The Geocentric Quran

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Inconsistencies

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The Geocentric Quran
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Qur'an, Bible and Creation

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[edit] Introduction

This stub will examine the evidence for Quranic geocentric cosmology.

It seems the author of the Quran thought that the Sun (and the moon and the five known planets) followed a curved (rounded) course (a Falak). According to the Quran this falak starts in the east (where the sun goes up), goes high above the earth and ends after sunset with the Sun resting at night at a hidden place. All this took place around an earth that was spread out and had a firmament built on invisible pillars above it. This was a common belief at the time and can be found with the Babylonians, ancient Hebrews, the Assyrians and other cultures in the region. In that regard it may be interesting to note that the Tawaf (the circling of the Ka'aba) mimics these seven orbits.

Please note that this article is meant in no way to disrespect the people of that age and time. These people only described the universe as they understood it best with the language and knowledge they had available to them.

Note: Some people might confuse geocentrism with the the idea that the Earth is flat. This is not the case. These are two different ideas. Geocentrism simply is the notion that the earth is the (immovable) centre of our universe and that thus all celestial bodies mover around it. The ancient Greeks and the Europeans of the middle ages thought that the celestial bodies (the sun, the moon and the 5 known planets) all moved in celestial spheres around a spherical earth. It should be noted that even though not all geocentrists are flat earthers invariably all flat-earthers seem to geocentric.

[edit] The evidence

The evidence for the Quran’s geocentricity will be dealt with in several paragraphs, supported by evidence from Quran, Muslim daily practice, Muslim scientists and the Hadith.

Even though some Muslims reject the Hadith and the Sunna as not-divinely inspired; that argument presupposes a priori that the Quran actually divinely inspired and protected whilst these other documents are not. Obviously such special pleading will not do in a scholarly examination of the Quran.

Not only are these sources useful as supporting evidence; they also tell us which interpretation is supported by Mahomet and (early) Muslims. This is also why I included the views of several medieval Muslim Astronomers: if the Quran had clearly described a cosmology that is not geocentric, they would simply not hold geocentric views.

[edit] The sun and moon are signs from Allah

According to the Quran the sun and the moon are some of the signs (al ayaat) that are created by Allah. In the Quran Allah also promises to "explain his signs in detail, for people who have knowledge."

It is He Who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and measured out its (their) stages, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. Allāh did not create this but in truth. He explains the signs in detail for people who have knowledge.

yussuf Ali (he explains in detail) al ayaat (the signs) Li (for) Qawmin (people) Yalamoon (knowing).

Of course it is unreasonable to demand all details about everything in the Universe to be present in the Quran - which is not a very big book after all - but the signs that Allah mentions will be explained in detail according to the Quran itself.

Muslims apologist may say that these detailed explanation are only understood by them (since only they have knowledge); but this is of course circular reasoning. ("You first have to believe the Quran to be 100% true to be qualified criticize its veracity.") Even if this were true, these Muslim possessors of 'true' knowledge should be able to give a coherent, unambiguous explanation of the Quran and its signs - and if we look at how early learned Muslims including Mahomet himself explained these verses one will see that they confirm a geocentric cosmology.

If we look at another surah however we see basically the same sentiment expressed:

Allah is He who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see; is firmly established on the throne; He has subjected the sun and the moon! Each one runs for a term appointed. He regulates the matter, explaining the signs in detail, so you can be certain of meeting with your Lord.

yudabbiru (he arranges / regulates) al amra (the matter) yufassilu (he explains in detail) al ayaat (the signs) la allakum (so you may) biliqai (meeting) rabbikum (with your Lord) tūqinūna (be certain)

The sun and moon running their courses are signs (ayaat) to mankind and thus they must be visible (or known) to a 6th century Arab audience. The Quran also promises to explain these signs in detail. And with good reason because they are proofs for the people so they can be certain that someday they will meet Allah.

[edit] The visibility of the Sun's movement

The movement of the Sun (as well as the course of the moon) is visible according the author of the Quran.

Don't you see that Allah merges night into day and he merges day into night and he has subjected the sun, and the moon each running its course for a term appointed. And Allah is aware of what you do.

These were all visible phenomena to the people of the 6th century; they could 'see' the night turn into day and vise versa, they could see the sun and the moon run their courses around the earth. The people can see Allah's signs and Allah can see everything that you do. At various places in the Quran various observers 'see' the sun go up, reach its highest point, go down to its resting place.

