The Sun, The Moon & The Planets

  قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ

لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ

وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

Say, "He (is) Allah, the One.

Allah, the Eternal, the Absolute.

Not He begets and not He is begotten.

And not is for Him equivalent any [one]."

[Al-Quran 112]

Topic 

The Sun and Moon as Signs of Allah, and their appearance in dreams. 

Full Text 

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ اللَّيْلُ وَالنَّهَارُ وَالشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ لَا تَسْجُدُوا لِلشَّمْسِ وَلَا لِلْقَمَرِ وَاسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ الَّذِي خَلَقَهُنَّ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُون

And of His portents are the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon; but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if it is in truth Him Whom ye worship

[Al-Quran 41:37, Translation: Pickthal]

Islam [Q22:26, Q22:78] is about acknowledging that there is only one deity: Allah, and to Him alone is complete submission and worship due. Worship of heavenly bodies and ancestors, particularly worship of the Sun and the Moon has been prevalent among various mythologies around the world. 

Prophet Abraham was a Hanif [Q2:135, Q3:67, Q6:161], from the group of Prophet Noah [Q37:83]. Abraham lived at a time when his father and nation were polytheists [Q6:74], and the King claimed absolute power over life and death [Q2:258]. Among the narratives in The Quran, we find two mentions of the Sun as regards to Prophet Abraham:  

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ أَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ إِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا أُحْيِي وَأُمِيتُ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْتِي بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَأْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ فَبُهِتَ الَّذِي كَفَرَ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِين

Bethink thee of him who had an argument with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had given him the kingdom; how, when Abraham said: My Lord is He Who giveth life and causeth death, he answered: I give life and cause death. Abraham said: Lo! Allah causeth the sun to rise in the East, so do thou cause it to come up from the West. Thus was the disbeliever abashed. And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk

[Al-Quran 2:258, Translation: Pickthal]

Allah has full control over all His creation, whether big or small. Though the Sun and Moon are among His Signs, yet they are not worthy of worship: 

6:74  وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ آزَرَ أَتَتَّخِذُ أَصْنَامًا آلِهَةً إِنِّي أَرَاكَ وَقَوْمَكَ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِين

6:74  (Remember) when Abraham said unto his father Azar: Takest thou idols for gods? Lo! I see thee and thy folk in error manifest

6:75  وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُرِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ مَلَكُوتَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلِيَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُوقِنِين

6:75  Thus did We show Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth that he might be of those possessing certainty

6:76  فَلَمَّا جَنَّ عَلَيْهِ اللَّيْلُ رَأَىٰ كَوْكَبًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّي فَلَمَّا أَفَلَ قَالَ لَا أُحِبُّ الْآفِلِين

6:76  When the night grew dark upon him he beheld a star planet. He said: This is my Lord. But when it set, he said: I love not things that set

6:77  فَلَمَّا رَأَى الْقَمَرَ بَازِغًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّي فَلَمَّا أَفَلَ قَالَ لَئِن لَّمْ يَهْدِنِي رَبِّي لَأَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الضَّالِّين

6:77  And when he saw the moon uprising, he exclaimed: This is my Lord. But when it set, he said: Unless my Lord guide me, I surely shall become one of the folk who are astray

6:78  فَلَمَّا رَأَى الشَّمْسَ بَازِغَةً قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّي هَٰذَا أَكْبَرُ فَلَمَّا أَفَلَتْ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ إِنِّي بَرِيءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُون

6:78  And when he saw the sun uprising, he cried: This is my Lord! This is greater! And when it set he exclaimed: O my people! Lo! I am free from all that ye associate (with Him)

6:79  إِنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِين

6:79  Lo! I have turned my face toward Him Who created the heavens and the earth, as one by nature upright, and I am not of the idolaters

6:80  وَحَاجَّهُ قَوْمُهُ قَالَ أَتُحَاجُّونِّي فِي اللَّهِ وَقَدْ هَدَانِ وَلَا أَخَافُ مَا تُشْرِكُونَ بِهِ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ رَبِّي شَيْئًا وَسِعَ رَبِّي كُلَّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا أَفَلَا تَتَذَكَّرُون

6:80  His people argued with him. He said: Dispute ye with me concerning Allah when He hath guided me? I fear not at all that which ye set up beside Him unless my Lord willeth aught. My Lord includeth all things in His knowledge. Will ye not then remember

6:81  وَكَيْفَ أَخَافُ مَا أَشْرَكْتُمْ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمْ أَشْرَكْتُم بِاللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَانًا فَأَيُّ الْفَرِيقَيْنِ أَحَقُّ بِالْأَمْنِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُون

6:81  How should I fear that which ye set up beside Him, when ye fear not to set up beside Allah that for which He hath revealed unto you no warrant? Which of the two factions hath more right to safety? (Answer me that) if ye have knowledge

