Qur'anic Insights on the Universe

Just from a casual glance at the night sky it appears to us that the universe is magnificent and majestic. Certainly the night sky looks stunningly beautiful even to the unaided eyes.
Intricate architecture and incredible beauties of the creations of Allah (May He be praised and exalted) are reflected in every direction of the sky. Seeing the beauties of the sky a believer bows down his head in admiration and praise to Allah SWT (Subhanahu Wa T'ala) for the majesty of His creations.
Not only did Allah SWT make the universe beautiful, He made it unimaginably large.
In the Creations there are Signs of Allah
The range of scales in the universe is truly staggering. The universe contains objects of incredible size and mass at distances which the human mind cannot fully grasps. Allah, the Almighty has created the universe which is unimaginably vast stretching far beyond our comprehension.
When we sincerely feel the power of the Lord who made all this, we cannot help but feel humbled to Him. We must praise the glory of Allah SWT Who created this amazingly vast and splendid universe from the core of our heart. The Almighty Creator Allah stated in the Qur'an:
أَوَلَمْ يَتَفَكَّرُوا۟ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِم مَّا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِلِقَآئِ رَبِّهِمْ لَكَـٰفِرُونَ
"Do they not reflect on themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and whatever lies between them in Truth and for an appointed term. Yet many people deny that they will meet their Lord."- (Qur'an 30:8).
In this verse Allah SWT declares that it is He who created the heavens and the earth and everything in between them. He also informs us that He has created them for a definite purpose and for a specific period.
About His creations, Allah SWT again states in the Qur'an:
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لآيَاتٍ لِّأُوْلِي الألْبَابِ
“Surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs for men of understanding.” - (Qur'an 3:190).
In this verse He advises the believers to reflect on the extraordinary creations they witness and to comprehend the intelligence behind the creations of the earth and the sky. In the cyclic alternation of the night and day there are signs for the thoughtful people.
Scientific development and progress prove the sublime and extraordinary nature of Allah’s creation. With the help of science, the people of good conscience can learn about Allah’s creations and get amazed by His sublime artistry of creations.
The Vastness of the Universe
Let us now try to understand the size and beauty of the universe to gain an appreciation for the majesty of the Creator. From modern astronomy we know that the universe contains hundreds of billions of galaxies, each with millions to trillion of stars, along with countless clusters and nebulae of immense size and breathtaking beauty.
It seems that the more we zoom in on the universe, the more beautiful it looks, and the more we realize how greatly vast and amazing it is. The more we magnify the universe, the more amazed we are by its vastness, beauty and intricacy.
The portion of the universe that we can see is called observable universe and is estimated to be about 93 billion light-years in diameter. The distance travelled by light in one year is one light year. Light travels at a mind-boggling speed of about 300,000 kilometers per second.
Even at this incredible speed, light would take 93 billion years to cross the entire observable universe. It gives us a perspective of the vastness of the universe. It is an unimaginable expanse of space, filled with innumerable celestial objects.
Galaxies, Stars and Planets
Hundreds of billions of galaxies are the building blocks of the universe. The Milky Way, our home galaxy, is just one of these galaxies in the observable universe. Each galaxy can vary in size, shape, and composition, ranging from small dwarf galaxies to massive elliptical or spiral galaxies.
Many galaxies come in clusters. The Milky Way belongs to a cluster of a few dozen galaxies called the “Local Group.” Some clusters are much larger than this. The Virgo cluster has about 2,000 galaxies. Clusters of galaxies are organized into even larger superclusters which are clusters of clusters.
Hundreds of billions of stars are scattered across the galaxies being held together by gravity and sometimes they form constellations that captivate our imagination. Stars come in various sizes and colors from smaller and cooler red dwarf stars to massive hot blue giants.
Our own sun is an average-sized star, but there are stars that are many times larger and brighter than our sun. Every star has at least one planet revolving around it; therefore, billions to trillion of planets are associated with billions to trillion of stars.