أَلَمْ تَرَ (Alam Tara means ”Don’t you see?") It could be argued that "don't you see" means "don't you know" or "aren't you aware" or "don't you realise". Of course this doesn't make much of a difference. In that case the Quran clearly reinforces the common but incorrect beliefs of the time and uses these erroneous beliefs to support the existence of Allah.

[…] He made the Sun and the moon subservient; each one pursues its course to an appointed time; He regulates the affair, making clear the signs

Here's how the Quran tells us of an indirect observation of the suns movement. The author of the Quran explains how the shadow cast by the sun is guided by the sun's movement:

Have you not seen see how your Lord spread the shadow. If He willed he could make it stationary. Then do We make the sun its guide.

الشَّمسَ عَلَيهِ دَلِيل = ash shamsa (the sun) `alayhi (for it) dalilaan (a guide / an indication)

According to the Quran the shadow that the sun casts are moving because of the sun. And we should be able to see this. Of course this is exactly what you seem to observe standing on earth; it is not however how you would describe this if you could zoom out from out solar system. Not the sun but the rotation of earth is causing the shadow to change its shape.

Interestingly the length of shadow cast by the sun is also used to determine the start of the Asr prayer time; the apparent movement of the sun is still used by Muslims as a clock of sorts.

[edit] The course of the Sun in relation to the course of the Moon

The courses of the Sun and the Moon are also a pair of sorts according to the Quran:

Glory to Allah, Who created in pairs all things [...] And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise. And as night occurs the sun goes of to its resting place, before returning the following day. And the moon,- We have measured for her mansions (to traverse) till she returns
And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They all float in rounded courses.

...khalaqa (created) allayla (the night) waalnnahara (and the day) waalshshamsa (and the sun) waalqamara (and the moon) kullun (each) fee (in) falakin (a rounded course) yasbahoona (they swim)

He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the Sun and the moon
And He hath made subject to you the Sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses; and the night and the day hath he (also) made subject to you.
Among His Signs are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. [...]

Here is is again: heavens and earth, night and day, sun and moon.

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Qur'an 39:5 He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again?

Here the Quran explains it again: not only are humans created in pairs (male and female), so are the two bodies of flowing waters (one salt and one sweet), and the night and the day and the sun and the moon.

[…]1 And Allah did create you from dust; then from a sperm-drop; then He made you in pairs. And no female conceives, or lays down (her load), but with His knowledge. Nor is a man long-lived granted length of days, nor is a part cut off from his life, but is in a Decree (ordained). All this is easy to Allah. Nor are the two bodies of flowing water alike,- the one palatable, sweet, and pleasant to drink, and the other, salt and bitter. Yet from each (kind of water) do ye eat flesh fresh and tender, and ye extract ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek (thus) of the Bounty of Allah that ye may be grateful. He merges Night into Day, and he merges Day into Night, and he has subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law): each one runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord: to Him belongs all Dominion.

Notice how very frequently the sun and the moon are mentioned together as a pair. The Quran clearly implies that the Sun and the Moon are a pair of sorts, just like the heavens and the earth and night and day (according to the Quran) In Quran 36:36 and 35:11-35:13 this belief is expressly stated as the sun and the moon (and their courses) are mentioned along a range of other things that are created in pairs.

[edit] The regular cycle of the Sun

The sun's cycle is repeated on a regular basis (exactly computed even) just like that of the Moon and night and day.

[…] He made the Sun and the moon subservient (to you); each one pursues its course to an appointed time; He regulates the affair, making clear the signs
Seest thou not that Allah merges night into day and he merges day into night and he has subjected the sun, and the moon each running its course for a term appointed. And Allah is aware of what you do.
The Sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed

This Surah reads Alshamsu (the sun) waalqamaru (and the moon) bihusbanin.

Husban can mean a number of things: definite reckoning, appointed courses, numbering, revolving firmament, running appointed and scheduled course. In many English translations we see the word 'course' or 'celestial sphere' but not the word 'falak' isn't mentioned in this verse; but this verse only indicates that the sun and the moon behave in a calculated / scheduled / appointed manner.

There is a reason why this is important: the sun's daily cycle and the moons monthly cycle are used for timekeeping in Islam.

This cycle is repeated every day:

A token unto them is night. We strip it of the day, and lo! they are in darkness and the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise. And for the moon We have appointed mansions till she return like an old shrivelled palm-leaf.

