing the motion of the earth to that of other heavenly bodies, the
Quran makes the following statement:

The mountains that you see, you think they are stationary while they are constantly floating like
the floating of clouds. Such is the work of Allah Who made everything firm and strong.
If the mountains are declared to be in constant motion, then the only logical inference to be
drawn from this would be that the earth is also rotating along with them. But thanks to the
masterly language of the Holy Quran this observation went unnoticed. If they had read with care
the end of the same verse they would have been left with no room for any misunderstanding. It
ends with a lasting tribute to the creative faculty of ASWT, Who has created all things with such
firmness that they cannot be dislodged. Anything which cannot be dislodged can never be
catapulted out of the earth, to fly alone, leaving the earth behind.
The Holy Quran also pronounces that all heavenly bodies are in a constant state of motion;
none of them is stationary:

everything is gliding along smoothly in its orbit.
This all-embracing statement covers the entire universe, our solar system being no exception. In
addition to this, there are many other verses which mention the elliptical movement of all the
heavenly bodies. But they also speak of their movement towards their destined time of death.
Following are some of the verses which cover both subjects:

Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then He settled
Himself on the Throne. And He pressed the sun and the moon into service. All pursue their
course until an appointed time. He regulates it all. He clearly explains the Signs, that you may
have a firm belief in the meeting with your Lord.


Hast thou not seen that Allah makes the night pass into the day, and makes the day pass into
the night, and He has pressed the sun and the moon into service; all pursuing their course till an
appointed term, and Allah is well aware of what you do?
We turn to another amazing revelation of the Quran regarding a specific motion of the sun which
is mentioned nowhere else. This verse 36:39, pronounces,

And the sun is constantly moving in the direction of its ultimate abode of rest. This is the decree
of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.
It clearly speaks of a point in space to be the sun's final resting place. Despite the fact that it is
only the sun which is mentioned, the verses which immediately follow bind the entire universe to
the movement of the sun in the same specific direction:

And the sun is constantly moving in the direction of its ultimate abode of rest. This is the decree
of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.
And for the moon We have regulated stages until it looks like a thin branch of an old palm tree.
Nor does it behove for the sun to overtake the moon nor for the night to overtake the day
If it were only the sun which was moving in a fixed direction, the verse which follows this
statement would not have proclaimed that the sun and the moon strictly maintain their mutual
distance; they will never be able to gain or move away from each other, an unchangeable
destiny till their appointed time. This clearly shows that in whatever direction the sun is moving,
the moon is also moving.
But it is not only the question of the sun and the moon. All the heavenly bodies are described in
the Quran as soundlessly floating. Again there are numerous verses in the Quran which
describe the heavenly bodies bound together with invisible links. Hence if one of them moves in
a direction other than its orbital and elliptical motion, all the other heavenly bodies must also
move along to maintain their mutual balance.

And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; everything gliding
along in orbit.
This is a unique style of the Quran also employed for indicating the movement of the earth upon
its axis. The people of the time of both these revelations could not clearly grasp the underlying
idea. If the mountains are moving the earth must also move along, but this is not what the
people of that age inferred. Nor could they grasp the idea that if the sun is moving in the
direction of a specific space, the entire universe must also be moving along with it to the same
destination. This vision of the entire universe drifting away in space is an idea which perhaps
has not as yet been conceived by contemporary scientists. Yet it can be implied from an in-
depth study of the Quran that the entire cosmos is moving towards some point in space. If that
implication is true then one is left with no choice but to visualize all 180 billion or more galaxies,
of which our planetary system is but a tiny dot, to be moving along with the sun in a set direction






The word "science" here stands for all branches of knowledge without particularizing any of
them. It includes studies connected with the universe and its allied subjects under which fall
the modern sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy and geology. The
Holy Quran, undoubtedly, raises the prestige of these sciences and encourages people to
study them for the general good.
The most sublime reference in this respect and the most important fact in this connection is
that the very first verses of the Holy Quran gave incentive to gain knowledge and to glorify
it. The beginning of the Revelation was actually a signal for the dawn of know -ledge and a
forerunner of giving it its due dignity. The very first verse of the Holy Book reads
"Read in the name of thy Lord Who created, created man from a clot, Read
and thy Lord is most Generous, Who taught by the pen, taught man what he
knew not." (surat Al-Alaq: The Clot).
The Holy Quran explains later at different stages of the Revelation the meaning of science
and education. which includes, on a large scale, all sciences connected with the universe,
matter, energy, systems and life. These are the sciences by which Man gains in power and
strength and faith and fear of God which is the Chief objective of life. Refer for example to
the following verses:
"Those of His servants only who are possessed of knowledge fear Allah.
Surely, Allah is Mighty, Forgiving." (Surat Fatir: The Originator).
"Surely in the heavens and the earth are signs for believers." (Surat Al-
Jathiya : The Kneeling).
"And in the earth are signs for those who are sure. (Surat Al-Zariyat :
The Scatterers).
"And He it is Who has made the stars for you that you might follow the right
way thereby in the darkness of the land and the sea. Indeed We have made
plain the signs for a people who know." (Surat Al-Anaam: The Cattle).
"And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the
diversity of your tongues and colors. Surely there are signs in this for the
learned." (Surat Al-Rum: The Romans).
"Seest thou not that Allah sends down water from the clouds, then We bring
forth therewith fruits of various hues? And in the mountains are streaks,
white and red, of various hues and (others) intensely black. And of men and
beasts and cattle there are various colors likewise." (Surat Fatir : The
Originator).
"Say: Are those who know and those who know not alike?" (Surat Al-Zumar:
The Companies).
This is apart from a number of other verses which not only speak highly of sciences and
scientists, but draw our attention and direct us to pursue knowledge and discover the
secrets of the universe on the line of the present divisions of modern sciences as we have
already explained.

The Quran Differentiates between Conviction and Speculation
The formations of modern science have been founded on the difference between conviction
and speculation. Recognition of this difference is the pillar on which rests the structure of all
sound and solid cultures. While the Holy Quran addresses sound minds, scientists also do
not recognize any of the branches of knowledge except those which have the support of
reason and sound argument or potent experience.
It is deeply regretted that despite the fact that the Holy Quran has made vigorous appeal
for this lofty ideal as regards sciences, which was actually the basis of the success achieved
by the modern scientific renaissance and differentiated between conviction and speculation,
Muslims, during a certain period of time, wasted time and effort in useless talk, adoption of
an aimless philosophy and making studies in baseless metaphysics which encouraged the
spread of myths, fancies and imageries. At that time, baseless talks and arguments, trying
to explain the familiar natural phenomena, took place. They, for instance, interpreted ebb
and tide as an act of a sea angel who was supposed to put his. thumb in the water to make
it bubble and expand and to take it off to make it recede, causing ebb. The
Holy Quran says:
"Say: Have you any knowledge so you would bring it forth to us? You only
follow a conjecture and you only tell lies." (Surat Al-Anaam: The Cattle).
"And most of them follow naught but conjecture will not avail aught against
the Truth." (Surat Yunus: Jonah).
It is a fact that the scientific renaissance in the West was due to correct observations and
sound experiments. Scientific laws are nothing but interpretations of phenomena in the
material world. Although we do not claim absolute authenticity of such laws, yet we agree
that they represent the largest possible amount of authenticity and precision. These laws
are gradually moving towards perfection with the advancement of sciences. With the
passage of time and expansion in the horizon of knowledge, and in view of growing
accuracy in observation, scientists introduce, from time to time, amendments or
modifications in some of the scientific laws so as to bring them closer to fact or to make
them more useful.

This means that scientists are continuously carrying on research work about the universe.
They are making us in this endeavour of a variety of matters for research, the foremost of
which deal with theory. Next to this are experiments in the laboratory, farms or in nature as
a whole. This is exactly what the Holy Quran ordains in matters of understanding realities,
as it says:
"Say: Travel in the earth then see how He makes the first
creation." (Surat Al-Ankabut : The Spider).
"See they not the clouds, how they are created? And the heaven, how it is
raised high?" (Surat Al Ghashiyah: The Overwhelming Event).
Do they not consider the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what
things Allah has created ?" (Surat Al-Aaraf: The Elevated Places).
There are several other verses with similar meanings. This shows that it is not wise for the
people to have mere fantasy as the basis of their religious ideologies or scientific theories. A
conclusion which has no support of experience or proof will not do. In so doing, they will be
like those who deduce the characteristics of matter or the phenomena of the universe
without studying the objects they are observing, or like those who inherit their beliefs
without putting them to test to find out right from wrong. The Holy Quran, describing such
people, says:
"And when it is said to them, Come to that which Allah has revealed and to
the Messenger, they say: Sufficient for us is that wherein we found our
fathers. What Even though their fathers know nothing and had no
guidance." (Surat Al-Maida: The Food).
Some Principles relating to the Universe
Study of the characteristics of matter and the utilization of different energies in the universe
have been the main sources of human success. Although we make use of electricity for
warming up, medical treatment, lighting, automation, driving locomotives and cars, etc., yet
our knowledge of the nature of electricity is incomplete. Similar is the case with light and
heat. To all of them, we give a vague name, energy, which is hidden in the universe and
which can change into one another, but nobody can create it from nothingness.

Normally, all scientific theories attempt to interpret the origin of the universe on the basis of
certain assumptions which could not be proved, or on the basis of certain points beyond
which nobody could go. The science of physics does not touch the subject of creation from a
state of nothingness. It only concentrates on a study of the characteristics of the existing,
whether it is matter, energies or life.

But before we proceed to discuss the greater world represented in existence as a whole, it is
better to talk first about the smaller world as represented in the smallest elementary
particles which go to make the material, which is the atom. Atoms are made of the smallest
possible non-matter particles. One could only define the nature of each matter or element
by the number of particles existing in each atom. The most simple of all atoms in
construction is the hydrogen atom. It is known as the universal gas or the gas which
brought the existence into being, from which all other known matters have developed. The
hydrogen atom is composed of a nucleus, which is a proton of positive nature, around which
revolves an electron, which is negative. [Note: This small and simple collection in the world of atoms reminds
us of its counterpart in the Greater World which includes the earth around which revolves the moon .This is a proof and
support to the Quran's verse: "Thou seest no incongruity in the creation of the Beneficent." (SuratAl-Mulk: The
Kingdom).] The construction of atoms gets more and more complicated as we proceed to know
other material elements.

It was generally believed until recently, that atoms could not be further divided into
elementary particles. The methods used for splitting them were useless. But, once the
methods for splitting the atom were discovered in this age, it became certain finally that
huge energy was inherent in it. The basis of the energy was the same which was used
originally in uniting its elementary particles, particularly the constituents of the nucleus
which came into being for the first time in the stars under tremendous pressure and heat,
the degree of which is beyond description and imagination.

