• About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Distribution
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Muslim Views

  • News
    • All
    • Community
    • Featured
    • International
    • National
    Seminar to address increasing interest in Islamic psychology

    Seminar to address increasing interest in Islamic psychology

    Police Ombudsman urges public to report GBV during 16 Days of Activism

    Police Ombudsman urges public to report GBV during 16 Days of Activism

    INX Prime wins Brave Journalism Award

    INX Prime wins Brave Journalism Award

    Prosecuting war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict

    Prosecuting war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict

    Leading Pakistani jurist rallies for Palestine

    Leading Pakistani jurist rallies for Palestine

    Exceptional talent shines at provincial speech competition

    Exceptional talent shines at provincial speech competition

    Trending Tags

    • Finance
    • Features
      • All
      • Arts
      • Awqaf
      • Books
      • Discussions with Dangor
      • Education
      • Family
      • From Consciousness to Contentment
      • Health File
      • Hungry for Halaal
      • In Memoriam
      • Motoring
      • Sport
      • Survivor's Blog
      Good Jew, Bad Jew: new book explores why the west views brutality against Ukrainians and Palestinians differently

      Good Jew, Bad Jew: new book explores why the west views brutality against Ukrainians and Palestinians differently

      Remembering Alexander Sinton High’s Nabil Swart who spoke truth to power

      Remembering Alexander Sinton High’s Nabil Swart who spoke truth to power

      African Muslim Intellectual History

      African Muslim Intellectual History

      Islamic mortgage bond to fund home solar energy?

      Islamic mortgage bond to fund home solar energy?

      Kariema Davids writes her way into thousands of hearts

      Kariema Davids writes her way into thousands of hearts

      Tracing the family leads to ancestor banished in chains to the Cape

      Tracing the family leads to ancestor banished in chains to the Cape

      War on Gaza is to liquidate Palestinians lives

      War on Gaza is to liquidate Palestinians lives

      A critique of neo-traditionalists: Hamza Yusuf, Abdal Hakim Murad and Umar Faruq Abd Allah

      A critique of neo-traditionalists: Hamza Yusuf, Abdal Hakim Murad and Umar Faruq Abd Allah

      IMAM HARON – Commemorating a lifetime of resistance and activism

      IMAM HARON – Commemorating a lifetime of resistance and activism

    • Living Islam
      • All
      • Eid-ul-Adha
      • Eid-ul-Fitr
      • Hajj Stories
      • Light from the Quran
      • Moulood-un-Nabi
      • Quran
      • Ramadaan
      African Muslim Intellectual History

      African Muslim Intellectual History

      Muslims are rallying around the climate emergency

      Muslims are rallying around the climate emergency

      The attractive mosque with a bankrupt worshipper

      The attractive mosque with a bankrupt worshipper

      Food sharing in Ramadaan and getting closer to Allah

      Food sharing in Ramadaan and getting closer to Allah

      Towards a value-enhancing Ramadaan

      Towards a value-enhancing Ramadaan

      True happiness here and in the hereafter

      True happiness here and in the hereafter

      Public talk on the study of Islam and gender

      Public talk on the study of Islam and gender

      Understanding the true nature of this world

      A Quranic perspective on change

      The hajj as an ethical structure of forgiveness

      The hajj as an ethical structure of forgiveness

    • Opinion
      • All
      • Editorial
      • Guest Writer
      • Letters to the editor
      Hamas prisoner exchange and Israel’s genocidal war: context is crucial

      Hamas prisoner exchange and Israel’s genocidal war: context is crucial

      Apartheid victims’ families must proceed with claims in the interests of justice

      Apartheid victims’ families must proceed with claims in the interests of justice

      Neutrality is complicity: If you don’t condemn Gaza genocide then you support it

      Neutrality is complicity: If you don’t condemn Gaza genocide then you support it

      The colonial roots of the suffering of the Palestinians

      The colonial roots of the suffering of the Palestinians

      Prosecuting war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict

      Prosecuting war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict

      The complicity of America in the collapse of international law

      The complicity of America in the collapse of international law

      The complicity of America in the collapse of international law

      The complicity of America in the collapse of international law

      War on Gaza is to liquidate Palestinians lives

      War on Gaza is to liquidate Palestinians lives

      Will Israel survive the 2023 war?

      Will Israel survive the 2023 war?

