Astrophysical Science and the Quran: Unveiling the Astonishing Truth

Astrophysical science and the Quran have long appeared to exist in separate realms—one rooted in empirical observation, the other in divine revelation. However, a closer look reveals remarkable intersections between the two, especially when we explore the structure and expansion of the universe. In a compelling two-part column published in Daily Dunya (31 December 2021 and 7 January 2022), renowned Pakistani columnist Ameer Hamza delved deep into this harmony between classical Islamic scholarship and cutting-edge space science.

Imam Qurtubi and the Interwoven Sky

A key theme in Ameer Hamza’s column revolves around Imam Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Qurtubi, a revered 13th-century Islamic scholar, whose exegesis of the Quran—Tafsir al-Qurtubi—discussed the verse “By the sky with its woven strands” (Quran 51:7). Imam Qurtubi cited earlier Islamic authorities like Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, and Qatadah, interpreting the heavens as being structured like intricately woven fabric.

The Quranic term “al-hubuk” is likened to cloth woven with threads, exhibiting beauty, order, and strength. Remarkably, this interpretation mirrors the contemporary scientific description of the universe as a “cosmic fabric”—a concept foundational to astrophysical science. Concepts like space-time, gravitational waves, and the expansion of galaxies echo these ancient insights.

Ibn Kathir and the Woven Cosmos

Another classical scholar referenced by Ameer Hamza is Ibn Kathir, who, writing over 650 years ago, interpreted the same verse with the phrase: “And the sky is woven.” This ancient understanding has now been affirmed by modern instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, which provide data supporting the idea of an expanding, interconnected cosmos.

Astrophysical science and the Quran find a remarkable common ground here. The language may differ—fabric in scientific terms versus woven sky in Quranic terminology—but the essence remains strikingly similar.

NASA, James Webb, and the Legacy of Space Fabric

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched on 25 December 2021, is often called a “time machine” due to its ability to peer 13 billion years into the past. It is designed to detect the faintest signs of early galaxies and stars. Its journey to the Lagrange Point 2 (L2)—a gravitationally stable spot 1.5 million kilometres from Earth—symbolises the extraordinary coordination and balance embedded in the universe.

This balance, or cosmic justice, is also referenced in the Quran. In Surah Rahman, verses speak of divine balance (mizan) and warn humanity not to transgress it. It’s a profound link between astrophysical science and the Quran: one reveals how galaxies stay aligned; the other, how societies should.

The Quran, Not Just Metaphor

Critics often claim that Islamic scholars try to retrofit religious texts to match new scientific findings. But Ameer Hamza’s column challenges this view. He argues that the Quran and its early commentators already laid down foundational ideas that modern astrophysical science is only now catching up with. Scholars like Stephen Hawking and Sean Carroll speak of the universe as a fabric woven with unseen threads—a description incredibly close to that of early tafsir.

Even NASA scientists cautiously refer to “cosmic building,” admitting the structured nature of the universe. Yet, the terminology—space, void, vacuum—still lacks the poetic accuracy of “woven sky,” as revealed in the Quran.

Why This Matters Today

Ameer Hamza concludes with a powerful moral insight. In a justly governed universe, justice must also prevail on Earth. He recalls the historic integrity of Abdullah ibn Rawaha, a companion of the Prophet ﷺ, whose unwavering fairness impressed even adversaries. The moral is clear: while we marvel at astrophysical wonders, we must also reflect on justice, honesty, and accountability in our societies.

In this context, astrophysical science and the Quran are not opposing domains. They converge on fabric, on balance, and ultimately, on truth. One shows us how the stars align; the other, how human lives should.

Final Reflection

When astrophysical science and the Quran are studied together, they reveal not contradiction but coherence—two lenses revealing the same majestic universe. From Imam Qurtubi’s tafsir to James Webb’s sensors, the message is unified: the cosmos is woven, deliberate, and meaningful.

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Let us then look beyond the telescope, and deeper into the verses—both of nature, and scripture.