6:82  الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوا إِيمَانَهُم بِظُلْمٍ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمُ الْأَمْنُ وَهُم مُّهْتَدُون

6:82  Those who believe and obscure not their belief by wrongdoing, theirs is safety; and they are rightly guided

6:83  وَتِلْكَ حُجَّتُنَا آتَيْنَاهَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَاتٍ مَّن نَّشَاءُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيم

6:83  That is Our argument. We gave it unto Abraham against his folk. We raise unto degrees of wisdom whom We will. Lo! thy Lord is Wise, Aware

[Al-Quran 6:74-83, Translation: Pickthal; edited in italics for clarity]

Joseph's Dream 

إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِي سَاجِدِين

When Joseph said unto his father: O my father! Lo! I saw in a dream eleven planets and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves unto me

...

وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا لَهُ سُجَّدًا وَقَالَ يَا أَبَتِ هَٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُؤْيَايَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّي حَقًّا وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِي إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِي مِنَ السِّجْنِ وَجَاءَ بِكُم مِّنَ الْبَدْوِ مِن بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ الشَّيْطَانُ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِي إِنَّ رَبِّي لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَاءُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيم

And he placed his parents on the dais and they fell down before him prostrate, and he said: O my father! This is the interpretation of my dream of old. My Lord hath made it true, and He hath shown me kindness, since He took me out of the prison and hath brought you from the desert after Satan had made strife between me and my brethren. Lo! my Lord is tender unto whom He will. He is the Knower, the Wise

[Al-Quran 12:4, ..., 12:100; Translation: Pickthal]

In Surah Yusuf (Joseph), he dreams a dream in which he sees the sun (الشَّمْسَ), the moon (الْقَمَرَ) and eleven planets (كَوْكَبًا). When his dream is realised, the sun corresponds to his father, the moon to his mother, and the eleven planets are his eleven bothers. 

Isaac's Dream

The Testament of Abraham is regarded as a pseudepigraphic text of the Old Testament by the Jews, but is considered scripture by the Beta Israel. It has two versions: long and short. In Chapter 7 (long recension)/Chapter 7:1-18 (short recension), Isaac's dream is explained, in which the Sun represents his father Abraham, and the Moon represents his mother, both of whom are to be taken away by the very bright light that is brighter that seven suns. The interpretation of the dream is that they are soon to taken away by death.  

The Meeting with The Lord   

Returning back to Q41:37, night and day, Sun and Moon, are the Signs of Allah. The presence of parents is a wonderful gift of our Creator, but they are also creations, and can be taken away at any time. The Sun and the Moon are also wonderful gifts of our Creator, and while we enjoy and benefit from their presence, we must remember that the true Creator and Sustainer is Allah, and to Him alone is prostration and worship due. There awaits a reckoning, when the Sun and Moon are united: 

75:1  لَا أُقْسِمُ بِيَوْمِ الْقِيَامَة

75:1  Nay, I swear by the Day of Resurrection

75:2  وَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِالنَّفْسِ اللَّوَّامَة

75:2  Nay, I swear by the accusing soul (that this Scripture is true)

75:3  أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنسَانُ أَلَّن نَّجْمَعَ عِظَامَه

75:3  Thinketh man that We shall not assemble his bones

75:4  بَلَىٰ قَادِرِينَ عَلَىٰ أَن نُّسَوِّيَ بَنَانَه

75:4  Yea, verily. We are Able to restore his very fingers

75:5  بَلْ يُرِيدُ الْإِنسَانُ لِيَفْجُرَ أَمَامَه

75:5  But man would fain deny what is before him

75:6  يَسْأَلُ أَيَّانَ يَوْمُ الْقِيَامَة

75:6  He asketh: When will be this Day of Resurrection

75:7  فَإِذَا بَرِقَ الْبَصَر

75:7  But when sight is confounded

75:8  وَخَسَفَ الْقَمَر

75:8  And the moon is eclipse

75:9  وَجُمِعَ الشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَر

75:9  And sun and moon are united

75:10  يَقُولُ الْإِنسَانُ يَوْمَئِذٍ أَيْنَ الْمَفَرّ

75:10  On that day man will cry: Whither to flee

75:11  كَلَّا لَا وَزَر

75:11  Alas! No refuge

75:12  إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ يَوْمَئِذٍ الْمُسْتَقَرّ

75:12  Unto thy Lord is the recourse that day

75:13  يُنَبَّأُ الْإِنسَانُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بِمَا قَدَّمَ وَأَخَّر

75:13  On that day man is told the tale of that which he hath sent before and left behind

75:14  بَلِ الْإِنسَانُ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ بَصِيرَة