    • Print Archives
    • DONATE
    No Result
    View All Result

    No products in the cart.

    • News
      • All
      • Community
      • Featured
      • International
      • National
      Seminar to address increasing interest in Islamic psychology

      Seminar to address increasing interest in Islamic psychology

      Police Ombudsman urges public to report GBV during 16 Days of Activism

      Police Ombudsman urges public to report GBV during 16 Days of Activism

      INX Prime wins Brave Journalism Award

      INX Prime wins Brave Journalism Award

      Prosecuting war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict

      Prosecuting war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict

      Leading Pakistani jurist rallies for Palestine

      Leading Pakistani jurist rallies for Palestine

      Exceptional talent shines at provincial speech competition

      Exceptional talent shines at provincial speech competition

      Trending Tags

      • Finance
      • Features
        • All
        • Arts
        • Awqaf
        • Books
        • Discussions with Dangor
        • Education
        • Family
        • From Consciousness to Contentment
        • Health File
        • Hungry for Halaal
        • In Memoriam
        • Motoring
        • Sport
        • Survivor's Blog
        Good Jew, Bad Jew: new book explores why the west views brutality against Ukrainians and Palestinians differently

        Good Jew, Bad Jew: new book explores why the west views brutality against Ukrainians and Palestinians differently

        Remembering Alexander Sinton High’s Nabil Swart who spoke truth to power

        Remembering Alexander Sinton High’s Nabil Swart who spoke truth to power

        African Muslim Intellectual History

        African Muslim Intellectual History

        Islamic mortgage bond to fund home solar energy?

        Islamic mortgage bond to fund home solar energy?

        Kariema Davids writes her way into thousands of hearts

        Kariema Davids writes her way into thousands of hearts

        Tracing the family leads to ancestor banished in chains to the Cape

        Tracing the family leads to ancestor banished in chains to the Cape

        War on Gaza is to liquidate Palestinians lives

        War on Gaza is to liquidate Palestinians lives

        A critique of neo-traditionalists: Hamza Yusuf, Abdal Hakim Murad and Umar Faruq Abd Allah

        A critique of neo-traditionalists: Hamza Yusuf, Abdal Hakim Murad and Umar Faruq Abd Allah

        IMAM HARON – Commemorating a lifetime of resistance and activism

        IMAM HARON – Commemorating a lifetime of resistance and activism

      • Living Islam
        • All
        • Eid-ul-Adha
        • Eid-ul-Fitr
        • Hajj Stories
        • Light from the Quran
        • Moulood-un-Nabi
        • Quran
        • Ramadaan
        African Muslim Intellectual History

        African Muslim Intellectual History

        Muslims are rallying around the climate emergency

        Muslims are rallying around the climate emergency

        The attractive mosque with a bankrupt worshipper

        The attractive mosque with a bankrupt worshipper

        Food sharing in Ramadaan and getting closer to Allah

        Food sharing in Ramadaan and getting closer to Allah

        Towards a value-enhancing Ramadaan

        Towards a value-enhancing Ramadaan

        True happiness here and in the hereafter

        True happiness here and in the hereafter

        Public talk on the study of Islam and gender

        Public talk on the study of Islam and gender

        Understanding the true nature of this world

        A Quranic perspective on change

        The hajj as an ethical structure of forgiveness

        The hajj as an ethical structure of forgiveness

      • Opinion
        • All
        • Editorial
        • Guest Writer
        • Letters to the editor
        Hamas prisoner exchange and Israel’s genocidal war: context is crucial

        Hamas prisoner exchange and Israel’s genocidal war: context is crucial

        Apartheid victims’ families must proceed with claims in the interests of justice

        Apartheid victims’ families must proceed with claims in the interests of justice

        Neutrality is complicity: If you don’t condemn Gaza genocide then you support it

        Neutrality is complicity: If you don’t condemn Gaza genocide then you support it

        The colonial roots of the suffering of the Palestinians

        The colonial roots of the suffering of the Palestinians

        Prosecuting war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict

        Prosecuting war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict

        The complicity of America in the collapse of international law

        The complicity of America in the collapse of international law

        The complicity of America in the collapse of international law

        The complicity of America in the collapse of international law

        War on Gaza is to liquidate Palestinians lives

        War on Gaza is to liquidate Palestinians lives

        Will Israel survive the 2023 war?

        Will Israel survive the 2023 war?