In most elements, the nucleus is not restricted to the positive proton. Instead, there are
neutrons, which are elementary particles, having no distinguishing charge. It is understood
that the nucleus is the first thing which determines the atom. Helium, for example,
produced by the explosion of hydrogen atoms, is composed of two neutrons and two
protons. When we proceed with nuclii till we reach the heavy elements represented in
uranium, for instance, we find that the nucleus of this element is composed of
92 protones with 146 neutrons. Normally, negative charges inside any atom are equal to
their positive charges. This is why the electrical charge of an atom equals zero. The helium
atom is composed of one nucleus and two electrons (or negative electricity) which produce
electrical equilibrium. But as regards the uranium atom, ninety two nuclii revolve around it.
Electrons go round nuclii in different orbits which increase with the rise in electrons, as each
orbit will be saturated with a certain number of them. The nearest of orbits to the nucleus
has no room but for two electrons. The following orbit has eight electrons, and so on. What
is left over from the saturation of the inner stratas remains in the outer ones. This is which
could be easily separated and reorganized.

It is possible that one electron or more may be separated from the atom. This will release
two charges, one positive and the other negative. This process is scientifically called
ionization". The most simple apparatus in which the process of ionization takes place is the
electric discharge tube used in lighting or advertising in which the gas glows under very low
pressure resulting from the collision of electrons with gas atoms. This collision with some
particles results in adding energies which are released in the form of light, which in its turn
is the source of the glow known to us; while some other atoms are ionized.

A few years ago, new discoveries had been made in the material world as regards the
formation of the atoms. These discoveries were of much importance to scientists,
particularly astronomers. The most important of them was the discovery of the negative
proton (the opposite to the proton known to us) and the positive electron (the opposite to
the one familiar to us). This means that there are two different kinds of matter of which
stars, the sun, planets and other various bodies are formed. If one of these two kinds meets
the other or collides with it, atomic destruction takes place, the result of which will be the
disappearance of the whole matter from existence and the release of huge energies. We, for
instance, may describe the first kind of these two matters, that of positive protons and
negative electrons, as "M"; the second and opposite kind, of negative protons and positive
electrons, could be named as `S".

Astronomers have benefited from those discoveries in the potentialities and the different
applications involved in them, which explained the mysteries of a number of this universe's
phenomena. Due to these discoveries, astronomers were able to explain completely dark
parts in galaxies, especially in the spiral nebulae, and were also able to know something
about novas and supernovas;
There are some electrically-charged particles in the nuclii of heavy atoms. These are called
masons. If a proton is transferred to a neutron, the former loses its positive charge, which
will be separated with the separation of a positive mason. But if a neutron changes into a
proton, the mason, in this case, will have a negative charge. When a positive proton collides
with an other of a negative nature, or if a negative electron collides with a positive one, one
completely destroys the other. The total energy will be released in this case.

From this we can easily realize that when one atom of matter "M" enters the orbit of matter
"S", or vice versa. electrons become extinct or vanish first, then the protons.
However, we do not know, even approximately, whether the number of positive protons
contained in the universe is completely equal to the negative protons of it. But a host of
scientists believe that such a case should exist in a world created from nothingness. It will
be the same result to be got if it happens that galaxies meet and collide with each other.
This discovery may cast light on the exalted verse:
"Surely Allah upholds the heavens and the earth lest they come to naught.
And if they come to naught, none can uphold them after Him. Surely He is
ever Forebearing, Forgiving."(Surat Fatir : The Originator).
Anyhow, the possibility of the disappearance of heavens and the earth is a problem which
science can not deny as we have already seen. This could be stated despite the fact that we
are unable to confirm that positive and negative protons had come into existence as big
numbers of pairs which became separated into single ones of which the total charge did not
exceed zero, or that all such things had been formed as separated and single particles. It is
also a fact that nobody had admitted that protons and electrons were regularly distributed
among all parts of the universe. The possibility of securing electrical equilibrium, by the
passage of time and at a certain place, between negative and positive charges, could be
proved by witnessing it.
There are other verses which have rather the same meaning. These verses reveal the secret
of the beginning and the end of this universe. Of them are the following:
"On the day when the earth will be changed into a different earth, and the
heavens (as well)." (Surat Ibrahim: Abraham).
"The day when We roll up heavens like the rolling up of the scroll of
writings." (Surat Al-Anbiya: The Prophets).
"And when the heaven has its covering removed.' (Surat Al-Takwir: The
Folding Up).
The Quran as the best Example of Scientific Expression

We have stated that the inimitable nature of the Holy Quran's elocution makes itself more prominent
when the Book describes with scientific precision a matter pertaining to the universe. This shows
unmistakably the authenticity and truth of the Revelation. One of the striking examples of the same
is the Quranic verse which was included in Surat Yunus (Jonah): "Until when the earth puts on its
golden raiment and it becomes adorned, and its people think that they are masters of it, Our
command comes to it, by night or by day." There could be no better and clearer expression than this
one which describes the future of humanity on earth. Was not this verse which gave prior
information of the coming event of the dawn of civilization? Actually, it was the most true picture
given beforehand of the landmarks of civilization, its merits and beauties and the different shapes it
takes in different parts of the world. This Quranic verse gives us an idea about the enormous power
of science which Man has begun using on earth, to exercise control over space, to subdue rivers and
oceans and to dynamite hills and hillocks.

The Holy Quran's was a correct foretelling. Man has today really gained in knowledge and has
acquired control on Mother Earth. Earth receives Allah's directive. But when? At what time? The
verse which was revealed fourteen centuries ago says the time can be night or day. This expression
in particular is superb and very precise. We know that when it is night time in one hemisphere, it is
daytime in the other. That means that any event may take place in a particular moment of time
which can be night time as related to a particular hemisphere and at the same time it can be
daytime as related to the other. This is an indisputable scientific fact and could not possibly be open
to alteration in any case. That is actually a piece of most precise description of a scientific issue and
it constitutes a proof of the inimitable elocution of the Holy Book which we ought to bring into
prominence to let the Believer gain further firmness in his faith and to show an aspect of the
wonderful Quranic elocution even in the description of scientific matters.
The following verse from Surat Al- Raad (The Thunder) is one Quranic expression which helps
science to interpret a fact
"Allah is He who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see."
If we consider the sky a name given to anything which is over our heads, then it will surely mean
the entire universe which surrounds us and which begins with the space around the earth followed
by the planets, the Sun and other stars found in the depth of the space in our galaxy or in the other
galaxies. All these heavenly bodies move in their orbits . [Note: "All revolve in orbits " (Surat Al-Anbiya: The
Prophets) "Nor can the night outstrip the day. And each revolves on in an orbit." (Surat Yasin).] This is the sky. It is created
by Allah and each body in the space is similar to the brick in its lofty structure. All these heavenly
bodies split one after the other and are held in their relative positions by centrifugal force and
universal gravity. This gravity and this centrifugal force, produced by rotation in semi-circular orbits
or ellipses ,could be treated as actually-built pillars. Although we may not detect such forces with
our eyes yet that does not mean that they are not there in any case, since we can measure and give
their specifications correctly. If anyone of us is granted a suitable sense in addition to the normal
ones we have, he will be able to feel these (tulbes of force) exactly as we can feel any material body
with our normal senses.
The blue sky which appears over our heads during daytime has no material existence. It is nothing
more than the result of the scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere, exactly as the small sea waves
crash on the rocks of the shore, and later, scatter in all directions. It is scientifically known that in
the earth's atmosphere most sunrays suffer a scattering effect, which is the result of particles of the
air, water, vapor and the small hardened bodies which are carried by different currents of air. It is
also known that the scattering of light cannot be complete except for such waves the lengths of
which are the shortest possible in the solar beam which is sent out by the sun. The amount of
energy which gets scattered becomes inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength
scattered, in a way that if two waves the length of the first being 0,6 micron [Note: The micron is a unit for
measuring short waves like the ether waves represented by light or X-rays for example. This unit is equal to one part out of ten
thousand parts of the known centimeter.] and the second 0,5 micron, the ratio of the scattered energy in the
second case as related to the scattered energy of the former case will be approximately:
6 x 6 x 6 x 6 =1296 = 2
5 x 5 x 5 x 5 625 1

The blue waves, or the waves of blue color, sent out within the solar beam, are very rich due to the
temperature of the radiating surface of the sun, which amounts to 6,000 absolute or slightly less.
Moreover, these blue waves are amongst the shortest lengths of all light waves. As soon as they
enter the atmosphere of the earth they get scattered all over and cover the space with big amounts
of blue color. This makes the sky appear as a blue dome over our heads, despite the fact that this
dome has no existence as that of a material body or a hard sky, as some may tend to think. This
blue sky is nothing but a light phenomenon as had been already described.
Those who are engaged in the nature of space do not require any new proof to get to this fact. But
still we can give below some examples to facilitate understanding the problem:
1. The blue sky can change into red or yellow at the scattering of a greater amount of the yellow
or red rays of its solar beam. This can happen under the effect of scattering comparatively
big- sized particles or drops of water produced in the lower air strata. This is exactly what
happens at the time when dust or sand storms blow or when you look at the horizon at
sunrise or sunset while non-thick and low uncondensed clouds are scattered around it.

2. The source of light in the atmosphere itself (or the sky) during daytime are the rays scattered
in all directions. The most clear proof of this phenomenon is that if you open a window which
does not face the sun at all, i.e. looking to the north, there will be no doubt that this window,
which does not get sunshine direct, can fill the room with the light of the day. From where did
the light come and how did it enter? The answer is simple: light comes through the scattered
rays spread everywhere.

