What does the Quran say about the sun?

The Quran describes the sun as a radiant lamp and a sign of Allah's creative power, created for the benefit of humanity to provide light, warmth, and a means to calculate time. It is mentioned as being in a precise orbit, completely subservient to Allah's will.

Is it permissible to worship the sun in Islam?

No, it is strictly forbidden to worship the sun in Islam. The Quran explicitly states in Surah Fussilat, verse 37, 'Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allah, who created them.' The sun is a creation, and worship is due only to the Creator.

Does the Quran mention the sun's orbit?

Yes, the Quran mentions that the sun is in a specific orbit. For example, Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 33, states, 'And it is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon; all [heavenly bodies] in an orbit are swimming.' This indicates a continuous and precise movement ordained by Allah.

The Sun in Islam: A Quranic Perspective on a Celestial Sign

↑Parent: celestial mechanics

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Explore Verses Related to sun

🕋Yunus10:5 🕋An-Nahl16:12 🕋Al-Anbya21:33 🕌Al-Hajj22:18 🕋Al-Furqan25:45 🕋Al-Furqan25:61 🕋Al-'Ankabut29:61 🕋Fussilat41:37 🕋Nuh71:16 🕋An-Naba78:13 🕋At-Takwir81:1 🕋Ash-Shams91:1

At a Glance

The sun, or 'Shams' in Arabic, is presented in the Quran as a profound sign (ayah) of Allah's magnificent power and meticulous design. It is described as a 'radiant lamp' (sirajan wahhajan) created to provide light and warmth, and as a celestial body by which humanity can measure time. The Quran emphasizes that the sun is not a deity to be worshipped, but a creation completely subservient to the will of Allah, following a precise orbit. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi have extensively commented on the Quranic verses mentioning the sun, highlighting them as clear proofs of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and as a refutation of polytheistic beliefs. The sun's daily course and its ultimate fate on the Day of Judgment serve as constant reminders of the divine order and the transient nature of the material world.

📖 Quranic Context

A prominent sign (ayah) of Allah's creative power, precision, and mercy, and a crucial element for life and the measurement of time.

A creation of Allah, completely subservient to His will and command.

References: 10:5, 16:12, 21:33, 22:18, 25:45, 25:61, 29:61, 41:37, 71:16, 78:13, 81:1, 91:1

💭 Theological Perspective

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized contemplating the sun as a creation of Allah and using its position to determine the times for daily prayers.

The sun and moon as two signs among the signs of Allah.
The prohibition of praying during sunrise and sunset to avoid any semblance of sun worship.
The sun will be brought near to the creation on the Day of Judgment.

Islamic scholars unanimously agree that the sun is a creation of Allah and not a deity, and that its movement is by His command.

💎 Deeper Insights

The Quranic description of the sun as a 'radiant lamp' (sirajan wahhajan) is not merely poetic, but also scientifically insightful. The Arabic term 'wahhaj' implies intense heat and light generated from within, accurately reflecting the sun's nature as a star that produces its own energy, in contrast to the moon, which is described as a reflected light ('nur').

— Al-Qurtubi, Contemporary Islamic scholars with scientific backgrounds

The concept of the sun's prostration (sujood) in verse 22:18 is understood by classical scholars not as a physical act of bowing, but as a state of complete and willing submission to the laws and commands of Allah. This expands the understanding of worship ('ibadah) to include the perfect functioning of the natural world according to the divine plan.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari

Explore Verses Related to sun

At a Glance

📖 Quranic Context

💭 Theological Perspective

📜 Hadith Perspective

💎 Deeper Insights

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