Each of the stars in a galaxy may form a family or a star system comprising of many planets, satellites, asteroids, comets and other objects revolving around the star.
The Solar System
The sun is a star in the Milky Way galaxy and the family of sun is known as the solar system that comprises of 8 distinctly determined planets orbiting around the sun.
There are several hundreds of moons or natural satellites (at least 288) and millions of dwarf planets and asteroids orbiting around the 8 planets in the solar system.
The diameter of the bright part of the Milky Way galaxy is at least 100,000 light years. The existence of our solar system with respect to the Milky Way galaxy is very negligible and in comparison with the vast universe it is almost non-traceable.
It is further difficult to spot the existence of our planet, the earth as an object in the immeasurable expanse of the universe.
Are there Aliens on Other Planets?
Undoubtedly, it is the master plan of the greatest architect Allah SWT to create the tiny speck like earth in the infinite space. In the midst of trillions of planets and celestial bodies in the vast universe only a single tiny planet, the earth is known till today to be populated by creatures. How surprising it is!
Then who are living in other parts of the enormously vast expanse of the universe? Do aliens exist? Belief in aliens has been persisting for centuries, especially among the American and European peoples.
They believe that the spotted UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) have been alien spacecraft visiting earth from other planets or galaxies. Scientists have not yet discovered life on any other planet, and have not seen any scientifically supported evidence for extraterrestrial life.
However, scientists are struggling hard to explore the vastness of space to find out their likeness with intelligence comparable or superior to that of them.
They are hopeful that one day they will meet their alien counterparts!
The present state of our knowledge cannot help us but to assume that the earth is the solitary planet in this vast universe that supports lives. All other trillions of celestial bodies in this unimaginably large universe are simply barren.
The immense size and scale of the universe leaves us in awe on the earth and inspire countless questions about our place in the cosmos. Is the earth merely an insignificant speck in a vast universe?
Why did the Almighty Creator choose an immeasurably tiny island, the earth in His infinitely vast ocean-like universe as the habitat for humans?
It is also difficult to understand just how small and isolated we are in the vastness of the universe. When we look at ourselves in the context of the entire universe, it is easy to feel ourselves very small and insignificant here on the earth. The humans living on the planet earth do not find any society of their kind anywhere in this vast universe to exchange their views and share their feelings and sentiments at any situation.
Let us look into the Qur'an to know what Allah SWT has said in this regard. The Qur'an states:
ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَـٰوَٰتٍ وَمِنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ ٱلْأَمْرُ بَيْنَهُنَّ لِتَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًۢا
“It is Allah who has created seven heavens and of the earth, the like of them. [His] command descends among them so you may know that Allah is over all things competent and that Allah has encompassed all things in knowledge.” - (Qur'an 65:12).
In this verse Allah SWT has described about the creation of the seven heavens and the earth and also mentioned that His commands come down to all of His creations and His knowledge encompasses everything.
Different Islamic scholars have explained the phrase “of the earth, the like of them (وَمِنَ الْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ)” in this verse in different ways.
Some of them have explained that this phrase indicates existence of seven layers in the earth. Some other scholars say that there are seven separate earths (plurality of worlds) in this universe like the seven separate heavens and His commands descend there as it descends on earth through prophets and angels.
We don’t know which explanation is true. Only Allah SWT knows the truth. If the later explanation is true, the earth is not the solitary planet in the universe that carries lives; there may be other planets like the earth which also host lives.
The creatures of Allah on other celestial bodies (if any) are also subject to His commands. They will also have to face death and appear before the court of Allah on the Day of Judgment. They will have rewards for their good deeds and punishment for sins.
Those creatures if exist may not be similar to humans physically, intellectually and in other respects. Because, the great Creator Allah SWT is capable of creating living beings at any form and any shape He wills. From our experience on earth we see innumerable creatures of Allah around us; each of them is different in form, appearance and shape.
