Splitting of the moon
A miraculous event in the life of the Prophet Muhammad as documented in Islamic sources. This heavenly phenomenon occurred in Mecca before the Prophet’s migration, in response to the polytheists’ demand for a sign proving his divine calling. According to narrations, the moon was divided into two halves, one on Mount Abu Qubais and the other on Mount Qaqaa.
Muslims consider this incident a sign of the Prophet Muhammad's truthfulness, and it is closely linked to the approaching Hour. Surat Al-Qamar in the Holy Quran predicts, “The Hour has approached and the moon has split.” However, skeptics, faced with such a miraculous sight, dismiss it as persistent magic.
Believers view the splitting of the moon as a harbinger of the imminent Day of Resurrection. Some scholars believe that if daylight comes, the sky, including the moon, will split open, while others interpret this metaphorically as dispelling the darkness.
Interpreters and researchers differ in their understanding of the Qur’anic hadith about division. Some of them believe that it indicates the separation and separation of the heavenly bodies, and not the literal division into two parts. One theory suggests that the Moon and Earth existed in the beginning, and when the Moon separated from the Earth it turned into a solid mass.
In the world of scientific miracles, some Muslim researchers believe that these lunar cracks are evidence of the authenticity of the Prophet Muhammad, citing Qur’anic references that preceded the invention of telescopes. They backed up their claims with NASA images showing the lunar furrows of the envelope.
Western historians mostly deny this miracle, citing the Qur'an's denial of miracles. However, in a 2016 article, Dr. Thomas Watters of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum presented a theory suggesting that the Moon is undergoing contraction or contraction, resulting in surface protrusions resulting from the collision of the lunar crust.
Although NASA has confirmed that there is no historical evidence that the Moon was physically divided, discussions are still ongoing. Lunar canyons, although appreciated as natural geological events, remain a point of contention and intrigue, with NASA describing them as “controversial” and “subject to debate.”
Splitting of the moon and the Qur’an
The commentators discussed it at length. This miraculous event finds its place in Surah Al-Qamar, specifically in its first verse, where the Qur’an says: “The Hour has approached and the moon has split open.” Surah Al-Qamar is a Meccan surah, according to the consensus of the majority of Muslims, and some believe that it was revealed on the day of Badr. According to historical sources, this miraculous event occurred in the city of Mecca about five years before the Prophet’s migration.
The context of the event goes back to the challenge posed by the polytheists of Mecca to the Prophet Muhammad. They asked for a miraculous sign, stating that if he was truthful, the moon would split open for them. This request coincided with the night before the Battle of Badr. Seeking divine help, the Prophet asked God about the miracle, and miraculously the moon split into two halves - one on Mount Safa (or Mount Abu Qubais) and the other on Mount Qaqaa.
The people of Mecca, who witnessed this heavenly scene, were about to accept the Prophet's message. Abu Jahl, one of the Meccan leaders, advised patience until the Bedouins, who were famous for their trust, confirmed the incident. Abu Jahl's plan backfired when the Bedouins witnessed the splitting of the moon.
In response to the skepticism of some Meccans, God revealed the second verse of Surat Al-Qamar: “And if they see a sign, they turn away and say it is continuous magic.” This verse shed light on the denial of some Meccans. They attribute the miraculous event to ongoing magic.
Islamic scholars, including Ibn Jarir al-Tabari and al-Zamakhshari, confirm the authenticity of this miracle, stressing that it occurred during the era of the Prophet Muhammad and was not a future prophecy. This consensus is supported by authentic hadiths, the sayings of the Companions, and the prominent scholar, Al-Hafiz Al-Nasafi.
While some voices suggest that the splitting of the moon is a future event, this opinion is considered weak and contradicts the majority of scholars, authentic hadiths, and the testimony of the companions. It is worth noting that figures such as Abdullah bin Masoud and Jubayr bin Mutim personally witnessed the splitting and testing of the moon.
Ibn Taymiyyah, one of the prominent Islamic scholars, confirms that the splitting of the moon occurred historically, stressing that the Prophet read Surat Al-Qamar aloud in assemblies, which further proves the reality of the miraculous event.
In the Prophet's hadith
This incident is also documented in hadith books, specifically in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. These collections of hadiths are of special importance to Muslims around the world, as the narrations contained in them are considered direct quotations from the Prophet Muhammad, narrated by companions who are famous for their honesty and reliability.
Sahih Al-Bukhari - Chapter on the splitting of the moon
On the authority of Anas bin Malik (may God be pleased with him): The people of Mecca asked the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, to show them a sign, so he showed them the moon splitting into two parts, and they said: And he saw the mountain between its two parts.
On the authority of Abdullah (may God be pleased with him): The moon split open while we were with the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, in Mina, and he said: “Bear witness.” A group of Meccans said: O Muhammad, perform a sign for us. So the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, called, and the moon split into two halves, one behind the mountain and the other in front of him.
Sahih Muslim - Book: Splitting of the Moon
On the authority of Abdullah (may God be pleased with him): The moon was split into two parts during the time of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, to answer his call. He said: I bear witness.
These narrations are found in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, and have been repeated by various narrators, including Anas bin Malik and Abdullah. The splitting of the moon is described as a miraculous event witnessed by the Prophet’s companions during their stay in Mina. The Prophet’s call to “bear witness” indicates the authenticity of this supernatural event.
The compilation of these narratives in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim enhances their acceptance among Muslims, strengthening the belief that these events occurred during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad and are not prophecies for the future. The inclusion of these novels in these esteemed collections confirms their importance in the Islamic heritage and the belief that Muslims place in their authenticity.