The Quran clearly tells us that the sun follows a daily cycle which ends every night when the sun goes to its resting place. (ِمُسْتَقَرٍّ) Waalshshamsu (and the sun) tajree (runs) limustaqarrin (a resting point) laha (of it).

[edit] The movement of the Sun and time keeping

In the days of Mahomet is was common practice to use the sun for timekeeping. And also the Quran tells us that the supposed course of the Sun is a sign from Allah to keep track of the time of day (and likewise the course of the moon is a monthly calendar)

He it is that cleaves the day-break (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquility and the sun and moon for the reckoning [of time])
It is He Who made the Sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count [of time]. Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who have knowledge.
And We have made the night and the day two signs, then We have made the sign of the night to pass away and We have made the sign of the day manifest, so that you may seek grace from your Lord, and that you might know the numbering of years and the reckoning; and We have explained everything with distinctness.

The moon (the sign of the night) is to be used to count the years (12 lunar years make up the Islamic year) and the sun is to be used to keep track of time. The only apparent solar movement Muslims use for timekeeping is the daily apparent daily course of the Sun (from east up and then down to the west). Up to this day Muslims use the (crude) lunar calender and the waqt (prescribed time) of their daily salats (prayers) is entirely determined by the position of the Sun along it’s apparent course.

  • Salat Al Fajr – right before sun rise (mentioned in the Quran 24:58)
  • Salat Al Zuhr – right after the Sun’s zenith but before the shadow of the Sun becomes twice its length from midday.
  • Salat Al Asr- between zenith and sunset (when the length of a shadow of a stick is either once or twice its length)
  • Salat Al Mahrib – right after sunset (Mentioned in the Quran 17:78)
  • Salat Al Isha – between sunset and sunrise

I may have it wrong in some of the details (since all Muslim sects agree on all of them), but the picture is pretty clear: the apparent daily course of the Sun dictates the time of each and every daily prayer. And this is important for Muslims. Qur'an 4:103|[...]' prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.

At various point in the Quran do we find other examples of how the sun's apparent movement along the sky is used to know what time it is or to make appointments during the day:

Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the Sun, and before its setting; yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that thou mayest have (spiritual) joy
Establish worship at the going down of the Sun until the dark of night, and (the recital of) the Qur'an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur'an at dawn is ever witnessed.

The Quran is clear the apparent course of the sun is to be used for timekeeping ('reckoning') and the only examples in the Quran of the sun being used for timekeeping use the suns daily movement along the sky.

[edit] The shape of the Sun's course

Take a look at these verses that explain us the shape of the Sun's course. Apparently the Sun goes up from east, travels high and eventually goes down to the west:

The sun rises (goes up) in the east:

But it is Allah that causes the sun to rise from the east
And when he saw the sun rising up[…]

The sun's course has a high point:

[…] and let the people assemble when the sun has risen high.

The sun goes up and down:

[…] the rising of the sun and ere the going down thereof

The sun goes down again in the West:

Establish worship at the going down of the Sun until the dark of night, and (the recital of) the Qur'an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur'an at dawn is ever witnessed.
When he saw the moon rising in splendor, he said: "This is my Lord." But when the moon set, He said: "unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray." When he saw the Sun rising in splendor [...]

Here the course of the sun is described - as a sign (ayat) Note that the rising of the sun is compared (again) to the rising of the moon (the same words are used). The moon however is in an orbit around the earth whilst the sun is not.

Thou wouldst have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their Cave, and when it set, turning away from them to the left, while they lay in the open space in the midst of the Cave. Such are among the Signs of Allah: He whom Allah, guides is rightly guided; but he whom Allah leaves to stray.

The Quran clearly tells the sun ends its daily cycle every night when the sun goes to its resting place. (ِمُسْتَقَرٍّ or musttaqar).

And a Sign for them is the night: We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold they are plunged in darkness. A token unto them is night. And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing. And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him.

The Quran also describes the locations where the sun can be seen to goes up and down can be seen by human eyes in the story of Dhu'l-Qarneyn (possibly Alexander the Great):

Lo! We made him strong in the land and gave him unto every thing a road. And he followed a road. Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and found a people thereabout. We said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Either punish or show them kindness. Then he followed a road. Till, when he reached the rising-place of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had appointed no shelter therefrom.