75:14  Oh, but man is a telling witness against himself

75:15  وَلَوْ أَلْقَىٰ مَعَاذِيرَه

75:15  Although he tender his excuses

75:16  لَا تُحَرِّكْ بِهِ لِسَانَكَ لِتَعْجَلَ بِه

75:16  Stir not thy tongue herewith to hasten it

75:17  إِنَّ عَلَيْنَا جَمْعَهُ وَقُرْآنَه

75:17  Lo! upon Us (resteth) the putting together thereof and the reading thereof

75:18  فَإِذَا قَرَأْنَاهُ فَاتَّبِعْ قُرْآنَه

75:18  And when We read it, follow thou the reading

75:19  ثُمَّ إِنَّ عَلَيْنَا بَيَانَه

75:19  Then lo! upon Us (resteth) the explanation thereof

75:20  كَلَّا بَلْ تُحِبُّونَ الْعَاجِلَة

75:20  Nay, but ye do love the fleeting No

75:21  وَتَذَرُونَ الْآخِرَة

75:21  And neglect the Hereafter

75:22  وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ نَّاضِرَة

75:22  That day will faces be resplendent

75:23  إِلَىٰ رَبِّهَا نَاظِرَة

75:23  Looking toward their Lord

75:24  وَوُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَاسِرَة

75:24  And that day will other faces be despondent

75:25  تَظُنُّ أَن يُفْعَلَ بِهَا فَاقِرَة

75:25  Thou wilt know that some great disaster is about to fall on them

75:26  كَلَّا إِذَا بَلَغَتِ التَّرَاقِي

75:26  Nay, but when the life cometh up to the throat

75:27  وَقِيلَ مَنْ رَاق

75:27  And men say: Where is the wizard (who can save him now)

75:28  وَظَنَّ أَنَّهُ الْفِرَاق

75:28  And he knoweth that it is the parting

75:29  وَالْتَفَّتِ السَّاقُ بِالسَّاق

75:29  And agony is heaped on agony

75:30  إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ يَوْمَئِذٍ الْمَسَاق

75:30  Unto thy Lord that day will be the driving

75:31  فَلَا صَدَّقَ وَلَا صَلَّى

75:31  For he neither trusted, nor prayed

75:32  وَلَٰكِن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّى

75:32  But he denied and flouted

75:33  ثُمَّ ذَهَبَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ يَتَمَطَّى

75:33  Then went he to his folk with glee

75:34  أَوْلَىٰ لَكَ فَأَوْلَى

75:34  Nearer unto thee and nearer

75:35  ثُمَّ أَوْلَىٰ لَكَ فَأَوْلَى

75:35  Again nearer unto thee and nearer (is the doom)

75:36  أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنسَانُ أَن يُتْرَكَ سُدً

75:36  Thinketh man that he is to be left aimless

75:37  أَلَمْ يَكُ نُطْفَةً مِّن مَّنِيٍّ يُمْنَى

75:37  Was he not a drop of fluid which gushed forth

75:38  ثُمَّ كَانَ عَلَقَةً فَخَلَقَ فَسَوَّى

75:38  Then he became a clot; then (Allah) shaped and fashioned

75:39  فَجَعَلَ مِنْهُ الزَّوْجَيْنِ الذَّكَرَ وَالْأُنثَى

75:39  And made of him a pair, the male and female

75:40  أَلَيْسَ ذَٰلِكَ بِقَادِرٍ عَلَىٰ أَن يُحْيِيَ الْمَوْتَى

75:40  Is not He (Who doeth so) Able to bring the dead to life

[Al-Quran 75, Translation: Pickthal; typos corrected]

References & Links 

https://www.thetorah.com/article/yhwhs-war-against-the-egyptian-sun-god-ra

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_worship

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parents%27_Worship_Day 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testament_of_Abraham

...

Last updated on: December 16, 2020

Kawakib: Planets, Comets and other rocky bodies?

The term ‘كَوْكَبٌ’  used in the Quran seems to refer to objects which do not produce light, but shine due to the light of another source. I think they are solid objects made from sand/soil/clay, and have rocky features. Planets, asteroids, meteoroids and comets, all fit in this description.   

Some translators translate the term ‘kawkab’ as star, but the Quran uses the term ‘najm’ to refer to a star. As the Quran has very precise and appropriate usage of words, its critical to explore this word in detail for an understanding and comprehension of the heavenly phenomenon being described. 

Mention in Quran: 

In the Quran, the term ‘kawkab’ and its plural ‘kawakib’ have been used as follows: 

(6:76:6) kawkaban فَلَمَّا جَنَّ عَلَيْهِ اللَّيْلُ رَأَىٰ كَوْكَبًا

(12:4:10) kawkaban إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا

(24:35:15) kawkabun كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ يُوقَدُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ

(37:6:6) l-kawākibi إِنَّا زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِزِينَةٍ الْكَوَاكِبِ

(82:2:2) l-kawākibu وَإِذَا الْكَوَاكِبُ انْتَثَرَتْ

[Concordance search: http://corpus.quran.com/search.jsp?q=lem%3Akawokab+pos%3An] 

In verse 6:76, Prophet Abraham sees a ‘kawkaban’. The verse is preceded by the statement that Abraham was shown the realms of the heavens and the earth, so that he would have faith with certainty. This is followed by the mention of three heavenly bodies: kawkaban, moon and sun. 