3. If we climb up in the higher strata of the atmosphere to come out of the air cover (at a
distance of one hundred kilometers from the earth's surface) the blue sky will appear below
with the stars shining in it in daytime. At the same time, the big space will appear dark, in
which stars will be seen shining. The sun will be so prominent and its rays will be piercing
exactly like needles. They may have a noise as a result of gigantic storms sweeping its outer
space.
There is no doubt that the Holy Quran differentiates between the word "sky" and the other one
"heavens". These words have been used in it in more than 300 verses. We shall know, as we
proceed, that the word "sky" is used as a common expression for everything which is over our
heads, including the earth's atmosphere in which clouds of a different nature move, and also the
rain-laden clouds such as cumulonimbus and cumulus which grow vertically due to particular natural
conditions. The Holy Quran did not, in any way, mean by sky or heavens the blue dome seen by
human beings since the beginning of existence, and which captured their imagination too. This is one
aspect of the inimitable elocution of the Holy Quran which excels precisely in describing scientific
issues. This may be surprising since its Revelation came from the All-knowing, All-embracing
Almighty.
Clouds rise towards the sky and cover sunshine, while rain and hail drop from them. Their structure
may get charged with electricity under particular conditions. This phenomenon is accompanied by
electrical discharge between different parts of a cloud which is yet forming up or among other
clouds. This discharge produces fearful electric sparks called lightning. If the discharge takes place
between the cloud and the surface of the earth, in this case it takes the name of "thunderbolt". It is
known that quick expansion of air due to sudden heat which causes lightning is accompanied by
inter-pressure and low pressure in space, which is thunder. As far as the continuous noise of
thunders is concerned, the source of this comes from the reflection of the thundering noise in a
series of cloud bases and heights, and the like. It is clear that rain is the source of sweet or fresh
water on earth, and for this, it makes the backbone of life. It is the sweet water which gave
prosperity since ages. This has been fully described by the Holy Quran in different verses and
different ways. The "sky" and "clouds" and "heavens" have been mentioned in
several Quranic verses. Of these are :
In Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow)
"Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is darkness, and thunder and lightning."
"And sends down rain from the clouds then brings forth with it fruits for your
sustenance."
"And the water that Allah sends down from the sky, then gives life therewith to the
earth after its death."
"And the changing of the winds and the clouds make subservient between heaven and
earth."
In Surat Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)
"Surely nothing in the earth or in the heaven is hidden from Allah."
In Surat Al-Anaam (The Cattle)
"And it is He Who sends down water from the clouds, then We bring forth with it buds
of all (plants)."
"And whomsoever He intends to leave in error, he makes his breast strait (and)
narrow as though he were ascending upwards."
We will be justified if we pause here a little to question our own selves as to who had informed the
Prophet about this natural phenomenon the secret of which had not been discovered unless after a
period of more than one thousand years beginning from the date of Revelation, and after scientists
climbed up the higher strata of the atmosphere in
balloons, and planes and the like, and studied the nature of air with the help of apparatus and
instruments? Later, they formed their theories and laid down rules.
It is a fact that to climb up the sky means lessening of the atmospheric pressure which entails the
lessening of oxygen which we inhale in a way that it will not suffice for the requirements of life,
neither in quality nor quantity. This produces uneasiness in the chest for anyone going up in the first
stages of climbing. Later, such a man will face sure death. At a height of 19 kilometers, human blood
bursts forth from the body pores as if it was boiling.
In Surat Al-Anfal (Voluntary Gifts)
"And sent down upon you water from the clouds."
"If this is indeed the truth from Thee, then rain down on us stones from heaven."
In Surat Yunus (Jonah):
"The likeness of this world's life is only as water which We send down from the clouds,
then the herbage of the earth, of which men and cattle eat, grows luxuriantly
thereby."
"Say: Who gives you sustenance from the heaven and the earth."
"And not the weight of an atom in the earth or in the heaven is hidden from thy Lord."
In Surat Hud:
"And it was said: O earth, swallow thy water, and O cloud, clear away."
"And, O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord, then turn to Him, He will send on
you clouds pouring down abundance of rain."
In Surat Ibrahim (Abraham) :
"and sent down water from the clouds, then brought forth with it fruits-as a
sustenance for you.
"And nothing is hidden from Allah, either in the earth, or in the heaven."
In Surat Al-Hijr (The Rock)
"And certainly We have made strongholds in the heaven, and We have made it fair-
seeming to the beholders."
It is known, however, that early astronomers divided the sky stars into 90 groups, or constellations.
Included in this huge group was an imaginary belt which included in turn the zodiacs that pass by
the earth followed by each other, in order to complete the circulation in one full year. This
phenomenon applies to all members of the solar system since they also move from one zodiac to
another. Zodiacs are : Aries, Taurus, Betelguese, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius,
Capricorns, Aquarius and Pisces.

At any rate, we can see that this type of man-made division was more akin to picturisation or
decoration which was rather the outcome of fancy and not correct scientific procedure. The division
of the sky stars into groups, having particular and known shapes, was a wonderful act of drawing or
painting which represented some stories and beliefs. But, since they were painted and drawn in a
particular way, their characteristic shapes were liked by the people. There is no doubt, scientifically
speaking, that these shapes remain preserved for ever in the minds of the viewers from the earth.
This is due to the fact that stars are away from us by distances beyond imagination and description.
All these meanings are likely to be found collectively in the Holy Verse put in an inimitable elocution
and couched in a purely scientific style.

In Surat Al-Hijr (The Rock) this verse is also found: "And We send the winds seeding (Or fertilizing),
then send down water from the clouds, so We give it to you to drink", on the one hand, the verse
may be regarded to show us that the winds, which had been discovered by our age's botanists and
found to be an important factor in fertilizing most of the plant-these winds were mentioned by the
Holy Quran centuries ago as fertilizing agents. Winds, on the other hand, are also the basic factor, if
not the first factor, which stir clouds, seed them with nuclii of condensation, and accumulate them in
the sky to rain. The most wonderful thing in this connection is that the Holy Quran always connects
the falling down of rains from the sky with sending winds together, which gives meaning for blowing.
The scientific expression is convergence. It is an accomplished fact that these two natural
phenomena are linked with each other. This phenomenon is the basic principle upon which stands
the explanation of heavy precipitation. It is established now that rainfall is accompanied by the
process of the rise of the air upwards by convergence or convection or similar factors. Later, air gets
cold due to expansion. This is scientifically known as adiabatic cooling. When air expands, it occupies
greater volumes as a result of the low pressure which takes place in the higher strata of the
atmosphere. Its temperature drops automatically at the expense of the energy of its particles, and
vice versa. When air gets cold, its ability to carry water-vapor drops too. The continuation of this
process, i.e. the continuous climbing up to the higher strata of the atmosphere and self refrigeration,
makes it too feeble to carry water-vapor. This makes the latter accumulate in the shape of drops or
snow crystals inside clouds. These particles gradually begin growing under suitable conditions until
the up-growing air current loses capacity to carry them. This is the stage when they drop as rain or
hail or as any other form of heavy downpours which come from the sky to enliven the earth after its
death. All this is a result of the process of adiabatic cooling which accompanies the up-growing air
current. But, of course, during the days of Muhammad nobody could even dream of the air carrying
water in the form of water-vapor!

If we go deep in our study of the verses which describe this phenomenon, we find that, taken in its
totality, it forms the basis of meteorology. Moreover, the Holy Quran urges human beings to think
and realize the Creator's power over everything. Take for example the following verse which appears
inSurat-Baqara (The Cow). It says:
"In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,
and the ships that run in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that Allah
sends down the sky, then gives life therewith to the earth afits death and spreads in it
all (kinds of) animals, and the drifting of the winds and the clouds between heaven
and earth, there are surely signs for a people who understand."
Does not this verse differentiate between astronomy, meteorology and biology? Does it not draw
attention to all that? Read this verse taken from Surat Al-Nur (The Light) :
"Or like darkness in the deep sea-there `covers him a wave, above which is a wave,
above which is a cloud - (layers of) darkness one above another - when he holds out
his hand, he is almost unable to see. it. And to whom Allah gives not light, he has no
light."
From this verse it could be seen that the description of darkness and its piling up under particular
atmospheric conditions is a wonderful picturisation the style of which is inimitable as far as the
precise scientific description is concerned.
The following verse is included in Surat Al-Nur (The Light):
"Seest thou not that Allah drives along the clouds, then gathers them together, then
piles them up, so that thou seest the rain coming forth from their inside? And He
sends down from the sky mountains, wherein is hail, afflicting therewith whom He
pleases and turning it away from whom He pleases. The flash of his lightening almost
takes away the sight."
This is a verse which defines the nature of cumulus clouds which grow with their cliffs piercing
through the atmosphere up to the sky. They look like mountains and drop hail or snow balls of
varying sizes, the size of one of them may equal the size of an orange. It is known that when the
smaller snow particles grow inside cumulus they get charged with electricity. This means that the
process of getting charged with electricity can not be completed except at the actual availability of
snow formations inside clouds. Later, they grow quickly under suitable weather conditions, the most
important of which is the intensity in the vertical air currents. This is what the verse says and draws
the attention to, as if the Prophet Muhammad was a giant of meteorology.

In Surat Al-Rum (The Romans) there is another verse which most clearly and scientifically points to
the formation of precipitation, the basis of which is the directing of winds to accumulate and climb
upwards. [Note: Convergence due to the coming of winds from all directions to a particular place is the main phenomenon which
causes downpour. The author of the book assessed the amount of air which rises as a result of the process of convergence. In case
rain falls accompanying depression in the eastern area of the Mediterranean during winter (The Cyprus Atmospheric Depression, as it
is called by the writer) and found equal to 70,000 cubic kilometres per hour. This helps us, and clarifies the meaning of the term
convergence referred to in this book. It means that wind is released from all, or most directions surrounding one particular zone in
order to accumulate there. From this point the air gets cold due to ascent and the result will be the fall of continuous rain.] The
verse is this:
"Allah is He Who sends forth the winds, so they raise a cloud, then He spreads it forth
in the sky as He pleases, and He piles it, so that you see the rain coming forth from
inside it; then when He causes it to fall upon whom He pleases of His servants,
Lo they rejoice."
In Surat Fatir (The Originator) there is another verse which reads as follows:
"And Allah is He Who sends the winds, so they raise a cloud, then We drive it on to a
dead land, and therewith give life to the earth after its death. Even so is the
quickening."
This verse shows that after admitting this important scientific fact, the Holy Quran once again
reminds people how rain resuscitates earth after its decay, which proves that resurrection could take
place later.
The following verses are included in Surat Al-Nahl (The Bee):
"He it is who sends down water from the clouds for you; it gives drink."
"And Allah sends down water from above, and therewith gives life to the earth after its
death."
From Surat A1-Kahf (The Cave) the following could be quoted:
"And will send on (thine) a reckoning from heaven so that it is dust without plant."
"And set forth to them the parable of the life of this world as water which We send
down from the cloud."
In Surat Taha:
"And sent down water from the clouds. Then hereby We bring forth pairs of various
herbs.'
This means that water which falls down from the clouds, despite the established fact of its chemical
composition according to the diversity of localities, is capable of producing varieties of plants. This is
a sign of the omnipotence of the Creator and it bears testimony to His limitless might and power.
In Surat Al-Nur (The Light) another verse says:
`And He sends down from the heaven (clouds like) mountains, wherein is hail."
Hail, [Note: Hail is different from snow which falls on cold zones. It is a usual natural phenomenon seen in most parts of the globe,
particularly in damp hot areas. During heavy storms, hails size may equal that of pomegranates falling on earth, it destroys harvests
and may kill cattle. But usually, hail's size does not exceed the size of a small nut . In Egypt, hail is called "the salt" and falls down
together with rain in winter.] granted by Heaven, is formed inside cumulus growing in a vertical direction.
These clouds are those which go upwards, under special atmospheric conditions, with summits like
mountains. Despite the assorted kinds of clouds and their characteristic diversities, the holy verse,
mentioned above, refers specifically to the possibility of the coming down of hail from cumulus,
which is an indisputable scientific fact.
The Quran again says in Surat Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) :
"He said: My Lord knows (every) utterance in the heaven and the earth."
It behooves us if we pause here a little longer to ponder over the deep meanings of this verse which
has a clear bearing on a scientific fact. The phraseology used is simple but notable. The verse states
that heavens there are utterances, which means that in heavens there should be creatures which
speak or talk. Here, we may take the term "talk" to mean different methods used by all creatures,
those endowed with reason and others without it, such as insects, [Note: Insects are the most superb creatures
known on the surface of the earth. Nothing could deter their progress towards development except the absence of an inner bone
structure within their bodies. Another obstacle is their respiratory system. Some one million years ago, insects reached the pinnacle of
their grandeur. They set up social units and colonies in which the individual was subordinate to the general interest and where it was
assigned a particular duty to perform Examples of this are ants, bees and the concentrations of white ants which lived right from the
end of the ancient periods of life up to this day, without any change or development worth mentioning.] for communication
with each other. We can take such utterances as statements made by human beings and consider
them as a factor distinguishing creatures with reason from Creatures without it. At any rate, in all
parts of the skies and heavens there are creatures which resemble those living on earth. And if there
are planets in our solar system or in other systems floating in space whose climate and environment
favor the existence of life and its development in a way comparable to life on earth, this verse, then,
gives information about the existence of life in them. This means that creatures created of materials
known either on earth or in other planets, are numberless. The Holy Quran stands unique among
other holy books in giving this important statement which informs human beings that they are not
the only living beings.

