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Scientific Errors in the Quran (view source)

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If the Qur’an contains a message from an all-powerful, all- knowing, infallible divine being then it should not contain any factual errors.  If even one error is shown to exist in the text then the claims of divine authorship and infallibility are not true.  An objective evaluation of the Qur’an shows that it contains numerous scientific and historical errors and it reflects a 7th century view of the natural world.
There is a big picture that is missed by apologists when they contest the various types of [[Islam and Science|scientific]] [[Contradictions and Errors|errors]] in the [[Qur'an]] by appealing to metaphor, other possible meanings for a word (many of which claims are inaccurate), or phenomenological language. Even supposing that another interpretation was possible in every case, the wording and content of these verses often reflect the popular mythology and misconceptions of the time, and are such as you’d expect if that was what the author had in mind, with no clear attempt to make it distinct from the mythology or misconceptions. Take collectively the many verses that suggest geocentrism, for example. Such statements, very avoidably, reinforced false notions that people had at the time and later provided plenty of reason to doubt the claims of a divine origin.
 
Some Muslim apologists will contest these numerous [[Islam and Science|scientific]] [[Contradictions and Errors|errors]] in the [[Qur'an]] by appealing to metaphor, alternative meanings, or phenomenological interpretations. Even if we suppose that alternative explanations were possible in every case, the wording and content of the Quranic verses often mimic the popular mythology and misconceptions of the time in which they were written.  The author of the Qur’an makes no clear or unambiguous statements that differentiate his understanding of the natural world from the mythology and misconceptions of the people of 7th century. At no point does he clearly state the universe is 13.8 billion years old, all organisms have evolved, the earth revolves around the sun, life is based on DNA, or any other salient piece of scientific information that could clearly prove a knowledge of the universe beyond the human understanding of the time.  if the Qur’an was delivered by an all-powerful, all-knowing being then he would have been able to foresee how such ambiguous statements would be understood by future generations and the doubts and confusions they would cause.


This in itself is a major weakness that a human author would avoid if he knew better, let alone the concept of a divine author whose work would be beyond any weakness, let alone such a comprehensive weakness over an extensive revelation. Such a being would be able to entirely foresee how such statements would be understood and the doubts they would cause later.


==Evolution==
==Evolution==


The Qur'an presupposes a [[creation|creationist]] view of the world. Its understanding of the history of human life on earth is incompatible with the theory of human evolution from prior life forms over millions of years through natural selection. While some Muslims accept the theory of evolution, most reject it in favor of a creationis world view. [[Muslim Statistics - Science#Evolution|Opinion polls]] show that the majority of Muslims agree Islam and evolution are not compatible.
The Qur'an advocates [[creation|creationism]]. It is incompatible with the thesis of human evolution from simpler life forms and natural selection. This is not very controversial as [[Muslim Statistics - Science#Evolution|reliable statistics]] on the subject have shown most Muslims agree Islam and evolution are not compatible.


===Human Creation===
===Human created from clay===
{{Main|Creation of Humans from Clay}}
{{Main|Creation of Humans from Clay}}


The Qur’an mimics many Middle Eastern creation myths by stating that humans were created instantly from dirt or clay. There is no indication that the author is aware of the evolution of human life over millions of years nor our common ancestry with other apes and primates.
The scientific hypothesis postulates that clay merely 'match-makes' RNA and membrane vesicles - and therefore does not form a building block. This is contrary to the Islamic faith which postulates that human beings were created ''from'' clay, implying clay was a building block.


{{Quote|{{Quran|15|26}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|15|26}}|
We created man from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape; }}
We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape; }}


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|117}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|117}}|
To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is. }}
To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is. }}


===Human Ancestors===
===Humans were created from a single being===


The Qur’an mimics Hebrew myths about the first humans and how all people are descended from these two earliest ancestors. It states that humans were created in a garden (paradise) and then brought to earth fully formed.
Some apologists will claim this is consistent with modern scientific knowledge because scientists refer to individuals labeled as [[W:Mitochondrial Eve|Mitochondrial Eve]] and [[W:Y-chromosomal Adam|Y-chromosomal Adam]]. This is a bad misunderstanding since these are the terms for the last common male and female ancestors of everyone alive today, not of all humans in history. Incidentally, the Qur'an clearly states Eve was created later than (and from) Adam. [[W:Mitochondrial Eve|Mitochondrial Eve]] lived some 50,000 to 80,000 years earlier than [[W:Y-chromosomal Adam|Y-chromosomal Adam]]. More to the point, genetic studies indicate that humans diverged from earlier species as a population, not a single couple. See [http://biologos.org/blog/does-genetics-point-to-a-single-primal-couple] and [http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/how-big-was-the-human-population-bottleneck-not-anything-close-to-2/].


