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.
We have eleven verses that describe the earth as flat like a rug, carpet, bed, and spread. BUT not one single verse suggests the earth is Spherical or round – very easy words found in Arabic. The verses are: Quran [2:22], [15:19], [20:53], [43:10], [50:7], [51:48], [71:19],… pic.twitter.com/I66Ccos9uD
— Ex-Muslims of Norway (@exmuslim_norway) August 12, 2023
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. Â 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.
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.
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.
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.