Possibly, the creatures on other planets (if any) will be ignorant of the existence of the earth and its inhabitants as we are ignorant of them and their place. Allah SWT has not informed us anything in the Qur'an about any such celestial body which hosts other creatures.
Considering the vastness of the universe, one may imagine the presence of other creatures in some locations in the universe. But the environment necessary for surviving a creature like humans has not been found in any exoplanet discovered so far by astronomers.
Why is Allah Concerned about Human Beings?
It is further amazing that Allah SWT who created such a vast universe would be concerned with something as small as human beings. Studying the Qur'an we can understand the reason why Allah SWT is so much concerned about human beings and why He has made the earth very special and significant.
Numerous verses in the Qur'an urge humans to question and to observe the creation so that they can understand that it has not been created in vain.
وَمَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاء وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا بَاطِلًا ذَلِكَ ظَنُّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَوَيْلٌ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنَ النَّارِ
“We did not create this heaven and earth and all that lies between them in vain. That is the fancy of those who denied the Truth. So woe from the Fire to all who deny the Truth.” - (Qur'an 38:27).
أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ
'Did you, then, think that We created you in vain and that unto Us you will not be returned?' - (23:115).
These verses very distinctly express that Allah SWT has not created the universe and the humankind without any purpose. He urges that the humans should observe His creations and try to understand the purpose of the creation. In particular, the creation of the earth is very significant since it is very special among all of His creations.
Allah SWT has stated in the Qur'an His purpose of making the earth very special. He said:
وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنِّى جَاعِلٌ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً قَالُوٓا۟ أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ ٱلدِّمَآءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said: “Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?” He said: “I know what ye know not.” - (Qur'an 2:30).
From this verse we can understand the significance of our place, the earth in the universe. We come to know from this verse that Allah SWT intended to send humans to the earth as His vicegerent.
We see that Allah’s intention in creating the earth is clearly outlined in the Qur'an and is centered on humanity. Human beings have been appointed vicegerents of Allah to establish His decree on the earth. The principal proclamation of the decree is that humans should believe Him as the single God and worship Him alone and do righteous deeds.
Thus human beings have been entrusted with a great responsibility of founding true faith on the earth. Because of this trusteeship human beings are very privileged and important to Allah SWT. That is why He created the dwelling place of His privileged creatures very comfortable and convenient.
For this great purpose He made the earth very especial among all of His trillions of creations so that His representatives do not face any difficulty in their living on this planet.
Special Features of the Earth
Allah SWT said in the Qur'an:
وَالأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَاهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مَّوْزُونٍ
“And the earth We spread out, and placed therein firm mountains, and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due proportion.” - (Qur'an 15:19).
Allah SWT has created the earth in a very special way among all of His innumerable creations because it is the habitat of the privileged creatures, the human beings. In this verse Allah SWT informs us about some of the special features of the earth. He says that He has spread out the earth for ease of dwelling on it and also placed heavy mountains on it to make it firm and stable. He has also caused its land to be fertile to grow every necessary thing for sustenance of its inhabitants.
He turned the earth into a beautiful planet with unique features and intelligent design and bestowed His enormous grace and bounty upon it. Long before sending humans on the earth Allah SWT created necessary conditions for survival and flourishing of the human beings on it. Perhaps, these features are unique for the earth and are absent in all other trillions of planets in the universe.
Scientific analysis suggests that earth is located in a safe place in the Milky Way galaxy and it has the perfect amount of gravity for its stability. Allah SWT has very intelligently chosen this planet for human habitat and has endowed it with endless bounties and blessings that we cannot enumerate.
He put a thick envelope of air surrounding the earth held by gravity which is the most vital thing for facilitating breathing of humans and other creatures. He created oceans, rivers, mountains, lakes and other sources of water which is another important requirement for sustenance of life.