{{Quote|{{Quran|7|189}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|189}}|
"He it is Who created you from a single being, and of the same (kind) did He make his mate,"  }}
"He it is Who created you from a single being, and of the same (kind) did He make his mate,"  }}
===Creation of humans happened in an instant===
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|117}}|
"To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is" }}
===Fall from paradise down to the earth===


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|36}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|36}}|
"Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: 'Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time.'   }}
"Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time."   }}
 
Some Muslim apologists will claim the view of two ancestral “parents” is consistent with modern scientific findings that show a common female and male ancestor of all modern humans.  They often exploit the confusion caused by scientists referring to these genetic ancestors as [[W:Mitochondrial Eve|Mitochondrial Eve]] and [[W:Y-chromosomal Adam|Y-chromosomal Adam]].  These two individuals bear little resemblance to the Qur’an account as they are simply the last common male and female ancestors of everyone alive today, not of all humans in history.  The Qur'an clearly states Eve was created later than Adam, however [[W:Mitochondrial Eve|Mitochondrial Eve]] lived some 50,000 to 80,000 years earlier than [[W:Y-chromosomal Adam|Y-chromosomal Adam]].  Genetic evidence overwhelmingly indicates that humans diverged from earlier species as a population, not a single couple. [http://biologos.org/blog/does-genetics-point-to-a-single-primal-couple] [http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/how-big-was-the-human-population-bottleneck-not-anything-close-to-2/].


==Astronomy==
==Astronomy==


===The Setting and Rising place of the Sun===
===The sun set into the murky water===
{{Main|Dhul-Qarnayn and the Sun Controversy in the Qur'an}}
{{Main|Dhul-Qarnayn and the Sun Controversy in the Qur'an}}


The Qur'an assume a flat earth which has a fixed place where the sun sets and a fixed place where the sun rises again.  Since the earth is a rotating sphere, the sun doesn't set in any particular place and you can never travel to "the spot" where the sun sets nor a place where it rises; the sun appears to set or rise on the horizon no mater where you are on the planet. In these verses, the author propagates a popular legend from the 6th century of a man that visits the places where the sun sets and rises; here he finds the sun going down into a muddy spring and later rising on a tribe with no coverings.
The Qur'an propagates a popular myth from that time and region that a man visited the places where the sun sets and rises and found that the sun goes into a muddy spring.  


{{Quote|{{Quran|18|86}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|18|86}}|
Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and found a people thereabout. We said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Either punish or show them kindness. }}
Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it set in a spring of murky water: Near it he found a People: We said: "O Zul-qarnain! (thou hast authority,) either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness."}}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|18|90}}|
Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no covering protection against the sun. }}


=== Geocentricism===
=== Geocentricism===
{{Main|The Geocentric Qur'an}}
{{Main|The Geocentric Qur'an}}


The Qur'an mentions numerous times that the Sun and the Moon travel in an orbit, but does not mention once that the Earth does too. This is consistent with a [[w:Geocentric model|earth-centered]] view of the cosmos that places a motionless earth at the center of the universe and all "heavenly bodies" travel around the earth.  This was the prevailing understanding of the universe prior to the 16<sup>th</sup> century.
The Qur'an mentions numerous times that the Sun and the Moon travel in an orbit, but does not mention once that the Earth does too. This is consistent with the [[w:Geocentric model|beliefs]] that were prevalent prior to the 16<sup>th</sup> century that the Sun revolved around the Earth.
 


{{Quote|{{Quran|36|38}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|36|38}}|
And the Sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing.}}
And the Sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing.}}


{{Quote|{{Quran|36|40}}|
The moon and the sun orbit the earth.
It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float in an orbit.}}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|91|1-2}}|
By the Sun and his (glorious) splendour;
By the Moon as she follows him; }}


Fixed.


Some muslim apologists try to explain away the Quranic description of the sun moving in an orbit as a reference to our sun orbiting the black hole at the center of the milky way galaxy.  This is an ad-hoc explanation and nothing from the text implies that the sun is orbiting anything other than the earth. If the author had knowledge of the sun orbiting a black hole then it is conspicuous that he never mentions it explicitly nor in any way differentiates the suns orbit from that of the moon.
{{Quote|{{Quran|35|41}}|
Verily! Allah grasps the heavens and the earth '''lest they move''' away from their places, and if they were '''to move''' away from their places, there is not one that could grasp them after Him. Truly, He is Ever Most Forbearing, Oft Forgiving.}}


In the Qur'an, the moon and the sun orbit the earth together.  There is no distinction made between the moon, which actually revolves around the earth, and the sun which only '''appears''' to revolve around the earth when in fact the suns movement through the sky is a product of the rotation of the earth around its axis.
Fixed.


{{Quote|{{Quran|40|64}}|
It is God who made for you the earth '''a fixed place''' and heaven for an edifice; And He shaped you, and shaped you well, and provided you with the good things. That then is God, your Lord, so blessed be God, the Lord of all Being.}}


{{Quote|{{Quran-range|91|1-2}}|
Sun and moon orbit around the earth.
By the Sun and his (glorious) splendour; By the Moon as she follows him; }}


{{Quote|{{Quran|21|33}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|21|33}}|
And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float along in an orbit.}}
And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float along in an orbit.}}
Sun orbits the earth.


{{Quote|{{Quran|14|33}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|14|33}}|
And maketh the sun and the moon, constant in their courses, to be of service unto you, and hath made of service unto you the night and the day. }}
And maketh the sun and the moon, constant in their courses, to be of service unto you, and hath made of service unto you the night and the day. }}


The sun moves, the earth is still.
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|258}}|
Hast thou not Turned thy vision to one who disputed with Abraham About his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said: "My Lord is He Who Giveth life and death." He said: "I give life and death". Said Abraham: "But it is Allah that causeth the sun to rise from the east: Do thou then cause him to rise from the West." Thus was he confounded who (in arrogance) rejected faith. Nor doth Allah Give guidance to a people unjust. }}
The shadow moves because of the sun's movement, not the earth's movement.
{{Quote|{{Quran|25|45}}|
Hast thou not turned thy vision to thy Lord?- How He doth prolong the shadow! If He willed, He could make it stationary! then do We make the sun its guide; }}
Everything in the universe goes around us.
{{Quote|{{Quran|45|13}}|
And He has made subservient to you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, all, from Himself; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect. }}
The stars are small enough to drop on us.
{{Quote|{{Quran|81|2}}|
And when the stars fall}}


The author of the Qur'an emphasis that the earth is fixed in place and motionless.  He is clearly unaware that the earth is not only revolving around the sun, but also spinning on it's axis.
Stars or planets rising and setting?


{{Quote|{{Quran|81|16}}|
The stars which rise and set}}


{{Quote|{{Quran|35|41}}|
This verse clearly implies the sun goes around the earth.
Verily! Allah grasps the heavens and the earth '''lest they move''' away from their places, and if they were '''to move''' away from their places, there is not one that could grasp them after Him. Truly, He is Ever Most Forbearing, Oft Forgiving.}}


{{Quote|{{Quran|40|64}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|36|40}}|
It is God who made for you the earth '''a fixed place''' and heaven for an edifice; And He shaped you, and shaped you well, and provided you with the good things. That then is God, your Lord, so blessed be God, the Lord of all Being.}}
It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float in an orbit.}}


===Shooting stars are missiles for devils===
===Shooting stars are missiles for devils===
Line 92: Line 120:
Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire, of piercing brightness.}}
Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire, of piercing brightness.}}


===Seven Planets in the Universe===
===How many planets in the solar system according to the Quran?===


This verse claims there are seven planets. However, according to astronomers, there are eight ordinary planets and five dwarf planets, which leaves the grand total at thirteen in our solar system. Modern astronomy also has found hundreds of other planets in other solar systems and Cosmologists estimate that hundred of billions of stars and planets exist in the universe.  The author of the Qur'an singling out such a small number of celestial objects only reaffirms his ignorance of the makeup of the universe.
This verse claims there are seven planets. However, according to astronomers, there are eight ordinary planets and five dwarf planets, which leaves the grand total at thirteen.  