In verse 12:4, Prophet Yusuf sees a dream in which 11 ‘kawkaban’, the sun and the moon are prostrating to him. The dream is realised many years later when, in verse 12:100, he is re-united with his parents and eleven brothers, all of whom prostrate to him. 

In verse 24:35, where God is being described as the ‘Nur’ of the heavens and the earth, the example to explain it is described as the ‘nur’ is within a glass, and the glass is radiating the ‘nur’ as a brilliant, shining ‘kawkabun’.   

In verse 37:6, the singular ‘as-samaa’  [heaven/sky] of the ‘dunya’ [world] has been decorated with ‘al-kawakib’ whose purpose is to guard against every froward devil [37:7]. Verse 37:11 goes on to state that they (I assume ‘kawakib’) have been created from ‘teenin laazib’. 

In verse 82:2, the future, cataclysmic event is being referred to as when the ‘al-kawakib’ are dispersed. This is preceded by verse 82:1 which reads: when the singular ‘as-samaa’  [heaven/sky] is cleft asunder.  

Meanings: 

Looking up the meaning of ‘kawkab’ in Lane’s Lexicon [page 2623 under k-k-b], the following meanings are of interest in this study: 

it (iron) glistened; was lustrous, or bright 

al-kawkab or al-kawkaba for Venus, while kawkub for rest of the stars [*] 

the source, or spring, of a well

water 

the lustre, or brightness, or glistening, of iron 

vehemence of heat 

of difficulties, distresses or calamities, when used as an adjective for a day 

a place of confinement 

Ancient Arabic and Hebrew: 

Ancient Arabic and Hebrew have many commonalities, and according to some, may have been different dialects of the same language. As per an author, ‘The Hebrew word for star is  (kokhav), while planet is referred to as a ‘walking star’ –  Curiously, Arabic uses the same root to refer to planet –  (kawkab), while the word for star is  (najm) or  (najma). The common root for the Hebrew star and the Arab planet probably originates from the Akkadian word ‘kakkabu’ for star.’ [4.1. Star, Planet  ]

[*] Venus is a planet, and since, it is the brightest star-like, point-of-light in our night sky, it is easy to understand why people without technical knowledge would assume it to be a star.  In ancient mythology, Venus is known as the Comet-Planet, whose coma glowed in a comet-like tail, and is depicted in the crown of ancient Egyptian queens, as well as other mythologies around the world. However, scientists have found planet Venus exhibiting some comet-like properties.  

Space Research: 

As research and discovery continue, new findings are radically altering the assumptions and theories about the constitution of the heavenly bodies. 

A few missions in the recent past were sent to explore comets: Deep Impact, Stardust, Stardust NExT and most recently Rosetta. The Thunderbolts Project’s video: The Electric Comet summarises the recent discoveries and evaluates the findings in the light of their Electric theory. 

The samples and images indicate that the composition of comets is remarkably similar to the composition of planets, and appear to have been formed from the same material. Furthermore, they seem to have been formed in very diverse conditions and then put together. The shapes of the comets are also very surprising. Close-up images of comets Tempel 1 and Hartley are fascinating!   

Stardust findings: “The findings from the Stardust mission to collect comet samples indicates: ‘Scientists found a wide variety in particle composition and size in the Wild 2 samples. Most of the Wild 2 samples appear to be weakly constructed mixtures of very small grains with a few larger grains. Also, a wide range of high- and low-temperature minerals, from olivine to low- and high-calcium pyroxene compositions, is present in the Wild 2 samples. Such a diversity of high- and low-temperature minerals requires a wide range of formation conditions, probably reflecting different formation locations. Many particles did not form in the cold environment and locations where cometary ices condensed. Instead, they needed high temperatures to form, as well as complex and as yet little understood dynamical processes to end up where comets actually formed. Also, particles from different environments must have undergone some process of accretion to end up as aggregates composed of different minerals.’ 

Another analysis: “The comet is very odd mix of materials that formed at the highest and lowest temperatures that existed in the early solar system. Comets have been cold for billions of years but their ingredients are remarkable products of both fire and ice.  Because the rocky materials in comet Wild 2 formed at such high temperatures, we believe that they formed in the hot inner regions of the young solar system and were then transported all the way to beyond the orbit of Neptune. There had been several theories that suggested that such large scale mixing might have occurred and the Stardust results appear to be proof that this large scale mixing did occur and that many of the large rocky particles formed close to the Sun.  This implies that while the comets contain ices that formed at the edge of the solar system, the rocky materials that actually make up the bulk of a comet’s mass actually formed in the hottest possible conditions. The inner solar system can be thought of as a factory producing rocky materials that were distributed outwards to all the bodies and regions of the solar system.”