He created huge plain lands for growing plants, building houses and making roads. He created mountains to make the earth firm against shaking that may arise from its tremendous motion surrounding the sun as well as its motion on its own axis.
He has placed huge mineral resources beneath the earth’s surface for utilization by the humans. He has been sending clouds and rains for ease of cultivation. He has made its land fertile for growing food grains, vegetable, fruits, oil seeds and all the necessary plants and animals for the sustenance of its inhabitants.
He created the sun to provide necessary light and energy for survival of both the animal and plant kingdom. He has created alternate cycle of day and night. The luminous day time is for working and earning and the dark and quite night time for resting and sleeping.
Allah SWT has bestowed all these bounties to the humans on the earth. The bounties of Allah SWT are so diverse that no one can enumerate it. In a nut shell it can be said that the earth has been adorned with each and every thing ranging from very small to very large necessary for humans and other creatures for their comfortable living on it.
All these features have made the earth a unique celestial object in the huge universe upon which life can sustain. Till today scientists could not find out any planet in any star system in our own galaxy or any other galaxy so far having match in features with that of the earth.
Humans have been sent to this beautiful and resourceful planet to enjoy all the facilities and amenities. Not only that by His command, Allah SWT has made all of His creations subservient to the mankind. Numerous verses in the Quran explain how the whole universe, the heavens and the earth are made to serve the humanity. In one such verse Allah SWT states that:
وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالْنَّهَارَ وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ وَالْنُّجُومُ مُسَخَّرَاتٌ بِأَمْرِهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
“And He has subjected for you the night and day and the sun and moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason.” - (Qur'an 16:12).
Thus every creation in the universe has been made subservient to the mankind and in return humans have been given the responsibility of establishing the rule of Allah and worship of Allah alone on the earth. He once again reminds the humans in the Qur'an:
ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ فِرَٰشًا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءً وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ رِزْقًا لَّكُمْ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ أَندَادًا وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
“Who made the earth a resting place for you and the heaven a canopy and (Who) sends down rain from the cloud then brings forth with it subsistence for you of the fruits; therefore do not set up rivals to Allah while you know.” - (Qur'an 2:22).
The creator, Allah SWT alone deserves worship from the creatures and the entire universe owes its existence to Him. The creatures should not set up anybody or anything rival to Him. Worship is a requirement of loving and acknowledging Him as the supreme power.
Worship of him proceeds not merely from His gracious creative act in the past but from dependence upon Him for existence at every instant of the present and the future.
We should be Grateful to Allah
It is amazing that Allah SWT has endowed our planet in the vast universe with unique features and resources amongst His billions to trillion creations. It is a manifestation of the glory, wisdom and power of Allah SWT. The purpose of creation of a very special planet is to provide the mankind a place to dwell, enjoy, multiply and flourish.
It is a great mercy of Allah to the human beings to make them superior to all other creatures and providing them with a habitable place which is special and unparallel in the entire universe. It indicates that the human beings are very important and special to Allah SWT.
Allah SWT urges humans to use their intelligence and power of reasoning to contemplate on the heavens and the earth so that they can recognize and acknowledge His authority and supremacy. Human beings will be held accountable for every single action they do in this life, good as well as bad. The intelligence and free will given to them will be in vain without accountability and the Judgment Day.
He has created the humans with very high potential. He knows that they will utilize their potential to understand that everything in the universe is the creations of their Lord Allah and worship and gratefulness is due to Him only.
Allah SWT knows that the humans of good conscience will do righteous deeds and establish His commandments on the earth. It is the will of Allah to make mankind’s existence in this world a memorable one so that man in return shows his gratefulness to Him in a humble manner.
The intelligent beings should know, love, and worship their Lord and then finally return to Him proving themselves worthy vicegerents of Him.
We should deeply acknowledge the blessings and kindness of Allah SWT for His special privilege to us among all of His innumerable creatures and allocating us the most unique, beautiful and resourceful planet to dwell, among billions to trillion of His celestial creations.