Collection: Orbits

Modern Scientific Discovery:

Today, we know that all celestial bodies move in precise orbits. The Earth orbits the Sun, the Moon orbits the Earth, and the entire solar system moves through the Milky Way galaxy. This discovery, confirmed through centuries of astronomical observations, forms the foundation of modern astrophysics. Scientists have also found that even the Sun itself moves in a defined trajectory, pulling the planets along with it as it orbits the galactic center.

Qur’ānic Revelation:

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ ۖ كُلٌّۭ فِى فَلَكٍۢ يَسْبَحُونَ

English Translation:

"It is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; all (heavenly bodies) are swimming in an orbit."
(Qur’ān 21:33)

Scientific Explanation:

The Qur’ān states that the Sun, Moon, and all celestial bodies are "swimming in an orbit" (فِى فَلَكٍۢ يَسْبَحُونَ). This precisely describes what modern science has confirmed:

• The Earth orbits the Sun in a nearly circular path, taking about 365 days to complete one revolution.
• The Moon orbits the Earth, completing one cycle approximately every 27.3 days.
• The Sun itself moves in an orbit around the Milky Way, traveling at approximately 828,000 km/h, taking about 225 million years to complete one orbit.
• Every celestial body in space is constantly in motion, following a predefined course without collision, perfectly aligning with the Qur’ānic description of celestial mechanics.

Conclusion:

At the time of the Qur’ān's revelation, the prevailing belief was that the Earth was stationary and that the Sun orbited the Earth. The fact that the Qur’ān accurately described the orbits of celestial bodies—long before modern science confirmed it—demonstrates knowledge beyond human comprehension. This verse serves as yet another sign for those who reflect upon the divine wisdom in the Qur’ān.