If we speak about existence of life in other planets, we should not forget that a host of scientists
gives assurances that life, whenever it exists, should rely on the existence of the carbon atom and
its derivatives as well as big quantities of water in which such compounds will dissolve.
Surat Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) mentions: "And We made from water everything living." Scientists
admit that carbon is the sole element which builds bodies, as it yields various compounds produced
by complicated series formed of its particles. Carbon constituents always need specified amounts of
heat in order to be kept intact. It is noticed that under very low temperature, these constituents
cannot unite. At boiling point, most of them disintegrate. If this is the case, suitable temperature has
to be the most important element in keeping life everywhere.
It is a fact that carbon constituents can dissolve in liquids other than water, whatever will be the way
used and the degree of softness. Although carbon chemistry has been carefully studied, yet nobody
could be aware of the limit of this element's potentialities. Some scientists conceived that many
other kinds of life may appear under circumstances different from those found on earth. It is know
:for instance, that carbon and silica compounds, are numberless. They can survive high
Temperature. This shows that big planets, having thick atmospheres, should have more chances for
the formation of such compounds, and probably the existence of living creatures.
If we try to define the shape or form which developed races living outside our planet will have we
should, in this case, and without inviting complications act on the assumption that nature has made
no dissimilarity whatsoever in its methods. [Note: Thou seest no incongruity in the creation of the Beneficent"Surat Al-
Mulk"] accordingly such creatures, in their attempt to make a good show, share with us the following
:
1. The body's reliance on an inner osteology made of hard material.
2. The existence of a main center for nerves (the brain) and a net which communicates to
various parts of the body directives (the nerves)
3. The best shelter for the brain which exists inside a safe movable organ either in the fore or
the top part of the body. This organ also contains the main organs of sensation, such as the
eyes which are found whenever light is abundant, ears whenever sound wayes are conducted
every where, nose, tongue, etc.
4. Creatures dependence upon legs used in motion.
5. The existence of a mouth for speaking and feeding. In certain cases some creatures use
signals only, while others use drawing or suggestive devices.
From the Quranic verses which refer to the fact that on near and far planets there are surely
creatures are the following:
"Seek they then other than Allah's religion? And to Him submits whoever is in the
heavens and the earth." Surat Al-Imran (The Family of Imran).
"All those in the heavens and the earth ask of Him. Every moment He is in a state (of
glory). - Surat Al-Rahman (The Beneficent).
"And thy Lord best knows those who are in the heavens and the earth." - Surat Al-
Israa (The Ascension).
"There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes to the Beneficent as a
servant." Surat Maryam (Mary).
"Seest thou not that to Allah makes submission whoever is in the heavens and
whoever is in the earth." Surat Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage).
"Seest thou not that Allah is He, Whom do glorify all those who are in the heavens and
the earth." Surat AI-Nur (The Light).
"Say: No one in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen but Allah." - Surat Al-
Naml.
"And the day when the trumpet is blown then those in the heavens and those in the
earth will be struck with terror." - Surat Al-Naml.
"And the trumpet is blown, so all those in the heavens and all those in the earth will
swoon." - Surat Al-Zumar (The Companies).
"And He is whosever is in the heavens and the earth. All are obedient to Him." -
SuratAl-Rum (The Romans).
"And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and what He has spread
forth in both of them of living beings. And He is All-powerful to gather them together,
when He will." - Surat Al-Shura (The Council).
"And to Allah makes obeisance every living creature that is in the heavens and that is
in the earth, and the angels (too) and they are not proud." - Surat Al-Nahi (The Bee).
The last verse may be one of the clearest verses of the Holy Quran which differentiates between
angels and other creatures living in the heavens. The latter may also include occupied planets or
others on which material creatures live as in the case of the earth. Heavens were again mentioned
inSurat Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage) as follows:
"And whoever associates (aught) with Allah, it is as if he had fallen from on high, then
the birds had snatched him away."
"Seest thou not that Allah sends down water from the cloud, then the earth becomes
green."
"And He withholds the heavens from falling on the earth except with His permission."
Celestial bodies are of different sizes and forms. Among them are suns, stars, planets as well as
meteors and meteorites. All of these bodies run in orbits and are bound by gravity. The earth may
intervene in one of the meteorites' paths in space, when floating around the sun. Some of these
meteorites run at a speed of about 45 miles per second, and for this reason, it is estimated that any
meteorite which weighs one fraction over one thousand of only one gramme can run in to that of a
gun's bullet. Although the size of such a meteorite will not exceed at all the size of one particle of
sand, it causes direct injury, in case it collides with a human body, no less in damage than any
resulting from a direct fireshot.

Thousands of millions of such bodies fall without indulgence every day down to the upper
atmosphere of the earth, when the latter penetrates their paths. But these meteorites soon
evaporate or burn out. This takes place at a distance ranging from 80 to 100 kilometers far from the
surface of the earth as a result of the generating of immense heat due to resistance of the upper
atmospheric cover. It is needless to say that quick traction causes immense heat which causes in
turn the evaporation of meteorites and setting them on fire. For this reason, these celestial bodies
do not reach the earth's surface. The atmospheric cover protects us from their dangers. The same
happens to meteors, but because of the big size of some of them, meteors sometimes reach the
earth. Among the known meteors which feel down to the earth is the Big Siberian Meteor which fell
in 1908, shaking the surface of the earth and causing great damage in a circle more than 40
kilometers in diameter. . Again, the meteor which fell down on Arizona, America, was responsible for
a crater in the crust of the earth of more than one mile in diameter and 200 meters deep. It
happened that when this meteor collided with the earth's crust, it exploded and its splinters flew
away in all directions in the form of other meteors.

Naturally, meteors are to be considered as a great threat to universal space travelers. The story of
the meteors which follow devils trying to go upwards in the skies is not new. The Holy Quran,
in SuratAl Jinn, tells us of something which happens in the in visible world as follows:
"And we sought to reach heaven, but we found it filled with strong guards and flame.
And we used to sit in some of the sitting-places thereof to steal a hearing. But he who
tries to listen now finds a flame lying in wait for him."
It also says in Surat Al-Rahman (The Beneficent):
"O assembly of jinn and men, if you are able to pass through the regions of the
heavens along the diameters of the earth, then pass through. You cannot pass trough
but with authority. Which then of the bounties of your
This holy verse reveals to us a number of secrets about the space. It tells us that universal space is
not an absolute vacuum in the real sense. In fact, space is full of electrons and nuchi of elements
without which life cannot exist at all. Observations from universal space did not become available to
people except in this era of space and satellites. It was discovered that around the earth there are
complete bands or belts containing big assemblies of electrons kept in space under the effect of the
earths magnetic field electrons are ejected form the sun with great energy. No living body can
expose itself to such bands nor penetrate them with out great precautions. Till now little has been
know about the success achieved by living creatures in going through such belt. Scientists give most
of the constituents of space bands the name of cosmic rays. This name might have been given
because some of those rays and electrons come from distances deep in space . Here, again, the
atmospheric cover of the earth hinders such rays from reaching.

The Quran also mentions the earth evolution and the amounts of matter it contains in this respect
the following verse appears in Surat Al-Muminun (the believers):
"And We sent down water from heavens according to a measure then We caused it to
settle in the earth"
This means that water found on the earth was not given aimlessly. It was given in measured
quantities and for particular reason .The earth with its water has a certain function to fulfill has the
dwelling place for Man the image of God some people wrongly think that in covering most of the
earth surface with oceans and seas there had to be much prodigality. The fact is contrary to that it is
the oceans that regularize the distribution of the main heat on earth they are effective media for fair
distribution of solar energy received by the earth .

Oceans and seas could be regarded as big reservoirs for heat storing the suns energy which is
gained by different ways in places where it could be found in abundance, such as in the tropics
These reservoirs give heat to areas in need of it or in times of scarcity. Without oceans and seas,
earth could have become a planet with maximum and minimum degrees of temperature and the
bodies of living creatures could not have endured life in such very hot and very cold regions. Oceans,
which cover more than three quarters of the earth's surface, prevent such things from happening by
virtue of the natural characteristics or properties they have.

Despite the fact that oceans are so wide, as we have already stated, we still suffer in continental
areas far from oceans, from the differences resulting from the maximum and minimum degrees of
temperature. In the midst of Siberia, temperature may reach 70 degrees centigrade below zero in
winter, while in the midst of the deserts of the two big tropics temperature reaches 50 degrees
centigrade above zero in summer. This fact stands as good proof of the part played by oceans in
mitigating and regularizing heat.
For this reason, the midst of Siberia, and not the geographical Pole familiar to us, should be
considered as the northern heat pole. The fact that oceans create proper and suitable climates for-
life could also be seen from our examination of the clear climatic differences in both regions of the
North and South Poles. The North Pole is nearly a closed sea while in the South Pole there is a dry
land surrounded by ocean from afar.

As a result, the Antarctic Circle becomes barren and covered by snow all over the year.
Temperature, there, scarcely leaves the zero degree. On its exposed to-storms rocks no plants could
grow except mushrooms and fungus. Some kinds of birds and microscopic insects could be found
there But the Arctic Circle is something different. Near this region's edges, temperature, in summer,
goes up to reach a level which enables certain plants, such as Tundura plantations and numerous
varieties of flowers, to grow. The more the sea goes northwards the better the climate will be. All
this is due to the natural characteristics of water.

As regards the entire space the Quran says: "Blessed is He Who made the stars in the heavens and
made therein a sun."

Zodiacs, as we have already mentioned, are composed of assemblies of stars as seen from the
earth. The sun under which we live is not so relatively distant. It is a big star of a diameter of more
than one and one third millions of kilometers. In this, its diameter exceeds in length that of the earth
by one hundred times. The sun resembles a lamp which sends light and heat. Its radiating surface
reaches a temperature of 6,000 degrees centigrade. This heat increases immensely and swiftly near
its center where it amounts to more than 20 million degrees centigrade. The reason for this is that
the constituents of the center are exposed to heavy pressures beyond imagination. The sun, as a
lamp, is again mentioned in Surat Nuh (Noah) as follows: "And made the moon therein a light, and
made the sun a lamp."