{{Quote|{{Quran|65|12}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|65|12}}|
Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a '''similar number'''. Through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends, all things in (His) Knowledge. }}
Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a '''similar number'''. Through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends, all things in (His) Knowledge. }}


The paternal cousin of Muhammad and conspicuous expert on [[tafsir]] (interpretation of the Qur'an) writes that Allah means that all 7 planets are flat planets.
====Tafsir Ibn Abbas explains they are all flat planets====
 
The paternal cousin of Muhammad and conspicuous expert on [[tafsir]] (interpretation of the Qur'an) writes that Allah means that all 7 are flat planets.


{{Quote|Tafsir Ibn-Abass | Allah is He who created 7 heavens one above the other like a dome, and of the Earths, the like thereof, 7 planets but '''they are flat'''}}
{{Quote|Tafsir Ibn-Abass | Allah is He who created 7 heavens one above the other like a dome, and of the Earths, the like thereof, 7 planets but '''they are flat'''}}


===The Moon is Further from the Earth than the Stars===
===The Moon is further away than the stars===


The Qur'an claims that the moon is located in the middle of the universe and stars are in the nearest/lowest part of the universe.  Clearly the Quranic author has no idea that many stars are billions upon billions of light-years away.
The moon is located in the middle of the universe.


{{Quote|{{Quran|71|15-16}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|71|15-16}}|
See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another,
See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another,
'And made the moon a light in their '''midst''', and made the sun as a (Glorious) Lamp}}
'And made the moon a light in their '''midst''', and made the sun as a (Glorious) Lamp}}
But stars are in the nearest/lowest part of the universe.


{{Quote|{{Quran|37|6}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|37|6}}|
Surely We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment, the stars}}
Surely We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment, the stars}}


===The Moon Emits Light===
===Night time cold is caused by the Moon===
 
The Qur'an's author assumed by what he observed because the Moon does not affect Earth's temperature in any manner.
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|76|13}}|
Reclining in the (Garden) on raised thrones, they will see there neither the sun's (excessive heat) nor (the moon's) excessive cold. }}
 
===The moon is "Noor", which emits light too===


The moon does not emit it's own light but simply reflects light coming from the Sun. The Arabic word for reflected (in`ikaas) does not appear in this Quranic verse that says the Moon is a "light". It instead uses the word "Noor" which is used to denote an entity that emits light
The moon does not emit light. The Arabic word for reflected (in`ikaas) does not appear in this sentence.


{{Quote|{{Quran|71|16}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|71|16}}|
And hath made the moon a light therein, and made the sun a lamp?}}
And hath made the moon a light therein, and made the sun a lamp?}}


The word "Noor" is used in these verse to show that Allah is the "light" of the universe.  
The word "Noor" here also means an entity that emits light.


{{Quote|{{Quran|24|35}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|24|35}}|
  Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things.}}
  Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things.}}


===Moon split in Two===
===Moon split in two===
{{Main|Moon Split Miracle}}
{{Main|Moon Split Miracle}}


The Qur'an and Hadith claim that the moon was miraculously split into two pieces and then, presumably, put back together again.  There is absolutely no scientific evidence whatsoever that the moon has ever been split into two. Since the moon is visible to half the planet at any given time, we should expect to see numerous accounts from different parts of the world attesting to this event if it actually happened. The Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, Chinese and Indians had avid astronomers who should have seen this event and recorded it in their histories. The absence of historical record from other civilizations, contemporary to Muhammad, is a strong indication that this event never happened.
There is no evidence whatsoever that the moon has ever split into two. The absence of historical record from other civilizations, contemporary of Muhammad about the moon being split substantiate to this fact.
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|54|1-3}}|The hour drew nigh and the moon did rend asunder. }}


{{Quote|{{Bukhari|4|56|831}}|Narrated Anas: "That the Meccan people requested Allah's Apostle to show them a miracle, and so he showed them the splitting of the moon."}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|54|1}}|
The hour drew nigh and the moon was rent in twain. }}


===The 7 Heavens===
===The universe, earth or its atmosphere consists of 7 layers===
{{Main|Earth Made of Seven Layers}}
{{Main|Earth Made of Seven Layers}}


The universe consists of hundreds of billions of galaxies, each with hundreds of billions of stars. There is no such thing as seven layers to the universe.  This myth of seven heavens was a common idea prevalent in the middle east during the time the Qur'an was revealed.
The universe consists of trillions of galaxies with billions of stars each. There is no such thing as seven layers to the universe.