      • Print Archives
      • DONATE
      No Result
      View All Result
      Muslim Views
      No Result
      View All Result
      • News
      • Living Islam
      • Features
      • Opinion
      • Finance
      • Imam Haron
      Home Living Islam

      Space-time in the Quran

      July 12, 2021
      in Living Islam, Science & Technology
      Reading Time: 7 mins read
      A A
      Space-time in the Quran

      The universe is largely empty space; planets, stars and galaxies occupy relatively small regions of space. Our planet is surrounded by space, too, but it is filled with atmospheric gases, micro-organisms and dust particles. Far beyond the atmosphere there are vast tracks of eternal darkness commonly referred to as space. Is such space empty? (Photo SHUTTERSTOCK)

      Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on Email
      Print 🖨 PDF 📄

      For centuries, space was considered to be a cold vacuum of emptiness, a fixed permanent entity in which the cosmic drama is playing itself out, writes DR YUSUF NOOR.

      THE universe is largely empty space; planets, stars and galaxies occupy relatively small regions of space. Our planet is surrounded by space, too, but it is filled with atmospheric gases, micro-organisms and dust particles. Far beyond the atmosphere there are vast tracks of eternal darkness commonly referred to as space. Is such space empty?

      For centuries, space was considered to be a cold vacuum of emptiness, a fixed permanent entity in which the cosmic drama is playing itself out. The introduction of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity transformed this long-held view. Scientists today describe space as an elastic medium which can stretch, shrink and curve. The universe is in a state of expansion. This is not due to the flying-apart of galaxies through existing space but the result of space expanding between the galaxies and pushing them apart.

      Space, although invisible and imperceptible to us, has a mathematically precise structure. The point may be appreciated if we remind ourselves of the countless electromagnetic waves that daily traverse the space arena. Space not only assist in their transmission but ensures that their correct frequency arrive at the receiving instrument. Television and radio broadcasting will not be possible without this feature of space.

      We live in three-dimensional space corresponding to the directions backward-forward, left-right and up-down. However, there is another dimension, not a space dimension but a time dimension. Travelling through three-dimensional space also means travelling through one-dimensional time. Motion in space is inextricably linked to time. Scientists for this reason refer to the universe in terms of a four-dimensional space-time structure.

      Even on a microscopic scale (from a quantum perspective) space is alive. There is a continuous creation and destruction of virtual particles, wild energy fluctuations and field changes. Gravity, too, is everywhere. In fact, as we shall see later, gravity is described as the manifestation of curved space. Space therefore is a dynamic concept; it can stretch, change shape, has mathematical features and there is a continuous creation and destruction of particles. Armed with this information, we can now proceed on to how the Quran views space-time.

      The Quran captures the essence of the modern understanding of space: ‘He (it is) who made heavenly space a structure’[1] (Quran 2:22). Space is not mere emptiness as accepted for centuries but is referred to as a structure, a piece of work consisting of parts joined together in some definite manner. Many physicists today do not consider space and time to be fundamental concepts. Like everything else, it is composed of ultra-microscopic constituents arranged in an orderly fashion. Space may therefore be defined as a kind of atomised structure, as the verse indicates. The concept is further developed in the following two verses:

      1. ‘By the heavenly space, the nature of which is a network or like a fabric’ (Quran 51:7). If the reader could imagine space to be constructed of countless thin wires running in different directions, like a three-dimensional grid, this is one of the Quranic ideas of space, which is precisely how it is described in modern terms. Another analogy forthcoming from the verse is to compare space-time with threads interwoven like the threads of a pliant fabric.

      Scientists often speak about the fabric of space-time. This description suggests that space (actually space-time which is also how the Quran views it – see below) emerges as a result of tiny threads stitched together. Quran 10:5 states: ‘He it is who made the sun a source of light and the moon (a body) that reflects light and ordained that it (the moon) moves in space and measured out phases for her that you may know how to compute the number of years and how to measure (time).’

      The verse illustrates an important principle; when a celestial body, like the moon for instance, moves in space, it does so within a specified time. Motion is space and time is therefore interlinked. Quran 21:302 (discussed under the birth of the universe), which describes the origin of the universe, refers to the beginning of space and time. In Quran 2:1173 there is an allusion to the primal origin of the universe (which includes space and time). Why primal?