From the sun burst forth inflammable gases to altitudes of thousands of kilometers. Among those
flames going upwards are the sun spots. They are giant storms which take place in the atmosphere
of the sun. Any of these storms' diameter may measure about 50,000 kilometers. Usually, such
storms are followed by The propagation of magnetic and electrical waves in space which will be
accompanied in turn by magnetic storms on the earth These storms spoil and jam wireless and radio
operations.
Before entering the earths atmosphere solar radiation is composed of different wavelengths or
characteristics. But most of them could be grouped in a band limited by two waves one of 0.17
microns and the other about 4. The percentage rations of the different constituents of the solar
beam are as follows:
1. about 9% is ultra-violet rays. This ratio constitutes a band whose wave length ranges from
0.17 to 0.33 micron .These rays which could not be seen by bare eye have great effect on
living cells.

2. About 50% is light which constitutes a band of radiations whose wavelengths to be between
0.34 and about 0.8 microns. This band is the source of light scattered in daytime over the
earth and its atmosphere. Thus the sun is nothing but a body resembling a lamp which
illuminates and heats the earth and its atmosphere exactly as it has been mentioned
the Quran. Illumination reaches its maximum degree at midday in summer lights intensity is
double that of winter. InCairo for instance light amount to about 10.000 candle feet in
summer and about 5,000 candle feet in winter candle feet is the scientific field. To make this
easy to comprehend we would say that it we want to easily and comfortably illuminate a big
hall, we, in this case, will need 1, 500 candle-feet sunlight has great effect on the growth of
plantation and blossoms as they always require specified amounts of light.

3. About 41% is infra-red, or heat, rays. This constitutes a long band of wave ranging from
about 0.8 to more than 4 microns.
The density of solar radiation on each square centimeter outside the atmosphere of the earth
amounts to about 2 calories [Note: The calorie is the quantity of heat required to calorify one gramme of water for only one
degree centigrade.] per minute. This amount is called "the solar constant".
On entering the earth's atmosphere, solar radiation decreases gradually due to several reasons and
factors found in the atmosphere of the earth itself. Among those reasons are the scattering of light,
or the scattering by air particles and other small ones floating in the air, and the absorption by the
atomic oxygen in high altitudes and by the ozone gas which is found at altitudes ranging from 15 to
45 kilometers.
The scattering of light is responsible for illuminating the atmosphere of the earth as stated before.
This is called the daytime light. If we leave behind the earth's atmosphere and go upwards to the
universal space, we will find it, despite the rising of the sun and its appearance in one of the sky's
corners, dark. This phenomenon could be picturised as if the daytime is snatched from the night, the
result of which will be complete darkness. Originally, space is dark and daytime is nothing but an
incidental matter which is illumination of the atmosphere by the scattering of light. This process does
not occur except in the atmosphere of the earth and other similar planets. The Holy Quran is sublime
in mentioning this fact glorifying in Surat Yasin. It says: "And a sign to them is the night: We draw
forth from the day..."
Solar radiation changes on the earth's surface from one place to another, regularly and during the
whole year. This occurs as a result of astronomical factors, among which are the following:
1. The angle of the sunray's inclination on a particular spot. Radiation becomes immense when
rays fall perpendicularly on the surface of the place.
2. The distance between the sun and the spot given. The more the distance becomes short, the
greater becomes the radiation density. But the effect of the ray's inclination is usually greater
than the effect resulting from changes of distances. This is due to the fact that changes of
distance are small relatively. The earth's orbit around the sun is not completely
circular. [Note:Distance between the earth and the sun changes regularly and during the whole year. In January, for
example, distance amounts to 147 million kilometres, while in July, 152 Difference as it is noticed, is of 5 millionkilometres.]
Generally, solar radiation reaching the earth's surface changes according to altitudes. Big quantities
of it go to the Equator, while small ones go to the Poles. If the average heat day equals the average
of the quantity of solar radiation taken in 24 hours from near the Equator, regardless of other
factors, the quantity of radiation on various altitudes in the whole year, estimated by average heat
day, will be as follows:

Altitude: 0 degree 20 deg. 40 deg. 60 deg. 80 deg.
Average: (Heat Days) 365 345 289 208 157

The earth, in its revolution around itself, has an axis inclined at 23.5 degrees to its orbit around the
sun. Virtually, solar radiation does not intersect the Equator normally except on 21 March and 22
September, when the night equals in time the day everywhere. After March 21, the sun, in the
northern hemisphere, begins its ostensible migration to the north, the matter which adds to the
length of the day and makes it longer than that of the night. This continues until the sun reaches the
Tropic of Cancer (altitude 23.5 degrees to north), which is the maximum to which the sun can go
northward. This takes place on June 21. On that day, radiation falls perpendicularly on the Tropic of
Cancer. From there, the sun moves towards the south until it intersects the Equator on September
22. It continues to move southward till it reaches the Tropic of Capricorn (altitude 23.5 degrees to
the south) on December 22. From there, it repeats its movement.
Since the sun constitutes one of the stars of our galaxy, which completed since its appearance
in the universal space about 20 rotations around itself, it is estimated that the sun itself, together
with the other members of the solar system, like the stars, run in a
speed equaling hundreds of millions of kilometers per hour. The Holy Quran describes this fact as
follows in Surat Yasin:
"And the sun moves on to its destination: That is the ordinance of the Mighty, the
Knower."
In Luqman:
"He has made the sun and the moon subservient (to you) - each pursues its course till
an appointed time."
In Fatir (The Originator) :
"And He has made subservient the sun and the moon, each one moves to an
appointed time."
Other Quranic verses showing the sun and other planets' move are many. Besides, they show the
state of balance and equilibrium among forces influencing it. For example, the Holy Quran says
inSurat Yasin:
"And all float on in an orbit."
In Al-Saffat (Those Ranging in Ranks)
"And of His signs is this, that the heaven and the earth subsist by His command."
In Al-Saffat (Those Ranging in Banks)
"Surely We have adorned the lower heaven with an adornment, the planets."
This shows that the assembly of planets which reflect back sun's light adorn the lower sky. If the
verge of that sky is to be marked by the path of these planets, the nearest sky to us may contain
the following:
a) The cover of the earth's atmosphere, including rainy and non-rainy clouds:
The near universal space, including atoms, particles, meteors, etc.... which transverse the path of
planets, including the earth. These bodies may also transverse any traveler in space. Almost all of
the meteors burn out as soon as they enter the upper atmosphere of the earth, and in this case,
they appear in the form of swooping stars. The Quran says in Surat Almulk (The Kingdom)
"And certainly We have adorned this lower heaven with lamps and We
make them means of conjectures for the devils ."
The same meaning came in a verse in Surat Fussilat (Things Made Plain ). It says :
"And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (make it) to guard ."
Here one would enquire about the whereabouts of other stars. My answer to a such a query would
be that details about other skies have not been referred to in the holy Quran, and hence, we have to
refrain from giving any prediction as regards the hidden world. But since that inquiry will be so
important, I will try to quote most of the verses relating to the skies and heavens with their
characteristics mentioned in the Quran. This may lead us to a satisfactory answer to such a query .
In Surat Sad:
"And We created not the heaven and the earth and what is between them in vain ."
In this verse, one can realize that the space existing between the heavens and the earth is not void
of material and other universal activity.
In Surat Ghafer (The Forgiver) :
"Allah is He Who made the earth a resting-place for you and the heaven a structure."
In Fussilat (Things Made Plain):
"Then He directed Himself to the heaven and it was a gas."
It is scientifically admitted that existence originated from hydrogen gas which existed in the
universal space. Hydrogen is known amongst scientists as the "universal gas". This evolution of the
universe was accomplished by a series of steps or developments accompanied by the gradual
concentration of the universal gas by gravity, before it could take the form of nebulae, galaxies,
stars or planets. The steps could be summarized and serialized as follows:
Universal gas ---- galaxies ---- stars ---- planet
The density or concentration of the universal gas is so small that one atom of it could be found in a
space equal to that of an ordinary match box. But, in spite of this, the existing quantity of that gas
exceeds today the quantity crammed in all galaxies by one thousand times. This is despite the fact
that the first development and evolution process which accompanied the existence of the universe
took place thousands of - millions of years ago. The reason for this may be that galaxies, though
very wide and big, do not occupy in the limitless universal space except a small size only.
However, the sublime thing which this verse may be regarded to show is that the various bodies
(floating) in the sky had begun in the form of a gas. This fact was almost endorsed by all theories of
astronomy, what ever differences there were in details.
In Al-Dukhan (The Drought) this comes out:
"So wait for the day when the heaven brings a clear drought."
In my view, this verse refers mostly to the Judgment Day and gives us one of its signs. It is,
however, admitted that each star, or sun resembling ours, has to expand once before attaining
stability. Our sun, in particular, did not pass by this stage and it is still in its early days. If it happens
that it expands, its wild fire and inflammable atmospheric gases will then fill the near space and
reach the earth. That is the meaning which the previous verse refers to. The same is also included in
this verse: "And the sun and the moon are brought together."
In Al-Jathiya (The Kneeling) this verse could be found:
"And (in) the variation of the night and the day and (in) the sustenance which Allah
sends down from the heaven, then gives life thereby to the earth after its death, and
(in) the changing of the winds, are signs for a people who understand."
This verse, clearly, deals with the principles of astronomy, atmospheric physics and biology, and
points out that science is the source of force and sovereignty and the basis of piety and faith.
In Surat Qaf:
"Do they not look at the sky above them? How We have made it and adorned it."
This, as the former verse quoted from Al-Jathiya, deals with the principles of astronomy. The
sameSura has another similar verse, it is:
"And We send down from the clouds water abounding in good, then We cause to grow
thereby gardens and the grain that is reaped."
If something is to be gathered from this repetition, it will be the importance the Quran attaches to
science and the need to give it priority.
"Heavens" also came in the following two verses included in Al-Zariyat:
"So by the Lord of the heavens and the earth... It is surely the truth, just as you
speak."
"And the heaven, We raised it high with power, and We are expanding it."
The reference to heavens mentioned in this verse deals with, and explains, the borders of the visible
universe and their vastness or expansion in the course of time. This phenomenon, or result, is the
strangest of all scientific conclusions reached in the last years. Since the meaning of the verse is
quite clear, no more explanation will be required. Its scientific elocution and eloquence could not be
overlooked.

