What does 'al-khunnas' mean in Quran 81:15?

According to classical Islamic scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, 'al-khunnas' refers to the planets that recede or withdraw from sight during the day. The term comes from the Arabic root meaning 'to hide', describing their disappearance with the morning light.

What are the 'revolving stars' mentioned in Surah At-Takwir?

The 'revolving stars' are interpreted by the vast majority of classical commentators, including Al-Qurtubi, as the five planets visible to the naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. They are described as 'revolving' or 'sweeping' across the sky at night.

Why does Allah swear by the planets in the Quran?

Allah swears by the revolving planets in Surah At-Takwir to present their magnificent and orderly motion as a sign of His creative power. This cosmic oath serves to affirm the truth and divine origin of the Quranic revelation, refuting the doubts of the disbelievers.

Revolving Celestial Bodies (Al-Khunnas) in the Quran

↑Parent: stars

revolving

Explore Verses Related to revolving

🕋At-Takwir81:15

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the term 'revolving' in Quran 81:15, which translates the Arabic 'al-khunnas', is part of a divine oath referring to the celestial bodies, specifically the five planets visible to the naked eye. Tafsir giants like Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari, and Al-Qurtubi concur that these verses describe planets that 'recede' (disappear from sight during the day) and 'hide' (set or are veiled by the sun's light) as they move swiftly in their orbits. This precise and predictable, yet seemingly mysterious, motion is presented by Allah as a magnificent sign of His creative power. The theological purpose of this oath, following the dramatic depiction of the Day of Judgment, is to affirm the divine origin and truthfulness of the Quran as conveyed by the noble messenger, Angel Gabriel, to Prophet Muhammad. The orderly cosmos, therefore, testifies to the orderly and divine nature of the revelation, refuting the claims of the disbelievers.

📖 Quranic Context

The verse is a key example of the Quran using natural phenomena as signs (ayat) of Allah's power and the truth of His message. It serves as a bridge between the eschatological signs at the beginning of the surah and the confirmation of the revelation's source.

The oath highlights the relationship between the Creator and His creation, where the precise and mysterious movements of celestial bodies are presented as evidence for the divine order and the truth of revelation.

References: Referenced in Surah At-Takwir, verse 15, as part of a significant divine oath.

💭 Theological Perspective

The verse encourages reflection on the cosmos (tafakkur) as a means of strengthening faith and recognizing the divine.

Contemplation of the vastness and order of the universe, as indicated by the revolving planets, can induce a state of awe and humility, softening the heart to the divine message.

The celestial bodies are presented as silent witnesses to the truth, guiding humanity towards recognizing the Creator and the authenticity of His revelation.

The verse fosters a spiritual connection with the natural world, seeing it not as a random occurrence but as a manifestation of divine wisdom and power.

📜 Hadith Perspective

A hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim and Sunan an-Nasa'i mentions that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would recite these verses (81:15-18) in the morning prayer, indicating their importance.

The regularity and beauty of the Prophet's recitation, which included these verses, leaving a profound impact on his companions.

The reports from Ali ibn Abi Talib, as recorded by Ibn Jarir al-Tabari and others, strongly support the interpretation of these verses referring to the stars or planets that are visible at night and disappear during the day.

💎 Deeper Insights

The verse acts as a 'cosmic pivot' in Surah At-Takwir. The surah begins with the complete upheaval and destruction of the cosmic order on the Day of Judgment (sun folding up, stars falling). Then, Allah swears by the *perfect order* of the existing cosmos (revolving planets, alternating night and day) to confirm the truth of His revelation. This juxtaposition implies that the same power that can unravel the universe is the power that guarantees the truth of the Quran.

— Synthesis of classical tafsirs

The term 'al-khunnas' (the receder) is from the same root as 'khannas' (the sneaky whisperer, i.e., Satan) in Surah An-Nas. This linguistic link creates a subtle contrast: while Satan 'recedes' when Allah is mentioned, the planets 'recede' as part of a divine system that *proves* Allah's message. The orderly, divine 'receding' of the planets stands in opposition to the chaotic, evil 'receding' of Satan, with both phenomena ultimately pointing to the power of Allah.

— Linguistic analysis from Arabic lexicons

Explore Verses Related to revolving

At a Glance

📖 Quranic Context

💭 Theological Perspective

📜 Hadith Perspective

💎 Deeper Insights

Related Topics

Parent Topic

Related Topics (4)