In modern science
The surface of the Moon is characterized by three types of cracks, or lunar rivers, each of which is distinguished by its shape and composition:
1. Sinuous rifts (sine-based rifts):Resembling meandering riverbeds, these rifts are thought to result from the collapse of lava tubes or the flow of volcanic magma (lava) from previously active lunar volcanoes. Examples include Schroeter Valley and Hadley Rail, which were visited by humans during the Apollo 15 mission.
2. Curved streams: They resemble winding streams, but with slight bends. These rifts are found in the lunar seas. Scientists suggest that these rivers may form when flowing lava hardens and erodes the moon's surface, creating channels.
3.Straight lines: These cracks have long, straight paths and are believed to be caused by faulting. An example of this is the Ariadios Rail River, which extends over 300 km.
In June 2010, someone raised a question on NASA's website about the alleged splitting of the Moon. The investigation pointed to a claim indicating that at the request of the Prophet Muhammad, God split the moon into two parts, and the presence of lunar cracks approved by American scientists is considered evidence of this miracle.
NASA responded through Brad Bailey (Deputy Director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute), advising caution regarding online information. Bailey stressed the importance of relying on peer-reviewed papers as the only scientifically valid sources. He stated that there is no current scientific evidence indicating that the moon was divided into two or more parts at any time in the past.
NASA has highlighted a controversial lunar feature captured in an Apollo 11 mission image (AS17-3128), describing it as part of a 300-kilometre-long rift. The agency acknowledged the controversial nature of lunar fissures, and suggested lava and lava tubes are possible explanations. However, the exact cause remains uncertain, as some features indicate erosion caused by fluids, possibly lava, as there is no evidence of water in lunar samples.
In short, NASA rejected the claim that the moon was split into two parts as lacking scientific evidence, and emphasized the importance of relying on reliable, peer-reviewed information. Although lunar tables are interesting, they are subject to ongoing scientific exploration and analysis.
Criticisms and doubts
The moon splitting event, which Muslims consider a miracle, faced many criticisms and doubts about its authenticity. Islamic scholars and authorities responded to these doubts in defense of the incident. But controversy still exists between those who rely on modern scientific evidence as the only reliable source, and those who refuse to question this event based on its mention in their sacred texts. Critics of this belief say:
1. The splitting of the moon is not mentioned in any historical reference outside Islamic sources. It is expected that all civilized societies at that time will witness a global phenomenon of this magnitude. For example, events such as meteorite impacts on Earth are recorded in official records and folktales of the affected areas.
2. Lunar cracks do not surround the entire Moon, as would be expected if it split. Critics believe that only 2% of the moon's circumference is covered by these cracks.
3. To observe the Moon splitting from the Earth, it would require a large distance followed by a collision. There is no evidence of the enormous force needed for such an event, such as mountains, valleys or uneven terrain, to indicate the location of a split or collision.
4. The Qur’an did not mention the miracle of the moon splitting explicitly and clearly, unlike other miracles such as the splitting of the sea for the Children of Israel, or the descent of the table from the sky for the Prophet Jesus. The Qur’an does not condemn the infidels who deny this miracle, nor does it threaten them with severe punishment, as is the case with other miracles.
5. The lack of an atmosphere and water atmosphere on the Moon makes natural division impossible, according to scientific considerations related to the Earth’s atmosphere and rocks.
6. The last lunar rift is estimated to be 100 million years old, challenging the idea of a recent miracle event.
7. The hadiths mentioned in the incident do not reach the level of frequency and it seems that they are only narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Masoud, and Anas bin Malik and Abdullah bin Abbas were not born during the time of the prophethood. Moon split.
8. It is not known whether any of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions witnessed the miracle of the moon splitting, and the narratives do not indicate this.
In short, critics question the authenticity of the event based on historical, scientific, and textual grounds, leading to ongoing debates between those who uphold modern scientific standards and those who affirm the authenticity of the event based on religious beliefs.
Respond to criticism
Muslim scholars, including Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid, responded to the criticism surrounding the moon splitting event. Al-Munajjid believes that all scholars agree that the event occurred during the era of the Prophet Muhammad, with a minority deviating from this consensus, claiming that it will happen on the Day of Resurrection. He emphasizes that the Qur’an uses the past tense to indicate the occurrence and end of an event.
In response to the criticism that the moon is visible to everyone, Al-Munajjid explains that the miracle was specific to the request of the infidels of Quraysh. The companions Anas bin Malik testified to this, that the people of Mecca asked the Prophet to show them a sign, and he showed them the splitting of the moon.
Al-Munajjid also addresses doubts about the lack of universal documentation, noting that the nature of people's lives at the time and the limited visibility of the moon at night in different regions could explain why this event was not observed globally. He notes that a few people in Mecca were awake and anticipating the miracle, while others were asleep or engaged in nocturnal activities.
Abu Sulayman al-Khattabi, a prominent Shafi'i scholar, supports this view, noting that such unusual events may only be visible to specific groups in specific locations due to various factors such as cloud cover and different time zones.
Scientists argue that the short duration of the event, combined with limited visibility, would naturally lead to a narrow pool of witnesses. They assert that the event was a signal to the people of Mecca, to fulfill their specific request, and was not intended for global exposure.
Muslim scholars believe that the moon splitting event falls within the context of the specific circumstances of its occurrence, and must be understood within the context of the lives of people at that time. They argue that the lack of global documentation does not deny that the event occurred but rather highlights the local nature of the miracle.