Stardust NExT report on Tempel 1: “One of the striking features of this low-gravity object is that there are regions of different types of “geology” and that these occur at different relative heights. Areas that are relatively high are rough and have many pits, tens to hundreds of m across. Areas that are low have much smoother topography and even display deposits that have many characteristics of having been emplaced as flows along the surface filling in the low areas. These likely flow deposits are up to tens of meters thick, and some are over 3 km in length. The three main low regions and outlines of likely flows are shown in the lower part of the illustration.” 

Water on comets: “By analyzing data and images taken prior to impact, Deep Impact scientists have detected water ice in three small areas on the surface of comet Tempel 1. This is the first time ice has been detected on the nucleus, or solid body, of a comet. The findings are published today in the online version of the journal Science.”

"These results show that there is ice on the surface, but not very much and definitely not enough to account for the water we see in the out-gassed material that is in the coma [the cloud of gas and dust that surrounds the comet]," said lead author Jessica Sunshine of Science Applications International Corporation.”

"These new findings are significant because they show that our technique is effective in finding ice when it is on the surface and that we can therefore firmly conclude that most of the water vapor that escapes from comets is contained in ice particles found below the surface," said Deep Impact Principal Investigator Michael A'Hearn of the University of Maryland.”

Purposeful creation: 

Everything in creation must serve a purpose, as asserted in following verse in the Quran:

[Al-Qur’an 38:27 translator: Sahih International] And We did not create the heaven and the earth and that between them aimlessly. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve, so woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire.

In chapter 15 in the Quran, it mentions that ‘buroojan’ have been made in the sky, which are guarded from the devils:  

[Al-Qur’an 15:16-18, translator: Shakir] And certainly We have made strongholds in the heaven and We have made it fair seeming to the beholders. And We guard it against every accursed Shaitan, But he who steals a hearing, so there follows him a visible flame. 

Though a number of translators take it to mean constellations or mansions of stars, according to Lane’s Lexicon, ‘buroojan’ means strongholds. Shakir has also translated it as strongholds. It is interesting that this verse is mentioned in Surah Al-Hijr [The Rocky Tract / The Valley of Stone], which agrees with the shades of meaning of ‘kawkab’ listed above under Meanings. Furthermore, the fact that they are beautiful to behold is also mentioned here, as in 37:6 [We have adorned the Heaven of the world with adornment of the Kawkab].  

The verses speak of guarding from ‘shaitan’ who are pelted from every side, pursued by a piercing flame: 

[Al-Quran 37:7-10] and guard against every rebellious shaitaan; they cannot listen to the Exalted Assembly for they are pelted from every side; outcast, and theirs is a perpetual torment; except such as who snatches by stealth, is pursued by a piercing flame;  

Could these verses be referring to meteor showers which fall on Earth throughout the year? They are visible to the naked eye, and the origins of many are associated with comets which are beautiful to behold, as mentioned in 15:16, and 37:6. 

Why not stars: 

Translators of the Quran generally tend to translate ‘kawkab’ as star, as found in the lexicon and various translations, as also in the examples of 24:35 below. However, Quran uses the word ‘najm’ for stars. Where the Quran employs the word ‘kawkab’, it appears that a more plausible translation would be a body which shines due to another light source. In Quran 24:35, the word ‘kawkab’, as explained in the verse itself, is something that is illuminated and shining due to another light source. In contrast, the the stars glow by their own light.  

[Al-Qur’an 24:35, translator: Sahih International] Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things. 

[Al-Qur’an 24:35, translator: Pickthall] Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things. 

As per the explanation of ‘kawkab’ in the verse itself of the glass shining due to the light of the lamp, considering the above-listed Lexicon’ meanings: [ i) it (iron) glistened; was lustrous, or bright, and v) the lustre, or brightness, or glistening, of iron], it appears that the term ‘kawkab’ is employed for celestial objects which have metallic content and reflect light, which could include planets, asteroids, comets, meteoroids and meteors. Recent exploration and analysis of samples returned by NASA’s mission Stardust have revealed that ‘like in meteorites most of the components from the comet have isotopic compositions similar to Earth and are of solar system origin.’  

Considering the meanings [ iii) the source, or spring, of a well, and v) water ] of ‘kawkab’, recent explorations have returned little evidence for massive amounts of water on comet surface, but there is some evidence of underground water reserves. This is surprising for scientists, as it was theorised that comets brought water to earth. However, even though the Quran does mention that water has been sent from the sky/heaven [as-samaa], it does not mention ‘kawakib’ in relation with water. 

What is the meaning of ‘teenin lazibin’? 