      The Quran is providing a clue of something more fundamental than space and time. Space and time are not ultimate concepts but consist of smaller parts, a kind of atomised structure. Since space and time are structural entities and are connected as pointed out, we may infer that the Quran views space-time in terms of a combined space-time structure.

      1. ‘By the heavenly space which is expanding and curving back (on itself) to return to its original state’ (Quran 86:11). The verse relates the elastic and curved nature of space, (and the destiny of the universe which will be reviewed in another article). This interpretation is supported by Quran 51:474 quoted before, which alludes to the expansion of space, and Quran 21:1045 which looks at the fate of the universe. The latter states that space will be ‘rolled-up’ i.e. curved around on itself. This will happen in the far distant future, when the expansion will grind to a halt and the universe will start to contract.

      This will be brought about by the overwhelming gravitational forces suggested by the following three verses quoted under article, galaxies and planetary systems: Quran 13:26 which states that the lifespan of celestial bodies and hence of the universe is determined by gravitational forces; Quran 77:257 which refers to the attractive nature of gravity – gravity will ‘pull’ the universe inwards, and Quran 15:168 which speaks about the powerful gravitational force of a black hole.

      As space continues to shrink, its curvature will steadily escalate towards the beginning of existence. The curvature will become infinite, creating a boundary, in other words a singularity (which resides at the heart of a black hole) through which space and time cannot have continued.

      The singularity concept referred to earlier in Quran 21:302, describes the initial state of the universe as a ‘single unit of creation, closed-up and devoid of space’. Another verse, Quran 15:279 refers to the violent temperatures in the beginning. These terms are key features of a singularity. The very idea of a ‘closed’ universe implied by Quran 86:11 and the other passages, points to the curved nature of space. A closed universe is one which after billions of years of expansion will curve around on itself, contract and revert to its former state, the singularity. Such a universe is finite but has no boundary, rather like the curved surface of a sphere except that it is four-dimensional.

      Quantum view of space

      The quantum perspective of space is expressed in the Quran as follows: ‘Do they (the sceptics) not look at heavenly space above, how We constructed it and adorned it and it has no gaps?’ (Quran 50:6). Firstly, the passage refers to the building of space. Space is a framework that requires construction. Quran 2:22 above, complements this understanding. Secondly, the verse appeals to the non-believer to reflect on the properties of space:

      1. How it was designed;
      2. its decoration (with countless space objects running their courses according to precise mathematical laws (Quran 55:7)10 and
      3. the absence of ‘gaps’.

      Quantum physics teaches us the impossibility of finding a volume of space devoid of everything. On the contrary, as discussed before, it is filled with ceaseless microscopic activity and ever-present force fields. The absence of gaps in space, according to a distinguished quantum physicist, is the most profound observation in this field. Space according to the Quran is therefore an ever-changing concept and is ultimately the handy work of God.

      Note that the Quran often combines scientific verses with others of a moral and metaphysical nature. This is to emphasis its unified approach – all aspects of life are part of the same deal. The idea of using concrete physical phenomena as a vehicle for expressing metaphysical ideas is an illustration of the Book’s rational approach to matters pertaining to faith. For instance, just as real as space-time is, so is the reality after death. The nature of space is a 20th century concept. Could a mortal 1 400 years ago, when the Quran appeared, have made such predictions?

      Featured image: The universe is largely empty space; planets, stars and galaxies occupy relatively small regions of space. Our planet is surrounded by space, too, but it is filled with atmospheric gases, micro-organisms and dust particles. Far beyond the atmosphere there are vast tracks of eternal darkness commonly referred to as space. Is such space empty? (Photo SHUTTERSTOCK)

      Foot notes

      1. Binaa – derived from the root banaa, which means structure, framework.
      2. Do not those who deny the existence of God see that the heavens and the Earth were [once] a closed-up single unit of creation devoid of space, which We then parted creating space [and time]? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (Quran 21:30).
      3. To Him belongs the primal origin of the universe (Quran 2:117).
      4. With power, skill and energy did We lay the foundation of the universe according to specified conditions and certainly We are steadily expanding it (Quran 51:47).
      5. A long period from now, We shall roll up space-time as written scrolls are rolled up. And as We brought into being the first creation so We shall bring forth a new creation (Quran 21:104).
      6. Your Lord is He who raises the celestial bodies with an invisible pillar and is firmly established on the throne of authority. He has subjected the sun and the moon (and all other celestial bodies) to His (gravitational laws) each pursuing a course for a term appointed (in accordance with those laws). He governs everything that exists (Quran 13:2).
      7. Have We not made the Earth draw to itself the living and the non-living? (Quran 77:25).
      8. We have set up (unseen) structures in space, (derived from) large stars which become manifest through their great (gravitational) force, and are gateways (Quran 15:16).
      9. The hidden forces [of nature] were created [in the beginning long] before [the creation of man] out of intense heat (Quran 15:28,29).
      10. The sun and the moon follow prescribed pathways according to calculations (Quran 55:5).