{{Quote|{{Quran|71|15}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|71|15}}|
Line 146: Line 184:


{{Quote|{{Quran|65|12}}|Allah is He Who created seven heavens, and of the earth the like of them; the decree continues to descend among them, that you may know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah indeed encompasses all things in (His) knowledge.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|65|12}}|Allah is He Who created seven heavens, and of the earth the like of them; the decree continues to descend among them, that you may know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah indeed encompasses all things in (His) knowledge.}}
===The Sun is not a star===
According to Islam, the Sun and stars are two completely different things. Modern science tells differently:
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|54}}|
Your Guardian-Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority): He draweth the night as a veil o'er the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, (all) governed by laws under His command. Is it not His to create and to govern? Blessed be Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds! }}
=== Where does the sun rise?===
The sun rises equally upon every human on earth on a daily basis, except in the poles. However, the Qur'an advocates the geocentric idea and flat earth concept in the verse below:
{{Quote|{{Quran|18|90}}|
Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no covering protection against the sun. }}


===Earth created in six days===
===Earth created in six days===
{{Main|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Creation}}
{{Main|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Creation}}


The earth first formed around 9 billion years after the Big Bang. The Qur'an, however, repeats the Jewish myth that the earth and universe were formed in six days. 
The earth took billions of years to form after Big bang.


{{Quote|{{Quran|50|38}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|50|38}}|
We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in Six Days, nor did any sense of weariness touch Us}}
We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in Six Days, nor did any sense of weariness touch Us}}


The author of the Qur'an is also unaware that the material that made up the earth was first formed in stars.  Modern science has proposed that all the elements that make up the earth (Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, Iron, etc.) came from debris expelled by exploding stars.  Yet the Qur'an describes the earth being formed before the stars and from "smoke" or material that pre-dates both stars and the earth. Since all rocky and gaseous planets were formed after stars, the Qur'an singling out the earth being created only further highlights the authors ignorance of the history of the formation of the universe.
===The earth existed before the universe===
 
There was no planet during or before the Big Bang.
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|21|30}}|
Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? }}
 
The earth was created prior to the heaven.


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|29}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|29}}|
He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is knower of all things. }}
He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is knower of all things. }}


{{Quote|{{Quran|21|30}}|
===The Universe is contracting===
Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? }}
 
Firstly, inanimate objects can't speak. Secondly, we have recently come to know the universe is expanding, not contracting.


{{Quote|{{Quran|41|11}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|41|11}}|
Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together), in willing obedience." }}
Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together), in willing obedience." }}


===The sun is a flat disk===
===The sun is a flat disk===
Line 174: Line 232:
When the sun (with its spacious light) is folded up}}
When the sun (with its spacious light) is folded up}}


===Sky is a Tent/Dome===
===Earth has invisible pillars keeping up the sky===
 
A common myth at the time of the Quran's composition was that the sky or heavens were held up with pillars.  Many Bedouin people living in Arabia imagined the sky as a large tent covering, similar to the tents they used.  The author repeats this myth by describing the sky as being "raised" above the earth.


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|22}}|
This originated from the ancient Greek myth.
It is He Who made the Earth a couch for you, and the sky a dome.}} 


{{Quote|{{Quran|13|2}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|13|2}}|
Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see}}
Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see}}


This shows a lack of knowledge of astronomy. There is nothing in the heavens or sky to "raise", with or without pillars.
===Sirius as a single star===
The singular form used in this verse negates the fact that Sirius is actually a double star.
{{Quote|{{Quran|53|49}}|
And that He it is Who is the Lord of Sirius}}


===The sky is Impenetrable===
===The sky is concrete and impenetrable===


The asteroid and meteorites penetrated the atmosphere to hit the earth throughout the course of history, there is no guardian whatsoever to prevent the incidents from happening.
The asteroid and meteorites penetrated the atmosphere to hit the earth throughout the course of history, there is no guardian whatsoever to prevent the incidents from happening.
Line 192: Line 255:
And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded: yet do they turn away from the Signs which these things (point to)}}
And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded: yet do they turn away from the Signs which these things (point to)}}