فَاسْتَفْتِهِمْ أَهُمْ أَشَدُّ خَلْقًا أَم مَّنْ خَلَقْنَا ۚ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاهُم مِّن طِينٍ لَّازِبٍ

Then ask them: are they stronger in creation or whom we have created? We created them of ‘teenin lazibin’

Verse 37:11 goes on to question who is more difficult to create, and unequivocally states that We created them from ‘teenin lazibin’. According to Lane’s Lexicon, ’teenin’ is clay or mud, while ‘lazibin’ means fixed, settled, firm or constant, and severe. I think this question is about the creation of ‘al-kawakib’, and is informing us of the composition of these strongholds, which are well-guarded!

Some other observations: 

The article ‘al’ prefixing ‘kawakib’  has been used in 37:6 and 82:2, which indicates that the ‘kawakib’ referred here are either definitive [English equivalent ‘the’], or represents the entire category of ‘kawakib’ 

In 24:35, the kawkab is likened to glass, an amorphous substance which we are very familiar with on Earth, having the properties of transmitting, reflecting and refracting light. 

In 67:5, the verse speaks of the sky/heaven of the world being adorned (of old) with lamps. Verse 24:35 speaks of the lamp within the glass shining like a kawkab. The analogy seems quite similar to a filament bulb. 

The purpose of the lamps in the world's sky is to drive away the evil ones with 'missiles'. (67:5)    

I refrain to add Moon to the list of possible meanings of 'kawkab', as moon [al-qamr] is stated separately from kawkab, just as sun [as-shams] is stated separately from the stars[an-najm]. The separate specific mention could be either because the sun and moon stand out in our sky as different from the other objects, or it could be that future research holds some new discoveries which may alter our understanding of these heavenly bodies.  

Last updated on September 4, 2014

Guarding the Sky

[Al-Quran, Chapter 37, Verses 4-12]

 إِنَّ إِلَـٰهَكُمْ لَوَاحِدٌ  رَّبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَرَبُّ الْمَشَارِقِ   إِنَّا زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِزِينَةٍ الْكَوَاكِبِ   وَحِفْظًا مِّن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ مَّارِدٍ  لَّا يَسَّمَّعُونَ إِلَى الْمَلَإِ الْأَعْلَىٰ وَيُقْذَفُونَ مِن كُلِّ جَانِبٍ دُحُورًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ وَاصِبٌ    إِلَّا مَنْ خَطِفَ الْخَطْفَةَ فَأَتْبَعَهُ شِهَابٌ ثَاقِبٌ

فَاسْتَفْتِهِمْ أَهُمْ أَشَدُّ خَلْقًا أَم مَّنْ خَلَقْنَا ۚ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاهُم مِّن طِينٍ لَّازِبٍ    بَلْ عَجِبْتَ وَيَسْخَرُونَ

Translation: Indeed your Deity is One. The Lord of the Heavens and Earth and all that is between them, and Lord of All Mashaariq; We have adorned the Heaven of the world with adornment of the Al-Kawakib; and guard against every rebellious shaitaan; they cannot listen to the Exalted Assembly for they are pelted from every side; outcast, and theirs is a perpetual torment; except such as who snatches by stealth, is pursued by a piercing flame; Then ask them: are they stronger in creation or whom we have created? We created them of ‘teenin lazibin’. But, you wonder and they make fun. 

Multiple standard translations: http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display_all.php?chapter=37 

Lord of All Mashaariq: 

رَبُّ الْمَشَارِقِ 

The root of the word ‘mashaariq’ is sh-r-q, which is generally understood to refer to the East or place where the Sun rises from. However, studying the usage of the words sh-r-q and g-r-b in the various verses,I wonder if they might mean origins and endings…   

Looking up ‘sh-r-q’ in Lane’s Lexicon, page 1541, ‘mashriq’ implies ‘place, quarter or direction of sunrise’, ‘east’, ‘orient’. 

The dual ‘mashriqain’ is understood to mean: 

the two extreme points of the eastern horizon, that is the point from where the sun rises in summer and the point where the sun rises in winter 

رَبُّ الْمَشْرِقَيْنِ وَرَبُّ الْمَغْرِبَيْنِ

[Al-Qur’an 43:38, translator: Pickthall] Lord of the two Easts, and Lord of the two Wests! 

[Al-Qur’an 43:38, translator: Shakir] Lord of the East and Lord of the West 

the distance between the east and west, or between the place of sunrise and the place of sunset    

… يَا لَيْتَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكَ بُعْدَ الْمَشْرِقَيْنِ …

[Al-Qur’an 43:38, translator: Pickthall] Ah, would that between me and thee there were the distance of the two horizons 

[Al-Qur’an 43:38, translator: Shakir] O would that between me and you there were the distance of the East and the West 

The plural form used in 37:5, has also been used in 70:40, has been translated follows: 

فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِرَبِّ الْمَشَارِقِ وَالْمَغَارِبِ إِنَّا لَقَادِرُونَ

[Al-Qur’an 70:40, translator: Pickthall] But nay! I swear by the Lord of the rising-places and the setting-places of the planets that We verily are Able  

[Al-Qur’an 70:40, translator: Shakir] But nay! I swear by the Lord of the Easts and the Wests that We are certainly able  

Consider the usage of sh-r-q and g-r-b in the following verse: 

اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَاةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖ الْمِصْبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ الزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِيءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ ۚ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ ۗ يَهْدِي اللَّهُ لِنُورِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

[Al-Qur’an 24:35, translator: Sahih International] Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things. 