It is admitted that the big units of the universe, or galaxies, go far away from each other with high
speed. Thus the universe increases in size or expands. The more galaxies go far away, the quicker
their release in the limitless space will be. It was noticed that galaxies near our own recede at a
speed of so many millions of miles every one hour. Other galaxies of greater distances do the same
but at a speed exceeding 200 million miles every one hour. The speed of galaxies far away from our
own galaxy by double of these distances approaches that of light. Beyond these limits, the speed of
the receding galaxies may exceed the speed of light. As a result of this, light coming from such,
could not reach us. This means that they belong to the unseen universe. However, the limit between
what we can witness in the material existence and what we cannot is the galaxy which recedes at
the speed of light. Today, this galaxy is estimated to be far from our own by four thousand millions
of light years

In short, it could be said that due to the expansion of the universe in which we live, or due to the
receding of its galaxies in the long run, the limits of this universe could be defined and determined at
the verge or the sky after which magnifying glasses could see no more. This universe contains more
than one hundred thousand millions of galaxies, all of which are separated and isolated from each
other By the passage of time, and with the increase of the speed at which they recede from our own
galaxy, those galaxies could disappear beyond the seen universe gradually. If such a thing takes
place, we will live in a universe void of galaxies, except our own. But the fact is that such a thing will
not happen and existence will not be so empty as we have imagined one day. On the contrary, it will
still remain full of galaxies, as it is approximately seen today. The reason for this is that while
galaxies going beyond seen limits disappear, new ones gradually show up, made of universal gas,
which was responsible for the formation of old galaxies.
The universal gas already referred to is the main material for the formation of the universe. It does
not become extinct at all and its quantities in our seen universe do not diminish. Hence scientists'
query: From where does such gas come? Does it come from infinite space, in continuous succession,
to replace the shortage in its quantities lost in the formation of new galaxies ? Or does it come from
a hidden place? Or, is it being created?

Most of the clues and scientific evidences prove that the gas does not come from a specified place ;
it is created. Sometimes, the atoms of this material are no more present, but, suddenly, they show
up. This denotes that the procession of the formation of hydrogen is a continuous one, otherwise this
gas would have disappeared due to its being accumulated and, later, exhausted, inside far galaxies.
Hydrogen, also, accumulates inside stars and submits to great pressures due to gravity. This great
pressure results in the rising of temperature in the formation centers of stars and suns to millions of
degrees. Here, atomic operations become active and gas changes, under various pressures, to ashes
of helium gas and other elements. The chain is completely irreversible, as it cannot act otherwise.
The end of the process cannot, under any circumstances, become the beginning of new hydrogen.
Obviously, the maintenance of the gas in the universal space till now, despite the interaction of all
such factors, is no more than a clear proof that it is continually remodeled and formed. For this
reason, the average of gas density in space remains unchanged.
However, it is a fact that the rate of the formation of the main material of the universe is very slow.
Hydrogen does not appear in abundance at any specified place. Its rate could be equaled to that of
the formation of one atom, in one year, inside a space equaling that of a big hall. Such a rate could
not be measured nor experimentally observed. But it could be mathematically counted. If such an
account is to be applied to the space of the whole seen universe, the created material will result in
the existence of unimaginable quantities. They will exceed
million million million million million milliontons every second! This new material produces pressure
and motion which result in turn the isolation of galaxies and the expansion of the universe.
In Surat Al-Tur (The Mountain) the following verse appears :
"On the day when the heaven will be in a state of commotion."
Probably, a similar meaning is given by a verse in Surat Al-Rahman (The Beneficent):
"So when the heaven is rent asunder, so it becomes red like red hide."
Searching for other verses dealing with the same subject we have:
In Al-Haqqah (The Sure Truth):
"And the heaven will be cleft asunder; so that day it will be frail."
This refers to the Judgment Day when the landmarks of this universe change. [Note: The following verses
have the same meaning: "And the heaven is opened so it becomes as doors" - Al Naba (The Announcement). "And when the heaven is
rent asunder" - Al-Mursalat (Those Sent Forth). "And when the heaven has its covering removed". - Al-Takwir (The Folding up). "when
the heaven is cleft asunder" - Al-Infitar (The Cleaving). "When the heaven hurstsasunder" - Al-Inshiqaq (The Bursting Asunder). "By
the cloud giving rain" - Al-Tariq (The Comer by Night).]
In Al-Maarij (The Ways of Ascent) :
"The day when the heaven is as molten brass."
In Al-jinn there is a verse which says:
"And we sought to reach heaven, but we found it filled with strong guards and flame."
This verse points out that meteors and cosmic rays, etc... which cross the universal space near the
earth's path are among the grave sources of extinction any traveler in the space can encounter as
soon as he leaves the earth's limits. Here, again, the meaning of the "to reach heavens" become
also clear, as some of these meteors succeed in dashing through the earth's atmosphere and burn
out at a distance ranging from 80 to 100 kilometers from its surface.
In Al-Maida (The Food) there is a verse which reads:
"And Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them.
He creates what He pleases."
This verse shows clearly that the universal space existing between various bodies in the sky is not
void of everything, such as energy or ether waves. In it there are unseen particles which science has
discovered lastly in the space age. In the same Sura there is another verse bearing the same
meaning; it reads as follows:
"And Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them,
and to Him is the eventual coming."
"Heavens" is also mentioned in the same Sura as follows
"Knowest thou not that Allah is He to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and
the earth?"
"That is that you may know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever
is in the earth."
"Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them; and He
is Possessor of over all things."
In Surat Hud a verse says:
"And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six periods."
This verse denotes that existence was created at a certain time and that it also at specified
period to complete. Formerly, we had given many verses bearing the same meaning.
The second law of Thermodynamics points out that the universe could not be infinite in time; on the
contrary, it had started at a specified time. Heat is always being transferred from hot material bodies
to cold bodies. This process cannot be reversed and heat, accordingly, cannot return from cold
bodies to hot bodies. The universe has to approach a case when the temperatures of all bodies
become equal and the source of energy disappears. As a result of this, chemical and physical
operations, such as radiation and the exchange of heat energy between various bodies, discontinue
and the phenomena of life in the universe completely vanish. But since life is still going on and
chemical and physical processes are still in operation, the logical conclusion of all this is that this
universe could not have started from immortal time, otherwise, all its energies should have been
exhausted by the passage of time, and activities stopped everywhere. As far as the Thermodynamics
is concerned, it could be seen that the universe had a starting point which did not go without limit.
On the contrary, it was a limited beginning which started, as scientists have estimated according to
different calculations, since 4 or 5 thousand million years. It was also pointed and that the universe
is still subject to a continuous process of expansion. The skies verges surrounding us take today the
shape of a circular universe which can extend to a point where its radius reaches : 4 x 10 27 to 5 x
10 27 centimeters. This equals a number of 4 or 5, followed by 27 zeroes. Light can cover such a
distance in 4 or 5 X 10 years. The mass of this universe, including material and energy,
wascalculated to amount to 5 x 10 56 grammes (i.e. number 5, followed by 56 zeroes ).

Those were some of the references made in the Quran to the heavens. From all the verses quoted, it
could be easily noticed that the word "heavens" was given to everything we can see of the bodies
floating in the skies, such as suns, stars and the planets going deep in the space, which form, with
the earth, a consolidated unit which constitutes the whole material universe. The Holy Quran,
contrary to what some people believed, did not mean by this term the things hidden from us or the
things hidden in the supernatural world, like ghosts and spirits. [Note: In this study, I do not deal except with
the questions admitted by material scientific experiments or with what could be subject to science itself. Questions beyond this,
related to worlds unknown but to God himself and discussed only by Him or the Holy Prophet, are certainly beyond science's
jurisdiction. These questions we have to take for granted as they relate to the Unseen referred to by God in the Holy Quran as "It is a
guide to those who keep their duty, who believe in the Unseen." - Surat Al-Baqara]This is a very important point as it
shows the importance Islam attaches to the material world. It urges us to make scientific and
practical studies of such a world, in away completely remote from speculation or imagination, and
without indulging in unfeasible controversy.

It is high time now for us to face facts and stick to correct beliefs. In addition to this, the
Holy Qurancontains more of such verses relating to the universe, the narration of which will find no
room in such a small space. But, instead, we will tell of some of them which are confined to the
explanation of certain phenomena of the universe, or, scientifically speaking, nature's phenomena or
laws. All these phenomena, of course, were neither seen by the Prophet personally, like those
relating to physics and phenomena of seas, nor were they read by him in books.

Another set of verses related to various Phenomena in the Universe
1. "Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is darkness, and thunder and
lightning." Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow).

This shows that clouds which give heavy rain are those which hinder light from
crossing through. They are also usually accompanied by thunder and lightning.

2. "Praise be to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and made darkness and
light." Surat Al-Anaam (The Cattle).

The verse points out that darkness preceded light in this universe.

3. "And He is Who has made the stars for you that you might follow the right way
thereby in the darkness of the land and the sea." Surat Al-Anaam (The Cattle).

This verse shows in a miraculous and scientific inimitable expression how the stars,
and not the other planets, are used in determining directions on land and how they
are used by travelers in deserts and seas for guidance. Ancient Pharaohs, Greeks,
Arabs and others knew many a thing about stars and their assemblies. They even
were able to give some of them, as they were seen in the sky, different names, of
various derivations, such as Arcturus, Spica and Sirius. They also gave their
assemblies other names, such as the Ursa-Major (The Great Bear),
Scorpio,Andromealae, Herculs, Aries, Leo and others, till they reached in number 90,
the number of zodiacs.
Because of the revolution of the earth around its circumference once every day, stars
move in the sky from east to west. Some of them rise from all the directions of the
eastern horizon, then they go high in the sky until they reach the maximum height
when they cross the Meridian. Then, they start to go down till they reach the western
horizon behind which they disappear. There are another set of stars which go to
neither east nor west. These stars draw in their daily movement circles the center of
which is the Ursa- Major. The latter is the star usually found in the north. In the
horizon of Cairo, this star goes high at a fixed angle of 30 degrees. It is this which
navigators and travelers in deserts take as a guide to determine the north.

4. "Or like darkness in the deep sea - there covers him a wave, above which is a wave,
above which is a cloud - (layers of) darkness one above another - when he holds out
his hands, he is almost unable to see it. And to whom Allah gives not light, he has no
light." Surat Al-Nur (The Light).
This verse describes in a practical accuracy and literal harmony the storms of the seas,
which were not known, of course, to the Holy Prophet.
"Have We not made the earth an expanse, and the mountains as
pegs?" Surat Al-Naba (The Announcement).
"Expanse" here means the flatness of the earth which means, in turn, that it is the shelter
and asylum human beings seek in this world. The other section of the verse, which likens
mountains to pegs which keep tents stand firm when fastened to them, is an inimitable
scientific example which nobody can know its secrets except those well-versed in geology.
After the advancements made by civilization and after geology has become a factual
subject, it has been discovered that without mountains the solid crust of the earth would
have been generally unstable as a result of the continuity of disequilibria between the
molten interior of the earth and the high pressures fallen on its solid crust and the
denudation factors it is exposed to. This will be discussed later in detail. But now we will
give another Quranic verses which bear the same meaning. They are
"And the mountains, He made them firm." Surat Al-Naziat (Those Who
Yearn).
"And it is He Who spread the earth, and made in it firm mountains and
rivers." Surat Al-Raad (The Thunder)
"And the earth - We have spread it out and made in it firm mountains." -
Surat Al-Hijr (The Rock).
"And He has cast firm mountains in the earth lest it quake with you." -
Surat Al-Nahl (The Bee).
"And We made firm mountains in the earth lest it be convulsed with them." -
Surat Al-Anbiya (The Prophets).
In the last two verses, mountains were clearly likened to firm things put on the earth which
have to keep the balance of the earth's crust. This is, certainly, an inimitable scientific
elocution of theQuran which was stated centuries ago but had not been known until in our
age. There is no wonder in this as the Quran will always remain the immortal and eternal
miracle of all times.
In the same meaning Almighty God says:
"Or, Who makes the earth a resting-place, and made in it rivers, and raised
on it mountains." - Surat Al Naml.
"And cast mountains on the earth lest it should be convulsed with you, and
He spread on it animals of every kind." - Surat Luqman.
"And He made in it mountains above its surface, and He blessed therein." -
Surat Fussilat (Things Made Plain).
The term "above its surface" mentioned here refers to the solid crust and the rising of
mountains and other heights on parts of it.
"And the earth, We have spread it out, and cast mountains." - Surat Qaf.
"And made therein lofty mountains, and given you to drink of sweet water." -
Surat Al-Mursalat (Those Sent Forth).
The history of the earth, since its exterior crust began to mass and harden slowly after it
was molten resembling the interior of it, is nothing but a series of violent revolutions which
occurred on its crust successively, and resulted in more of the cases in the appearance of
great sweeping floods which covered big areas in all the corners of the ancient continents.
From that time, fossils of living creatures remained buried in the crust of the earth till they
were recently unearthed.

