CREATION OF CELESTIAL BODIES
“The Sun ,the stars and the Moon, both divine creations, hold unique significance across cultures. Scientifically, the Sun’s immense size dwarfs our planet, with over a million Earths fitting inside. It serves as a powerful source of light and energy.
In the Quran, Allah created the Sun, the Moon, and the planets, each following its own course or orbit.. “It is He Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; all the celestial bodies swim along, each in its rounded course” (Surah Anbiya 21:33).
“It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. Each, in an orbit, is swimming.” (Yasin: 40).
On the fourth day of creation, God brought forth the Sun, Moon, and stars.On the fifth day witnessed the emergence of water and sky animals.On the sixth day , land animals and humans were created.Throughout history, the world has seen many changes, including the introduction of sin into a once perfect existence.
🌞 The Sun: A Divine Masterpiece in the Darkness of Space
The sun is like a giant ball of fire that gives off a tremendous amount of heat and light from its surface. Space, however, is pitch black. Our Earth is one beautiful part of that absolute darkness.The temperature on the surface of the sun is 6,000 degrees Celsius, and 12 million degrees Celsius inside.
the sun is millions of kilometers away from the earth, and only 0.2 percent of its heat actually reaches the earth.
” And He made the sun a (bright) lamp” (QS. Nuh: 16)
God has created the perfect distance between the earth and the sun. If the sun were closer to us, everything on earth would evaporate and burn. Likewise, if the distance were further than it is now, all areas would be covered in ice. Then, of course, life would be impossible.
The polar regions, the areas that receive the least heat from the sun, are permanently covered in ice, while the equatorial regions, which receive more heat, are always hot.44
However, it is this temperature difference between the poles and the equator that causes the creation of a moderate climate on earth as a whole, and it is this climate that supports the existence of life. This is one of the countless signs of Allah’s love for mankind.
If the sun were bigger or smaller, further away or closer to the earth, it would be impossible for life to exist on our planet.
However, Allah created the sun, the earth and the solar system in such an orderly manner that we can live comfortably. In another verse in the Quran it is stated how the sun and the moon always move according to Allah’s command:
“And He subdues the night and the day, the sun and the moon for you, and the stars are controlled by His command. Truly, in such a thing there are truly signs (of God’s greatness) for those who understand .” (An-Nahl (16:12)
✨ Stars: Jewels of the Night Sky
Imam Bukhari in his Saheeh said: “Imam Qatadah said: Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala created the stars for 3 purposes: as an ornament of the sky, a cast of satan, and as a guide.
Stars are a sign of beauty and comfort in the dark, not merely pretty lights. They provide relaxation and smoothness throughout a stressful period like the night. Allah made the heavens, and even the lowest sky is beautifully decorated.
The Holy Quran makes reference to stars thirteen times: “Allah created the stars as lamps to beautify the skies.”In Arab culture, stars were important for direction and travel.
Since ancient times, nations have realized the extreme precision of the positions of the stars and the movement of the celestial bodies, so they were guided by them in the darkness of land and sea, and built large and massive structures such as the pyramids, and even in their prayers to determine the times of the evening and dawn prayers: “And by the stars they are guided” (An-Nahl: 16).
“And it is He who made for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darknesses of the land and the sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know.” (Al-An’am: 97)
🌌 The Stars We See Are Ancient Light
Astronomers tell us something astonishing:
The stars we see tonight are not shining in real time. Their light has traveled thousands of years to reach us.
If a star is 5,000 light years away, the glow we see tonight actually left that star 5,000 years ago.
Some stars we admire may no longer exist — yet their ancient light continues to journey across the universe, reaching our eyes long after their story has ended.
This makes the night sky not only beautiful, but deeply mysterious — a living museum of cosmic history.
🌙 The Moon: A Gentle Light in the Darkness
The moon and stars offer two different kinds of light.
The moon is soft, calm, and soothing — a lantern hung in the night sky.
Stars are sharp, bright, and fiery — tiny suns scattered across the heavens.
Together, they transform darkness into a landscape of guidance and beauty.
The moon’s glow has helped nations travel, worship, and measure time. Stars provided heat and light, while the moon offered clarity and direction.
📅 The Moon and the Calendar
Nations also used the stars to guide them in setting their calendars, as some of these nations relied on the movement of the Earth around the Sun, and others on the movement of the Moon around the Earth: “They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the new moons. Say, ‘They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.’” (Al-Baqarah 2:189).
Hence, the number of months with Allah was twelve. Hajj was linked to known months: “Hajj is in well-known months.” (Al-Baqarah 2:197).
The matter of waiting was regulated by a number of months: “And those among you who die and leave wives behind them, they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten.” (Al-Baqarah 2:234).
Based on legislative, regulatory and living needs, Muslim jurists, mathematicians, astronomers and physicists were concerned with the movement of celestial bodies, especially the moon’s synodic cycle, which the Holy Quran mentions in many verses, including the Almighty’s saying:
“…And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for a specified term…” (Luqman: 29).
“And the moon – We have determined for it phases until it returns [appearing] like the old dried date stalk.” (Yasin: 39).
“It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a light and measured for it phases – that you may know the number of years and the account” (Yunus: 5).
🌌 The Majestic Sky and Its Divine Purpose
Sky is beautified with lamps to guard against devils. The sky is like a shooting star or a meteor, throwing a cast towards devils.Allah wants us to appreciate the beauty around us and the wonderful things He has created.Their dazzling trails remind us that even the unseen world is under Allah’s perfect control.
The sky was created with seven layers. So is the earth.
SEVEN LAYERS OF SKY
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the sky in a way that fills the soul with awe. He taught that:
- The distance between the earth and the first sky is a journey of five hundred years.
- Between each layer of the seven skies lies another five hundred years.
- Each sky has a thickness of five hundred years.
- Above the seventh sky lies a vast sea, its depth equal to the distance between sky and earth.
- And above all creation is Allah, exalted beyond any limit, aware of every deed and every whisper.
These descriptions are not merely measurements — they are invitations to contemplate the immensity of Allah’s creation and the smallness of our own world within it.
SEVEN LAYERS OF EARTH