Describing the Day of Resurrection [Qiyamah], consider the usage of root sh-r-q in the Quran,[39:69] 

…وَأَشْرَقَتِ الْأَرْضُ بِنُورِ رَبِّهَا  

[Al-Qur’an 39:69, translator: Pickthall] And the earth shineth with the light of her Lord, 

Also, consider the usage of East in Ancient Hebrew: ‘The ancient Hebrew words that are used to describe distance and direction are also used to describe time. The Hebrew word for east is qedem and literally means "the direction of the rising sun.” The implications of this statement are astounding. This is because time, as defined as the distance between two physical events, is not a physical measurement in and of itself. Yet in ancient Hebrew, time and distance refer to the same thing and literally to “the direction of the rising sun,” (which we as human beings call the east direction). One implication of this association would be that the origin of all things could have come, does come, and will come from the east.’ [http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/docs/39_brown-time.pdf ] 

Could the dual forms (i) refer to the two deaths and two lives mentioned in Quran 2:28?  and (ii) could imply the distance of a lifetime, the distance between the first life and the resurrection? and the plural of 70:40 also refer to all origins and endings? Consider the following: in Quran 24:35, the example is that of a glass is being illuminated by a blessed olive tree that is ‘neither of the east nor of the west’. Could east and west here imply ‘without origin and without end’?  And perhaps the word ‘ashraqto’ in verse 39:69 means ‘re-originates’ or will be created anew, after its destruction?  

Al-Kawakib (singular Kawkab): 

  إِنَّا زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِزِينَةٍ

الْكَوَاكِبِ   وَحِفْظًا مِّن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ مَّارِدٍ 

Looking up the meaning of ‘kawkab’ in Lane’s Lexicon [page 2623 under k-k-b], the following meanings are of interest in this study: 

it (iron) glistened; was lustrous, or bright 

al-kawkab or al-kawkaba for Venus, while kawkub for rest of the stars [*] 

the source, or spring, of a well

water 

the lustre, or brightness, or glistening, of iron 

vehemence of heat 

of difficulties, distresses or calamities, when used as an adjective for a day 

a place of confinement 

[*] Venus is a planet, and since it is the brightest object in the night sky, it is easy to understand why most people would assume it to be a star. Ancient Arabic and Hebrew have many commonalities, and according to some, may have been different dialects of the same language. As per an author, ‘The Hebrew word for star is  (kokhav), while planet is referred to as a ‘walking star’ –  Curiously, Arabic uses the same root to refer to planet –  (kawkab), while the word for star is  (najm) or  (najma). The common root for the Hebrew star and the Arab planet probably originates from the Akkadian word ‘kakkabu’ for star.’ [4.1. Star, Planet  ] 

Translators of the Quran generally tend to translate ‘kawkab’ as star, as found in the lexicon and various translations, as also in the examples of 24:35 below. However, Quran uses the word ‘najm’ for stars. Where the Quran employs the word ‘kawkab’, it appears that a more scientifically understandable translation would be a body illuminated by light from another source. In Quran 24:35, the word ‘kawkab’, as explained in the verse itself, is something that is illuminated and shining due to another light source.   

[Al-Qur’an 24:35, translator: Sahih International] Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things. 

[Al-Qur’an 24:35, translator: Pickthall] Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things. 

As per the explanation of ‘kawkab’ in the verse itself of the glass shining due to the light of the lamp, considering the above-listed Lexicon’ meanings: [ i) it (iron) glistened; was lustrous, or bright, and v) the lustre, or brightness, or glistening, of iron] from the list above, it appears that the term ‘kawkab’ is employed for celestial objects which have metallic content and reflect light, which could include planets, moon, asteroids, meteors and meteorites. Recent exploration and analysis of samples returned by NASA’s mission Stardust have revealed that ‘like in meteorites most of the components from the comet have isotopic compositions similar to Earth and are of solar system origin.’.  

Interestingly, comets are also assumed to have massive amounts of water/ice, and it is theorised that they are the source of water on planet Earth. Considering the meanings [ iii) the source, or spring, of a well, and v) water ], comets fit in well with the shades of meaning of ‘kawkab’. However, according to the Quran, water did come from the sky, but the word 'burooj' is not associated with the arrival of water on Earth.  