This theory is scientifically known as the "Theory of Precession". It may be taken to explain
the different stories mentioned in all religions about the "Deluges" among which was that
which took place during the days of Nuh (Noah). The distribution of continents and oceans
to the globe, as they are seen today, was not the same of olden times. Distribution has
been completely changed. The nearest example of this is that which was decided for many
reasons by today's scientists that our (Egyptian) northern shores witness a slow process of
structure as well as land's creeping towards the north. One of the main reasons responsible
for this may be the mud tossed on by the Nile every year and the desert sands winds
continually bring with them.

If we want to understand the secret behind floods, or the nature of elements leading to the
tottering of land and the overflow and recess of water, we should trace first the source of
the disorders which affect the crust of the earth from time to time together with the
appearance and disappearance of mountains. The solid crust of the earth is, actually, a very
delicate and sensitive balance; but it is one of the more complicated ones. Every spot on the
earth is nothing but a scale precisely balanced with any other neighboring spot. The
accurate and correct balance, as it is known, is that whose two scales remain in equilibrium
all the time. They remain so as long as weights put on each will be the same. If for one
reason or the other weight on one of the two scale changes, this scale, as well as the other,
will be affected. This disequilibria continues until weights readjusted and equilibrium
restores to its normal position.

Actually, all parts of the earth's crust are completely balanced with other adjacent parts.
While some of them carry high and heavy mountains, adjacent parts will have deep and low
lands. Mountains, however, are there simply to keep the earth's balance; and that is exactly
what the previous Quranic verses have stated. But it is noted that neither the interior
conditions of the earth nor the exterior ones to which mountains and hills are exposed can
leave such a balance firm and unmoved. The molten interior of the earth is annihilated by
currents which make the solid crust twisted, whatever such currents may be slow. The
moment the crust twists and depressed spots formed accordingly, water comes to them.
This water we call seas. By the passage of time, beds of such seas become the storing place
for heavy and dense weights of sediments caused by denudation factors [Note: Of the important
denudation factors are rains, floods, rivers, winds and the variation of heat in day and night times, and in summer and
winter too. All these factors split and erase the crust of the earth.] coming from high areas in the crust, such
as mountains and hills. There, fossils of sea creatures lie and the more such weights
become heavy, the more sea beds go down. These sediments continue to accumulate until
they themselves form the roots of independent mountains. This takes place due to the
heavy pressure which falls on the two edges of the descending part of the crust falling in
turn on it, which results in the twisting of the crust and its slow rising, in order to keep
balance.

This story explains in short the geological revolutions or the movement leading to the
formation of mountains. When the first geological revolution took place due to the
disturbances which annihilated the interior of the earth since the beginning, reaction to that
revolution occurred on the crust of the earth by the appearance of continents and the rising
of old mountains on it. Then, and with the work of denudation factors which hewed
and splitted mountains and carried, later, their remnants to the deep beds of seas and
oceans, disequilibria took place. Here, the crust of the earth began to restore its disturbed
equilibrium and the level of the ocean gradually elevated until water flooded and new seas
appeared on the sides of continents leaving traces represented in sediments seen today, as
it has been already said. Thus, mountains are to be scientifically considered as weights
which have to keep the balance of the crust of the earth and, then, keep it firm without
being crushed or destroyed through centuries, during which equilibrium remained steady
despite the high pressures which fell down on the interior of the earth and the sweeping
slow currents which carried weights. This wonderful meaning is exactly the same the
previous verse already quoted has referred to.
"Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth. A likeness of His light is as a
pillar on which is a lamp-the lamp is in a glass, the glass is as it were a
brightly shinning star-lit from a blessed olive-tree, neither eastern nor
western, the oil whereof gives light, though fire touch it not - light upon light.
Allah guides to His light whom He pleases. And Allah sets forth parable for
men, and Allah is Knower of all things." Surat Al Nur (The Light).
This verse brings nearer to our minds, feelings and sentiments some of the qualities of God,
the Supreme Deity, in the form of adages. From this account, it will not be difficult for us to
realize that light may have another meaning other than that of the "light" or the energies
produced by luminous bodies subjugated to the familiar light laws.

God who created the heavens and the earth to be subjects for reflection has prescribed for
all such bodies wonderful systems which keep them in order. He also granted them the
splendor which made out of them, in the space or in the infinite space, since Creation took
place till now, marvelous signs. He created the bodies of the sky either in self-radiant forms,
such as suns and stars, among which is our sun referred to by the Holy Quran as the
shinning lamp which sends besides light other thermo and non-thermo energies, or planets
and moons which follow the former, reflecting the sun's light and sending it to the depths of
the space.

The same verse goes on to describe God's light [Note: In some of the books of Tafsir (Interpretation of
the Quran) they attribute this light to the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him), while others say otherwise.] as the space
(Or pillar of Tight or an aperture which is the energy) where the beauty and radiance of the
Creator show themselves. This picture resembles the light emanated from a lamp, which is
the burning wick kept inside a glass, and thrown inside an aperture, which fills both east
and west, and everywhere, with radiance. This lamp, with its olive-oil, which was considered
by the Arabs as the best of all oils, refers to the fact that all this splendor and radiance are
nothing but a single branch of a blessed tree with limitless good and benefits and whose
other branches go to numberless worlds unknown to us.
"Glory be to Him, and highly exalted is He above what they ascribe (to him)"
"Nothing is like Him."
"Light" is also mentioned in other verses. They are:
"Allah is the Friend of those who believe He brings them out of darkness into
light." - Surat Al Baqara (The Cow).
"And those who disbelieve, their friends are the devils who take them out of
light into darkness. - Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow).
In Surat Al-Maida (The Food) the following appears:
"Indeed, there has come to you from Allah, a Light and a clear
Book" [Note: This is the same meaning included in the following two verses taken from surat Al-
Raad and Fatir respectively. They are: "Say: Are the blind and the seeing alike? Or, are darkness and
light equal ?" "And the blind and the seeing are not alike, Nor the darkness and the light."]
"And brings them out of darkness into light by His will."
"Surely We revealed the Torah, having guidance and light."
"And We gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light."
"Praise be to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and made
darkness and light." Surat Al Anaam (The Cattle).
The word "light" used in the last verse alone may mean the "light" which disperses the
night's darkness as well as the darkness of the space containing stars and planets. But in
the former, "light" was used to describe the element which overwhelms disbelief and
atheism. It also refers to the miracles and splendor of the Creator. The same meaning is
also included in the following verses:
"So those who believe in him and honor him and help him, and follow the
light which has been sent down with him - these are the successful." -
Surat Al-A'raf (The Elevated Places).
"They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths." - Surat Al-
Tauba (Repentance).
"I, Allah, am the Seer. A Book which We have revealed to thee that
thou mayest bring forth men, by their Lord's permission, from darkness into
light." - Surat Ibrahim (Abraham).
"And to whom Allah gives not light, he has no light." - Surat Al-Nur (The
Light).
"He it is Who sends blessings on you, and (so do) His angels, that He may
bring you forth out of darkness into light." - Surat Al-Ahzab (The Allies).
"Is he whose breast Allah has opened to Islam so that he follows a light from
his Lord?" - Surat Al Zumar (The Companies).
"And the earth beams with the light of its Lord, and the Book is laid down." -
Surat AlAI-Zumar.
"He it is Who sends down clear messages to His servant, that he may bring
you forth from darkness into light." - Surat Al-Hadid (Iron).
"They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will
perfect His light." Surat Al-Saff (The Ranks).
"So believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Light which We have
revealed." - Surat Al-Taghabun (The Manifestation of Losses).
"So that he may bring forth those who believe and do good deeds from
darkness into light." - Surat Al Talaq (Divorce).
The word "light" may also denote God's Book which guides people to happiness, here and
hereafter. This is shown in the following two verses
"O people, manifest proof has indeed come to you from your Lord and We
have sent down to you a clear light." - Surat Al-Nisaa (The Women).
"Is he who was dead, then We raised him to life and made for him a light by
which he walks among the people." - Surat Al-Anaam (The Cattle).
It is obvious that the word "light" mentioned here means "existence",. "evidence" and It
may also mean all of them, so as to he so clear and easily seen.
"He it is Who made the sun a shinning brightness and the moon a light." -
Surat Yunus (Jonah).
Here, we have to pause a little in order to be able to realize the precision of the scientific
expression and to see another side of the wonderful inimitable elocution of the Quran. The
Holy Book describes a very important phenomenon. The sun sends to us rays which not only
give light, [Note: "Light" meaning "existence" is the same given in this verse: "Allah is the light of the heavens and the
earth". This, again, means that when God wanted to show Himself, He, as it has been told before, created the universe,
filling it, with its , with light. This picture resembles that of a lamp giving light to an aperture or pillars of light.] which
means illumination, but gives, through a big part of sun's radiation amounting to one half of
its energy beamed to us and to the space, heat which warms intervening materials and
bodies. A small part of the sun's radiation, which could not be seen nor distinguished, goes
out in the form of ultraviolet rays which have effect on living bodies. But the moon does not
reflect back from sunrays except the pure light in addition to the radiance coming from it in
weak infra-red rays void of any effect on the earth. The Quran gave these meanings on a
scientific level. It differentiates between the radiation coming from the sun and that coming
from the moon. The former it describes as the light which subsists by itself, while the latter
is that which subsists through some other thing. If that is the case, can we say that
Muhammad was one of the scientists in order to be able to give such a scientific fact either
in meaning or in words? Actually, such a question should be left to obstinate contenders to
answer.
"See they not that We in controlling the earth gradually reduce its outlying
borders?" Surat Al-Raad (The Thunder).
This verse refers to the fact that since its creation, the earth was diminished along its axis.
In this reference, there is an explanation of a universal phenomenon which scientists have
not been aware of unless recently. Scientific researches made on the shape of the earth
proved that its diameter, connecting both poles, diminishes slowly, but continuously. This
was taking place since it was created; and for this reason its shape changed from a
spherical shape to an elliptic one.

