The question of whether the Earth is flat or stationary has been a topic of discussion among scholars, scientists, and theologians for centuries. In the Islamic tradition, the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family (the Ahl al-Bayt) provide insights into the nature of the Earth. Contrary to the claims of some, the Quran does not support the idea of a flat or stationary Earth. Instead, it contains verses and principles that align with the modern scientific understanding of a spherical and rotating Earth. Below is a detailed explanation based on Islamic teachings.
1. The Quran and the Spherical Shape of the Earth
The Quran contains several verses that indirectly indicate the Earth’s spherical shape. These verses use language that implies curvature and multiplicity of directions, which are consistent with a round Earth.
a. The Concept of Multiple “Easts” and “Wests”
The Quran mentions “easts” and “wests” in the plural form, which suggests that the Earth has multiple points of sunrise and sunset. This phenomenon is only possible if the Earth is spherical:
- “The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, and the Lord of the easts.” (Quran 37:5)
- “But nay! I swear by the Lord of the Easts and the Wests that We are certainly able to bring instead (others) better than them, and We shall not be overcome.” (Quran 70:40-41)
If the Earth were flat, there would only be one east and one west. The plural form used in these verses indicates that the Earth is round, allowing for multiple points of sunrise and sunset depending on one’s location.
b. The Earth as an “Egg” (Dahaha)
In Surah An-Nazi’at (79:30), the Quran describes the Earth using the word “dahaha,” which is derived from the root “dahw,” meaning “to spread” or “to shape like an egg.” Classical and modern scholars have interpreted this as a reference to the Earth’s spherical or ovular shape:
- “And after that, He spread the earth (dahaha).” (Quran 79:30)
The imagery of an egg suggests a rounded, three-dimensional shape, further supporting the idea that the Earth is not flat.
c. The Alternation of Night and Day
The Quran describes the alternation of night and day in a way that implies the Earth’s rotation and spherical shape:
- “He wraps the night over the day and wraps the day over the night.” (Quran 39:5)
The word “yukawwir” (يُكَوِّر) used in this verse means “to wrap” or “to coil,” which is consistent with the Earth’s rotation and its spherical form. This verse suggests that the transition between night and day is a continuous, cyclical process, which aligns with the Earth’s rotation on its axis.
2. The Earth’s Rotation and Movement
The Quran also contains indications of the Earth’s movement, which is consistent with modern scientific understanding.
a. The Movement of Mountains
In Surah An-Naml (27:88), the Quran describes mountains as moving, which can be interpreted as a reference to the Earth’s rotation:
- “And you see the mountains, thinking them motionless, while they are passing (by) like clouds. [This is] the work of Allah, who perfected all things. Indeed, He is Acquainted with that which you do.” (Quran 27:88)
While mountains appear stationary to the human eye, their movement is a result of the Earth’s rotation. This verse highlights the subtlety of the Earth’s motion, which is imperceptible to us but is a fundamental aspect of its nature.
b. The Earth as a “Cradle”
The Quran compares the Earth to a cradle, which implies motion and stability:
- “He who made for you the earth a bed and made for you therein paths and sent down water from the sky.” (Quran 20:53)
A cradle rocks gently, providing both movement and comfort. This analogy suggests that the Earth is not static but is in a state of controlled motion, much like a rotating sphere.
3. Traditions from the Ahl al-Bayt
The teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them) also provide insights into the nature of the Earth.
a. Imam as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) on the Earth’s Sphericity
Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) explained that the Earth’s spherical shape is the reason for the variation in sunrise and sunset times across different regions. He said:
- “The sun, before rising on our land, rises on other places. And when it disappears from our land, it shines on other places.” (Wasailush Shia, Vol. 1, p. 237)
This statement clearly reflects an understanding of the Earth’s roundness and the concept of time zones, which are only possible on a spherical Earth.
b. The Earth’s Rotation and Prayer Times
Imam as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) also emphasized that prayer times are determined by the local sunrise and sunset, which vary depending on one’s location on the Earth’s surface. This teaching aligns with the idea of a rotating, spherical Earth.
4. Scientific Evidence and the Quran
Modern science has confirmed that the Earth is spherical and rotates on its axis. The Quranic descriptions of the Earth’s shape and movement are consistent with these findings. For example:
- The Pendulum Experiment demonstrates the Earth’s rotation by showing that a freely swinging pendulum gradually shifts its plane of oscillation due to the Earth’s movement.
- The Coriolis Effect, which influences wind patterns and ocean currents, is a direct result of the Earth’s rotation.
- The Polar Star’s Fixed Position is explained by its alignment with the Earth’s axis, which remains constant as the Earth rotates.
5. Misinterpretations and Clarifications
Some individuals have misinterpreted certain Quranic verses to claim that the Earth is flat or stationary. For example, the word “dahaha” (79:30) has been incorrectly translated by some as “spread out flat.” However, as explained earlier, the correct interpretation refers to the Earth’s rounded shape, like an egg.
Similarly, verses describing the Earth as a “bed” or “carpet” (e.g., Quran 2:22, 20:53) are metaphorical, emphasizing the Earth’s suitability for human habitation rather than its physical shape.
Conclusion
The Quran and Islamic traditions provide clear indications that the Earth is spherical and in motion. Verses referring to multiple “easts” and “wests,” the Earth’s egg-like shape, and the alternation of night and day all point to a round, rotating Earth. The teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt further reinforce this understanding. Modern scientific discoveries have confirmed these Quranic insights, demonstrating the harmony between Islamic teachings and scientific knowledge.
Thus, the Islamic perspective firmly supports the idea that the Earth is spherical and rotates on its axis, refuting the notion of a flat or stationary Earth.
References
- Quran: 37:5, 70:40-41, 79:30, 39:5, 27:88, 20:53.
- Wasailush Shia, Vol. 1, p. 237.
- Tafsir al-Mizan by Allamah Tabatabai.
- The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary.
- Scientific works on astronomy and Earth’s rotation.
For further reading, consult:
- Tafsir al-Mizan for detailed Quranic exegesis.
- The Study Quran for essays on scientific interpretations of Quranic verses.