       

      Previous Post

      OPINION: Silence on Palestine is complicity

      Next Post

      Pioneering Winterveldt masjid starts work on a community clinic

      Related Posts

      African Muslim Intellectual History
      Features

      African Muslim Intellectual History

      November 14, 2023
      Are we ready for the next level of illusion?
      Featured

      Are we ready for the next level of illusion?

      July 4, 2023
      Muslims are rallying around the climate emergency
      Featured

      Muslims are rallying around the climate emergency

      May 30, 2023
      Next Post
      Pioneering Winterveldt masjid starts work on a community clinic

      Pioneering Winterveldt masjid starts work on a community clinic

      Latest News

      Community

      Seminar to address increasing interest in Islamic psychology

      December 4, 2023
      Community

      Police Ombudsman urges public to report GBV during 16 Days of Activism

      November 29, 2023
      Opinion & Analysis

      Hamas prisoner exchange and Israel’s genocidal war: context is crucial

      November 24, 2023
      Books

      Good Jew, Bad Jew: new book explores why the west views brutality against Ukrainians and Palestinians differently

      November 23, 2023

      Browse by Tags

      Ramadaan Dr Auwais Rafudeen Sanzaf GBV Seraj Hendricks COVID-19 Imam Haron NPA Eid-ul-Adha Shaikh Seraj Steve Biko Eid-ul-Fitr gender based violence Palestine Sulaiman Nordien
      Muslim Views Logo
      GET IN TOUCH

      About Us

      Contact Us

      Newspaper Archives

      Terms & Conditions

      Privacy Policy

      WEBSITE SITEMAP

      NEWS

      National

      Local

      Community

      International

      BUSINESS

      Focus on Finance

      FEATURES

      Arts for All

      AWQAF

      Discussions with Dangor

      From Consciousness to Contentment

      Family

      Fusion Lifestyle

      Health File

      Hungry for Halaal

      In Memoriam

      Motoring

      Sport

      Survivor's Blog

      LIVING ISLAM

      Ramadaan

      Eid-ul-Fitr

      Hajj Stories

      Eid-ul-Adha

      Moulood-un-Nabi

      Quran

      Sunnah

      Hadith

      Light from the Quran

      OPINIONS & ANALYSIS

      Editorial

      Guest Writers

      Letter to the Editor

      © Muslim Views 2021. All Rights Reserved
      Website Developed by: Icon Designs
      No Result
      View All Result
      • Home
      • Finance
        • Focus on Finance
      • Features
        • Arts
        • Awqaf
        • Discussions with Dangor
        • From Consciousness to Contentment
        • Fusion Lifestyle
        • Health File
        • Hungry for Halaal
        • In Memoriam
        • Motoring
        • Sport
        • Survivor’s Blog
      • Living Islam
        • Eid-ul-Adha
        • Eid-ul-Fitr
        • Family
        • Hadith
        • Hajj Stories
        • Light from the Quran
        • Moulood-un-Nabi
        • Quran
        • Ramadaan
        • Sunnah
      • News
        • Community
        • International
        • National
      • Opinion & Analysis
        • Editorial
        • Guest Writer
        • Letters to the editor
      • Print Archives
      • About Us
      • Contact Us

      Welcome Back!

      Login to your account below

      Forgotten Password?

      Retrieve your password

      Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

      Log In
      We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
      Cookie SettingsAccept All
      Manage consent

      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
      Necessary
      Always Enabled
      Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
      CookieDurationDescription
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
      viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
      Functional
      Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
      Performance
      Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
      Analytics
      Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
      Advertisement
      Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
      Others
      Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
      SAVE & ACCEPT

      Add New Playlist

      Are you sure want to unlock this post?
      Unlock left : 0
      Are you sure want to cancel subscription?