What are 'Al-Khunnas Al-Kunnas' in the Quran (81:15-16)?

According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, 'Al-Khunnas Al-Kunnas' refers to the five visible planets (like Venus and Mercury) that appear to run their course, retreat in retrograde motion, and hide as they set. The terms describe their observable movement and disappearance from the sky.

Does the Quran mention black holes?

The Quran does not explicitly mention black holes. However, some modern commentators reflect on verses like 81:15-16, which describe celestial objects that 'retreat' and 'hide/sweep'. They find these descriptions intriguingly parallel to the known properties of black holes, viewing it as a sign of the Quran's timeless descriptive power.

Al-Khunnas & Al-Kunnas: Quranic Stars and Contemporary Reflections on Black Holes

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Explore Verses Related to black holes

🕋At-Takwir81:15 🕋At-Takwir81:16

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the terms 'Al-Khunnas' (The Retreating) and 'Al-Kunnas' (The Concealed or Sweeping) in Surah At-Takwir (81:15-16) are part of a divine oath by specific celestial bodies. The overwhelming consensus among early authorities, including Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, is that these verses refer to the five planets visible to the naked eye (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). These planets are described as 'running' (al-jawari) in their orbits, 'retreating' (khunnas) during their retrograde motion, and 'hiding' (kunnas) as they set below the horizon. In recent times, some contemporary commentators have reflected on these powerful descriptions, drawing parallels to the modern astronomical concept of black holes, which also run through space, retreat from sight via gravitational collapse, and sweep up matter. While this modern reflection is not a classical tafsir, it highlights the profound and multi-layered nature of the Quran's descriptive language, serving as a sign of divine power for every age.

📖 Quranic Context

A significant divine oath by mysterious celestial objects, highlighting Allah's power over the cosmos.

Serves as a sign (ayah) for humanity to reflect upon the Creator's precision and might in the universe.

References: Surah At-Takwir, verses 81:15-16

💭 Theological Perspective

Invites human intellect and spirit to ponder the unseen and magnificent aspects of creation.

Instills a sense of awe and humility, recognizing the limits of human knowledge compared to the divine.

Acts as a proof of Allah's omnipotence, encouraging faith and trust in the One who controls such phenomena.

A focal point for 'tafakkur' (deep reflection) on the cosmos, a practice that strengthens faith (iman).

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad frequently encouraged reflection on the signs of creation in the heavens and the earth.

Reflection on creation is a form of worship.

Classical scholars unanimously agreed these verses refer to celestial bodies, with the majority identifying them as planets.

💎 Deeper Insights

The word 'kunnas' shares a root with 'miknasah' (a broom). This evokes the imagery of 'sweeping'. Search grounding reveals some contemporary reflections link this to a black hole's immense gravity 'sweeping up' all nearby matter and light, a powerful parallel discovered only through modern science.

— Contemporary commentators on Scientific Miracles

The classical interpretation of retrograde motion is itself a deep scientific concept. Early astronomers were puzzled by planets appearing to move backward. The Quran swears by this very real, counter-intuitive phenomenon, highlighting a specific astronomical mystery known to dedicated observers, indicating the Quran's address is not just to the layman but also to the seeker of deeper knowledge.

— Al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir