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Islam’s Flat Earth Controversy: Unveiling The Debate Over Earth’s Shape And The Role Of Fatwas In Islamic Thought

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The interplay between religious beliefs and scientific understanding has been a fascinating subject throughout history. However, in the realm of Islamic theology, the debate over the shape of the Earth has generated controversy. Let us into the controversy surrounding the portrayal of Earth’s shape in Islamic scriptures. This is particularly in the Quran, and the subsequent issuance of fatwas, or religious edicts.

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The Flat Earth Verses In The Quran

Islamic scriptures have been interpreted in various ways over the centuries, leading to different schools of thought within the Muslim community. One point of contention centers around verses in the Quran that some interpret as describing the Earth as flat. Eleven verses, including Quran [2:22], [15:19], [20:53], [43:10], [50:7], [51:48], [71:19], [78:6-7], [79:30], [88:20], and [91:6], liken the Earth to a rug, carpet, bed, and spread.  They don’t explicitly suggesting a spherical shape. These verses have led to the belief in a flat Earth within certain segments of the Muslim community.

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The Flat Earth Debate

The debate over Earth’s shape was further fueled by the belief that their books endorsed a flat Earth view. Hadith, the collection of traditions and sayings of the Prophet, have been cited to support this perspective. Notably, these views are prevalent even today.

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Dr. Joker Zakri’s Interpretation

To address this issue, scholars like Dr. Joker Zakri offered interpretations that challenge the traditional view. Zakri introduced the idea that the Arabic word “Dahaha,” mentioned in Quran [79:30]. It refers to an ostrich egg, implying a spherical shape.

However, this interpretation has been criticized by those who argue that “Dahaha” is a verb. It means spreading, akin to how flat Arabic bread is spread.

The Misinterpretation of “Kawar”

Another angle of the debate involves the word “Kawar” in Quran [39:5], which some claim indicates the Earth’s curvature. However, this verse speaks about the rotation of day and night, not necessarily the Earth’s shape. Muhammad’s metaphoric references to light and dark as a form of a “cover” have also been used to challenge the notion that these verses explicitly support a spherical Earth.

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Role of Fatwas

The issuance of fatwas, authoritative religious edicts, adds another layer to this discourse. Prominent Islamic scholars and theologians have interpreted religious texts and addressed contemporary issues through fatwas. These edicts have both clarified and complicated debates within the Muslim community.

Islamic Belief and Interpretation

The debate over the shape of the Earth in Islamic theology serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between religious belief, textual interpretation, and scientific understanding. While the Quranic verses and historical references may provide insights, the issue remains open to interpretation. The issuance of fatwas has further shaped this debate.

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