In mentioning this fact which the human mind cannot understand except after acquiring the
knowledge of the recent scientific developments and the most complicated subjects of
mathematics, physics and astronomy, the Quran did not mention it in a complicated form,
but in very simple one, showing that it is nothing but an intuition which the human mind
can easily absorb. This reference is also a proof of the heavenly law's insistence that the
perfect and faithful man should be aware of everything in sciences in order to be deserving
the ability and quality of reasoning and thinking God has granted him. In so doing, man will
be able to change complicated and up-to-date scientific facts to intuitions which everybody
should know. The appeal to the achievement of scientific progress could not be stronger
than that included in such a Quranic verse. The same meaning was repeated in this verse
quoted from Surat Al-Raad "See they not that We are visiting the land, curtailing it of its
sides."
"And go not about in the land exultingly, for thou canst not rend the earth,
nor reach the mountains in height." - Surat Al-Israa (The Ascension).
Although this verse means by its superficial linguistic expression that it is impossible for
anybody to sunder the earth or go high to reach the top of mountains, yet it exposes to the
bright and developed mind how the earth is hung in the universal space with nothing
holding it except the omnipotence of God. If any body will not be able to collect from this
verse the meanings it really includes, such a man will never understand how he is
challenged to go ahead and rend the earth.

Another thing the reader can collect from the same verse. Although the earth is a small
planet and although it became possible for the man of our era to go round it in one day or a
part of a day, the fact still remains that it is impossible for anybody to rend it. If this is the
case why is it so difficult ? It is difficult because of the hard crust beneath which exist
thermo-energies and the very high pressures found in the interior of the earth which make
the question of rending it a matter of concrete impossibility.
"He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions). He makes the
night overlap the day... - Surat Al-Zumar (The Companies).
In addition to the reference made in this verse to the fact that the earth is hung in the
space, as it has already been explained, it contains, besides, two new facts. The first is that
the shape of the earth is almost spherical such as that of a ball; and the second is that the
earth revolves around its axis. This is in addition to the other fact that on the surface of the
globe there are always a day and a night at the same time. The inimitable elocution of this
verse is evident from the fact that it was revealed to the Prophet even before the Man of the
old world could discover America and before Man knew those remote places where such
phenomenon could be easily seen and noticed. It is known that while night
prevails America, the old continents live in daytime. It is known also that night comes from
west to east, enveloping the earth and its atmosphere and covering what was lit by
daylight. This is exactly what the verse shows which is a wonder in picturising the shape of
the earth, its rotation and the relation between its revolution around itself and the
appearance of day and night.
"And the earth moreover Hath He made almost spherical." - Surat Al-
Nazi'at (Those Who Yearn).
This verse proves that Almighty God has created the earth in the form of an egg (not
completely circular). This fact was endorsed by science which proved again that the earth is
really of this shape. Actually, Man's idea about the shape of the earth has developed; after
he had believed that it was a limitless flat space, he realized later that it is spherical. Man
has come to know that when he thought of going round the earth and discovering its seas
and oceans. After the advancement of civilization and the increase of Man's knowledge of
mathematics and astronomy, Man was able to measure and count the diameters of the
earth, which led him to the conclusion that it is not completely circular, but elliptic. This, in
turn, gave another proof that that Book was really revealed by a Knowing Creator, to Him
"falsehood cannot come".
"If you are able to pass through the regions of the heavens and the earth,
then pass through. You cannot pass through but with authority." - Surat Al-
Rahman (The Beneficent).
By the linguistic expression of this verse it becomes clear that it is not easy for anybody to
pass through the heavens except after attaining sufficient power. The same meaning was
given in previous verses. But after the advancement and development of sciences and after
we have prepared ourselves to travel to planets, it is our duty now to try to go deep in the
meaning the verse contains. Actually, the Quran is the Book of all times and it is always up
to date. There is no doubt that it was in the knowledge of God that one day Man will acquire
a high level of learning and make progress in sciences. And in this age of space it becomes
opportune to remind Man that this Book was revealed by God. God's words that
man "cannot pass through but with authority" have also to be re-interpreted. Previously,
they meant the impossibility of doing such a thing. But now, they have to be interpreted as
directives and, then, incentives for attempt. This is in spite of the fact that the regions of
the heavens and the earth should not be determined by reaching the Moon or Mars. These
regions are more distant than this. Formerly, we had quoted similar verses and explained
how travelers in the space would expose themselves to destruction in so doing.

Timing in The Holy Quran
Since ancient times, some nations, such as Egyptians, Romans, Persians and Europeans,
adopted the solar year for timing, although they differed in fixing the date for the beginning
of years and the number of days in each month, which constituted one part of 12 in each
year. Before the advent of Islam, Egyptians made the numbers of days in each month 30,
with the addition of 5 or 6 days to the year at the end of it. The lunar calendar known to us
now, or the Hijrite Calendar, has not been adopted except after Islam. This is despite the
fact that it was followed in pre-Islamic days by the Arabs and certain groups of Jews, as well
as in India and China, but in another form.

Attempts were made to unite both solar and lunar calendars at the time when months were
nearer to nature represented in the sun and the moon, taking into consideration that the
lunar year included 12 lunar months. To achieve this goal, Indians took the moment the
crescent appeared in the sky as the beginning of the new year. That was before the coming
of the spring. By so doing, they had a year of 12 months, with 30 days in each. Later, the
beginning of the year gradually lagged behind the spring, making a difference of one or
more than one month. When such a thing occurred they used to adopt a leap year, including
13 months. By this action, one certain month had to be repeated twice

Jews in Yathrib fixed the days of the lunar months as 30 or 29. They used to determine the
beginning of the year by the appearance of the crescent they used to see about the
beginning of autumn. By this way, they were in need of some of the leap years which
included 13 months each.

This is how the nations of the earth differed at that time in adopting the days the years
began with. This occurred despite the attempts they made to connect the beginnings of the
years with the seasons of those years. But the grave and serious problems with the Arabs
was that concerning the fixation of the pilgrimage day. They found that the tenth day
of Zul Haj oftenly came in winter. Later, it was gradually delayed, until it came in autumn,
then in summer, then in spring, and so on. This contradicted the arrangements they made
for their travels, marketing, trades, and even wars, and other activities they used to make
in pre-Islamic days. And for this reason, they adopted the idea of the additional days, which
could be summarised as follows: Since the solar year represented by the four seasons
exceeded in number the lunar year by about 11 days, one month could be added to the
lunar year every two or three years in a bid to make it corresponding with the solar year.
On that basis, they preferred to perform pilgrimage in Zul Haj in two successive years. The
third year they made it 13 months; and by this, that year ended with Muharram during
which they again proceeded for pilgrimage.

Even after making all these attempts, the Arabs noticed that the fractions of the familiar
solar year (resulting from the revolution of the earth) could be collected to form, in the
course of time, a full complete month. For this reason, they supplemented to the year other
additional days.

The Arabs' customs and traditions, since the days of Ibrahim, prevented wars in four
months every year, in Zul `Qaad, Zul Haj, Muharram and Rajab.
Referring to this, the Holy Quran says in Surat Al-Tauba (Repentance)
"Surely the number of months with Allah is twelve months by Allah's
ordinance, since the day when He created the heavens and the earth of these
four are sacred. That is the right religion; so wrong not yourselves therein.
And fight the polytheists all together as they fight you all together. And know
that Allah is with those who keep their duty. Postponing (of the sacred
month) is only an addition in disbelief, whereby those who disbelieve are led
astray. They allow it one year and forbid it (another) year, that they may
agree in the number (of months) which Allah has made sacred, and thus
make lawful what Allah has forbidden. The evil of their doings is
made fairseeming to them. And Allah guides not the disbelieving people."
Interpreters had different ideas about the question of additional days. Some of them
preferred, as we have said, to increase the months of the lunar year so as to correspond
with the solar year. Some others interpreted the question as a delay in the observance of
one of the four sacred months in order to make fighting during it lawful and in order to
release themselves from the tradition of staying for three months without breaking out
wars.

Of the important astronomical or universal phenomena on which timings depend is the
confirmation of the appearance of the crescent in order to determine the first days of
the Hejrite months. After the crescent is witnessed, the moon goes eastwards away from
the sun. This increases the length of time between the disappearance of the moon and
sunset. until it becomes a full-moon. Here, it disappears around dawn. At that time, the
moon goes to one direction, while the sun goes otherwise. In the second half of
the Hejrite month, the moon disappears during daytime. This becomes delayed gradually
until the moon completes a full round, putting itself between both the sun and the earth. At
that time, one half of the moon facing the sun becomes luminous while the other, facing the
earth, becomes dark. Later, the latter starts to get itself lit and appears in the form of a
small crescent which grows gradually in the course of time.

The important point is that the moment the new crescent is born in is the same everywhere
in the globe, regardless of day or night. Thus, the time at which the crescent is born should
have astronomical value as it determins timings. In this meaning, the Holy Quran says
in Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) :
"They ask thee of the new moons. Say They are times appointed for men, and
(for) the pilgrimage."
It is probable that strong sunlight during the day or the accumulation of clouds in the sky or
bad witness for any reasons may prevent the witness of the newly born crescent. It is a fact
that in certain countries sunset takes place before the appearance of the crescent, while in
others chances allow the witness of the crescent immediately after sunset. And for the
absence of quick communications facilities at that time, the Holy Quran asked people to
keep fasting the moment they witnessed the crescent. In Al-Baqara, God says:
"So whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein."
This had been done as if Prophet Muhammad knew that the Hejrite month had started at a
fixed time and that the moon was difficult to be seen sometimes and completely impossible
to be witnessed sometimes else. Here, we may ask again: Was Muhammad so distinguished
in astronomy or mathematics?

On the other hand, we notice that stars or planets do not complete their revolution around
the sun at equal intervals. The length of the year on the earth as it was stated differs
completely than that on Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, etc. There may be other planets
which follow other suns which complete their revolution around their suns in thousands of
the years known in our planet. The idea of diversity among days and years in worlds
existing beyond our own is mentioned in the Holy Quran as this: "And surely a day with thy
Lord is as a thousand years of what you reckon." Surat Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage). And in: "To
Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty years." Surat Al-
Ma'arij (The Ways of Ascent).

Conclusion
"Is it not enough that thy Lord is a Witness ever all things ?"
With this verse with which I conclude my book I, once again, want to remind, after all that I
have said and explained, that, since the inimitable elocution of the Quran was so evident
and apparent in all the verses quoted therein, we should have faith in God and, with it, we
should emancipate ourselves from the world of material. Then, we will realize that it is the
Almighty God who gives us proofs of the existence of whatever is around us and that those
things found around are not the things which give such a proof. God, the Beneficent, is He
Who gives this universe the form and the meaning, and this meaning is always kept in the
depths of our souls and inner consciousnesses. This point was deliberately left in the course
of our scientific survey, as science interprets the universe's phenomena only. And for this
reason physicals turn to philosophers and, later, to religious men. This is because religion is
above philosophy and philosophy is again above science.