In chapter 15 in the Quran, it mentions that ‘buroojan’ have been made in the sky, which are guarded from the devils.

وَلَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا فِي السَّمَاءِ بُرُوجًا وَزَيَّنَّاهَا لِلنَّاظِرِينَ

[Al-Qur’an 15:16, translator: Shakir] And certainly We have made strongholds in the heaven and We have made it fair seeming to the beholders.

Though a number of translators take it to mean constellations or mansions of stars, according to Lane’s Lexicon, ‘buroojan’ means strongholds. Shakir has also translated it as strongholds. It is interesting that this verse is mentioned in Surah Al-Hijr [The Rocky Tract / The Valley of Stone], which agrees with the shades of meaning of ‘kawkab’ discussed above. Furthermore, the fact that they are beautiful to behold is also mentioned here, as in 37:6 [We have adorned the Heaven of the world with adornment of the Kawkab].  

Pelted from every side, pursued by a piercing flame: 

وَحِفْظًا مِّن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ مَّارِدٍ 

لَّا يَسَّمَّعُونَ إِلَى الْمَلَإِ الْأَعْلَىٰ وَيُقْذَفُونَ مِن كُلِّ جَانِبٍ 

دُحُورًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ وَاصِبٌ

إِلَّا مَنْ خَطِفَ الْخَطْفَةَ فَأَتْبَعَهُ شِهَابٌ ثَاقِبٌ

[Al-Quran 37:7-10] and guard against every rebellious shaitaan; they cannot listen to the Exalted Assembly for they are pelted from every side; outcast, and theirs is a perpetual torment; except such as who snatches by stealth, is pursued by a piercing flame; 

And consider the following verses from chapters 15 and 66: 

 وَحَفِظْنَاهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ رَّجِيمٍ  

إِلَّا مَنِ اسْتَرَقَ السَّمْعَ فَأَتْبَعَهُ شِهَابٌ مُّبِينٌ 

[Al-Quran 15:17-19, translator:Shakir] And We guard it against every accursed Shaitan, But he who steals a hearing, so there follows him a visible flame. 

وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَاهَا رُجُومًا لِّلشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابَ السَّعِيرِ

[Al-Quran 67:5, translator:Shakir] And certainly We have adorned this lower heaven with lamps and We have made these missiles for the Shaitans, and We have prepared for them the chastisement of burning. 

[Al-Quran 67:5, translator:Yusuf Ali] And we have, (from of old), adorned the lowest heaven with Lamps, and We have made such (Lamps) (as) missiles to drive away the Evil Ones, and have prepared for them the Penalty of the Blazing Fire. 

Could these verses be referring to meteor showers which fall on Earth throughout the year? They are visible to the naked eye, and the origins of many are associated with comets which are beautiful to behold, as mentioned in 15:16, and 37:6. 

What are comets made of? 

فَاسْتَفْتِهِمْ أَهُمْ أَشَدُّ خَلْقًا أَم مَّنْ خَلَقْنَا ۚ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاهُم مِّن طِينٍ لَّازِبٍ

Then ask them: are they stronger in creation or whom we have created? We created them of ‘teenin lazibin’

Verse 37:11 goes on to question who is more difficult to create, and unequivocally states that We created them from ‘teenin lazibin’. According to Lane’s Lexicon, ’teenin’ is clay or mud, while ‘lazibin’ means fixed, settled, firm or constant, and severe. Could the above verse be describing what comets are made of? 

The findings from the Stardust mission to collect comet samples indicates: ‘Scientists found a wide variety in particle composition and size in the Wild 2 samples. Most of the Wild 2 samples appear to be weakly constructed mixtures of very small grains with a few larger grains. Also, a wide range of high- and low-temperature minerals, from olivine to low- and high-calcium pyroxene compositions, is present in the Wild 2 samples. Such a diversity of high- and low-temperature minerals requires a wide range of formation conditions, probably reflecting different formation locations. Many particles did not form in the cold environment and locations where cometary ices condensed. Instead, they needed high temperatures to form, as well as complex and as yet little understood dynamical processes to end up where comets actually formed. Also, particles from different environments must have undergone some process of accretion to end up as aggregates composed of different minerals.’ [http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news110.html ] 

A new picture of Comets is emerging: The Electric Comet 

My interpretation of the verse: Indeed your Deity is One. The Lord of the Heavens and Earth and all that is between them, and Lord of all origins; We have adorned the Heaven of the world with adornment of the hard glistening rocky celestial bodies; and guarding against every rebellious devil; they cannot listen to the Exalted Assembly for they are pelted from every side; outcast, and theirs is a perpetual torment; except such as who snatches by stealth, is pursued by a piercing flame; Then ask them: are they stronger in creation or whom we have created? We created them of ‘teenin lazibin’. But, you wonder and they make fun. 

May Allah guide us to a better and clearer understanding of His Message. Amen. 

Last updated on: September 4, 2014