Quranic Verse
Arabicوَٱلشَّمْسُ تَجْرِى لِمُسْتَقَرٍّۢ لَّهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ
Translation
English"The sun moves on its set path until it reaches its resting place. This is decided by the Almighty, the All-Knowing." (Surah Ya-Sin 36:38)
Introduction
The Quran describes the motion of celestial bodies, including the Sun. In Surah Ya-Sin (36:38), it states that the Sun moves in a fixed path. Modern astronomy has confirmed that the Sun is not stationary but moves through the Milky Way galaxy at high speed.
This verse aligns with scientific discoveries in astrophysics about the movement of stars and planetary systems
Scientific Validation
For centuries, people believed that the Sun was fixed at the center of the universe. However, advances in astronomy have proven otherwise.
1. The Sun’s Galactic Motion
The Sun moves through space at an average speed of 828,000 km/h (514,000 mph). It takes approximately 225-250 million years to complete one orbit around the Milky Way galaxy. This motion is known as the solar orbit.
2. The Solar Apex
The Quranic phrase "toward its stopping place" (مُسْتَقَرٍّۢ لَّهَا) may refer to the Solar Apex—the direction in which the Sun is currently traveling. Astronomers have identified this point near the Hercules constellation.
3. Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion
The Sun’s movement follows Kepler’s Laws, which describe how celestial bodies move in predictable orbits due to gravitational forces. This confirms that the universe operates under precise physical laws, just as the Quran suggests.
4. The Sun’s Role in the Solar System
The Sun’s movement affects space weather, solar radiation, and Earth’s climate. Its gravitational pull keeps planets in orbit, highlighting the importance of its precise motion.
Reflection
This verse encourages us to think about:
- How celestial bodies move in a structured and predictable way.
- How scientific laws explain the order in the universe.
- How new discoveries continue to align with ancient descriptions in religious texts.
Conclusion
The Quranic statement about the Sun’s motion aligns with modern astrophysics. The Sun moves through space, follows an orbital path, and heads toward a specific location, just as science confirms today.
As technology advances, we continue to discover how natural laws and cosmic motion fit into the vast universe, reinforcing the connection between science and ancient knowledge.