Interestingly the place where the sun goes down has a name 'Mahgreb' (from the root ghuroob, meaning "to set" or "to be hidden"). Even today North-Western Africa (Morocco in particular) is denoted by this very name. Interestingly if one stands there and looks at the ocean at sunset one could 'observe' the sun going to its hidden resting place.

The Quran is quite clear about the course of the Sun. The Quran doesn't even describe an complete orbit, but merely rounded course (falak) that has a beginning, an end and a highest point.

[edit] Muslim astronomers

And Muslims living in Muhammad’s day univocally accepted the Quran geocentric cosmology. References in the Hadith of any of the ansari or others in Muhammad's environment arguing about this point with their prophet or amongst themselves are unknown. Famous Muslim astronomers - people who certainly read, and knew the Quran - like the Arab astronomer Ibn al-Shatir and the Persian Nasir al-Din al-Tusi based used Greek (geocentric) astronomy to create complex models of our ‘universe’ - they basically regarded our solar system as our universe - that were geocentric just like the Quran.

[edit] The Hadith

In the Hadiths we read Mahomet's own words and they clearly paint the same picture: the sun moves around the earth and goes to a resting place at night.

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Dharr that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) one day said: Do you know where the Sun goes? They replied: Allah and His Apostle know best. He (the Holy Prophet) observed: Verily it (the Sun) glides till it reaches its resting place under the Throne. Then it falls prostrate and remains there until it is asked: Rise up and go to the place whence you came, and it goes back and continues emerging out from its rising place and then glides till it reaches its place of rest under the Throne and falls prostrate and remains in that state until it is asked: Rise up and return to the place whence you came, and it returns and emerges out from it rising place and the it glides (in such a normal way) that the people do not discern anything (unusual in it) till it reaches its resting place under the Throne. Then it would be said to it: Rise up and emerge out from the place of your setting, and it will rise from the place of its setting. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said. Do you know when it would happen? It would happen at the time when faith will not benefit one who has not previously believed or has derived no good from the faith.
Narrated Abu Dharr: The Prophet asked me at sunset, "Do you know where the sun goes (at the time of sunset)?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He said, "It goes (i.e. travels) till it prostrates Itself underneath the Throne and takes the permission to rise again, and it is permitted and then (a time will come when) it will be about to prostrate itself but its prostration will not be accepted, and it will ask permission to go on its course but it will not be permitted, but it will be ordered to return whence it has come and so it will rise in the west. And that is the interpretation of the Statement of Allah: ‘And the sun Runs its fixed course for a term (decreed). That is The Decree of (Allah) The Exalted in Might, The All-Knowing.’"
Narrated Abu Dharr: I entered the mosque while Allah's Apostle was sitting there. When the sun had set, the Prophet said, "O Abu Dharr! Do you know where this (sun) goes?" I said, "Allah and His Apostle know best." He said, "It goes and asks permission to prostrate, and it is allowed, and (one day) it, as if being ordered to return whence it came, then it will rise from the west." Then the Prophet recited, "That: ‘And the sun runs on its fixed course (for a term decreed),"

Even though these Hadiths are all deemed 'sahih' (reliable) according to Islamic scholars, some Muslims reject them. Of course the Hadiths - at the very least - tell us what Muslims around the time of Mahomet (or not long after his demise) believed about the sun and how to interpret the Quran.

[edit] Conclusion

  • All details about the Sun’s movement are contained within the Quran. According to the Quran, the supposed course of the Sun:
    • is clearly visible.
    • is (almost always) compared to the Moon's course.
    • is repeated regularly.
    • is to be used by the Muslims for timekeeping.
    • has a destination. It starts in the east, goes up, to a highest point and goes down to the west.
  • Great (ancient) Muslim astronomists affirm that the Quran is geocentric.
  • The Hadiths affirm this geocentric cosmology (so Muhammad or at least the people around him agree with it)

What other conclusion can we make other than the Quran is geocentric?

Whoever wrote the Quran thought that the Sun orbits our planet. We know this is not true: the Sun is not orbiting our planet and it is certainly not in some bizarre daily rounded path that looks like only half a circle.

In ancient times a lot of people - but certainly not all - didn’t know much better than what they seemed to observe everyday: the Sun looks like it is going around the earth through our skies. We can’t blame a 7th century Bedouin for not knowing this but shouldn't the omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient creator of the universe not know better?

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