The Concept of Orbit in The Qur’an, Hadith, and Modern Astronomy: An Interdisciplinary Study
Konsep Orbit dalam Al-Quran, Hadis, dan Astronomi Moden: Kajian Antara Disiplin
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53840/za68gq49Keywords:
Astronomy, Hadith, Islam, Orbit, Qur'anAbstract
The concept of orbit has long been a subject of human observation and reflection, linking religious understanding with scientific inquiry. This article examines the concept of orbit according to the Qur’an, Hadith, and modern astronomy through an interdisciplinary approach. The Qur’an contains several verses that refer to the orderly movement of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, stars, and planets in their respective paths. Verses such as Surah Yasin (36:40) and Surah al-Anbiya’ (21:33) describe the continuous motion of heavenly bodies, indicating harmony, balance, and divine precision within the universe. In the Hadith tradition, references to celestial movements appear in discussions related to prayer times, lunar months, fasting, eclipses, and determination of direction, reflecting the practical significance of astronomical observation in Islamic life. This study also explores how modern astronomy explains orbit as the gravitational motion of celestial objects around larger bodies, governed by physical laws such as Newtonian mechanics and Einstein’s theory of relativity. Scientific discoveries concerning planetary systems, satellite trajectories, and galactic motion provide a deeper empirical understanding of orbital phenomena. By comparing scriptural descriptions with scientific explanations, the article finds that the Qur’anic presentation emphasizes purpose, order, and reflection, while modern astronomy provides measurable and mathematical models of motion. These perspectives are not necessarily contradictory but may be viewed as complementary when interpreted within their respective epistemological frameworks. The study concludes that the concept of orbit demonstrates the potential harmony between revelation and science, where religious texts inspire contemplation of the cosmos and modern astronomy expands human knowledge of celestial mechanics. This integrative understanding contributes to contemporary discussions on science and religion and highlights the relevance of Islamic sources in engaging with modern scientific thought.
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