===North and South Poles===
===There are no black holes===
 
The evidence of Black Hole indicates certain degree of instability in the galaxy. Black holes absorb stars and even galaxies in regions of space where from which no entity, including light, can escape.
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|67|3}}|
Who created the seven heavens one above another; you see no incongruity in the creation of the Beneficent Allah; then look again, can you see any disorder? }}
 
===Allah is ignorant of the North and South Poles===
{{Main|The Ramadan Pole Paradox}}
{{Main|The Ramadan Pole Paradox}}


Line 200: Line 270:
It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit. }}
It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit. }}


===Thunder is an Angel===
===Thunder is an angel===


The Qur'an author was superstitious about thunder and regarded this natural phenomenon as an angel
The Qur'an author was superstitious about thunder and regarded this natural phenomenon as an angel
Line 207: Line 277:
And the thunder declares His glory with His praise, and the angels too for awe of Him; and He sends the thunderbolts and smites with them whom He pleases, yet they dispute concerning Allah, and He is mighty in prowess.}}
And the thunder declares His glory with His praise, and the angels too for awe of Him; and He sends the thunderbolts and smites with them whom He pleases, yet they dispute concerning Allah, and He is mighty in prowess.}}


Muslim sources which explain this verse clearly indicate that the author of the Qur'an believed that thunder wasn't an impersonal natural phenomenon, but an angel:
====Tafsir Ibn Abbas====
 
When we turn to the Muslim sources which explain this verse, it is rather apparent that the author of the Qur'an believed that thunder wasn’t simply an impersonal force, but an angel:
   
   
{{Quote|1=[http://altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=2&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=13&tAyahNo=13&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 Tafsir Ibn-Abbas]|2=(The thunder hymneth His praise) by His command; '''it is an angel'''; it is also said: it is the voice of the sky (and (so do) the angels) and also the angels hymn His praise (for awe of Him) the angels have awe towards Allah. (He launcheth the thunder bolts) i.e. fire (and smiteth with them whom He will) He destroys by means of fire whoever He will, referring here to Zayd Ibn Qays whom Allah destroyed by fire, along with his friend ‘Amir Ibn al-Tufayl who was killed as a result of being stabbed in his waist (while they dispute (in doubt) concerning Allah) while they dispute with Muhammad (pbuh) concerning the Religion of Allah, (and He is mighty in wrath) His chastisement is severe }}
{{Quote|1=[http://altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=2&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=13&tAyahNo=13&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0 Tafsir Ibn-Abbas]|2=(The thunder hymneth His praise) by His command; '''it is an angel'''; it is also said: it is the voice of the sky (and (so do) the angels) and also the angels hymn His praise (for awe of Him) the angels have awe towards Allah. (He launcheth the thunder bolts) i.e. fire (and smiteth with them whom He will) He destroys by means of fire whoever He will, referring here to Zayd Ibn Qays whom Allah destroyed by fire, along with his friend ‘Amir Ibn al-Tufayl who was killed as a result of being stabbed in his waist (while they dispute (in doubt) concerning Allah) while they dispute with Muhammad (pbuh) concerning the Religion of Allah, (and He is mighty in wrath) His chastisement is severe }}
===What causes the movement of shadows?===
The Qur'an says its the Sun's movement. This is false. The earth revolves around the sun and cause the movement of shadow.
{{Quote|{{Quran|25|45}}|
Hast thou not turned thy vision to thy Lord?- How He doth prolong the shadow! If He willed, He could make it stationary! then do We make the sun its guide; }}


===The sky can fall down, the earth can swallow down===
===The sky can fall down, the earth can swallow down===
Line 217: Line 296:
{{Quote|{{Quran|34|9}}|See they not what is before them and behind them, of the sky and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every devotee that turns to Allah (in repentance).}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|34|9}}|See they not what is before them and behind them, of the sky and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every devotee that turns to Allah (in repentance).}}


===The Sky is made of solid material===
===The Sky is made of rocky material===


{{Quote|{{Quran|50|6}}|What, have they not beheld heaven above them, how We have built it, and decked it out fair, '''and it has no cracks'''? And the earth -- We stretched it forth, and cast on it firm mountains, and We caused to grow therein of every joyous kind }}
{{Quote|{{Quran|50|6}}|What, have they not beheld heaven above them, how We have built it, and decked it out fair, '''and it has no cracks'''? And the earth -- We stretched it forth, and cast on it firm mountains, and We caused to grow therein of every joyous kind }}
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