Author: Mehrullah Azizi
An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 27)
A Critical Examination of Certain Buddhist Beliefs
By examining the history and teachings of Buddhism, it becomes clear that many beliefs attributed to this tradition are based more on legendary narratives and philosophical interpretations than on clear historical and rational evidence. In both academic and religious research, a belief can only be considered acceptable when it is supported by strong foundations in reason, history, or reliable sources; otherwise, such beliefs require serious examination and critique.
In the previous section, we discussed some of the most important Buddhist beliefs regarding the fate of humans after death, such as karma, reincarnation, and nirvana. It was explained that these views lack sufficient grounding both rationally and from the perspective of Islamic teachings and authentic religious texts; rather, they are largely rooted in human interpretations.
In this section, we will address several other beliefs held by followers of Buddha regarding his life and status. These include claims that a special star appeared in the sky at the time of his birth, that he ascended bodily to the heavens, that he will return to earth, and that celestial beings rejoiced at his birth. These views will be examined from two perspectives, rational and Islamic, to determine the extent of their compatibility with truth, reason, and religious teachings. [2]
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The Belief in the Appearance of a Special Star at the Birth of Buddha
a. Explanation of the Belief
Followers of Buddha believe that at the time of his birth, a star appeared on the horizon, which they named the “Star of Buddha.” [1]
In ancient cultures, the appearance of a star or light in the sky was often seen as a symbol of the birth of a great personality. Since Buddha is regarded as the founder and leader of a religious tradition, his followers attributed this phenomenon to his birth.
b. Response and Critique
If such narrations and beliefs are examined critically from scientific and historical perspectives, it becomes clear that they lack strong and reliable evidence. Rather, they appear to have been transmitted primarily to strengthen the faith of followers.
Such beliefs are typically human constructions, often promoted by religious leaders and monks to attract more followers and reinforce the credibility of their tradition.
These kinds of legendary narratives are not unique to Buddhism; they are also found in other non-divine traditions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Confucianism, and the religious beliefs of ancient Egyptians, all of which contain numerous mythological accounts. [3]
This belief can be analyzed from two perspectives: the scientific perspective and the Islamic perspective.
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Scientific Perspective
First: The issue of the formation and appearance of stars falls under the field of astronomy, which is based on observation, recording, and calculation of celestial bodies. Regarding the 6th century BCE—the period to which Buddha’s birth is attributed—there are no reliable or documented records in civilizations known for astronomical observation (such as China and Babylon) that report the appearance of a special star associated with this event.
Second: Even if we assume that such a phenomenon occurred and a bright object appeared in the sky, science would interpret it as one of the following:
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A comet, which appears in the sky for a limited period;
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A supernova (stellar explosion), which is recognized in astronomy;
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An unusual planetary conjunction or brightness.
However, attributing such an event to the birth of a specific individual is not supported or confirmed by science.
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Islamic Perspective
First: In Islamic belief, stars are creations of Allah and are subject to His divine order. They have no independent influence over human destiny. Allah the Almighty says: “إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ يُغْشِي اللَّيْلَ النَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُ حَثِيثًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ وَالنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَاتٍ بِأَمْرِهِ ۗ أَلَا لَهُ الْخَلْقُ وَالْأَمْرُ ۗ تَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ.” [2] Translation: “Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then established Himself above the Throne. He covers the night with the day, which pursues it rapidly, and the sun, the moon, and the stars are subjected to His command. Surely, His is the creation and the command. Blessed is Allah, Lord of all worlds.”
Second: Stars were created for specific divine purposes, such as beautifying the sky, repelling devils, and guiding people. They were not created to determine human destiny or to link celestial events with earthly occurrences. Allah says: “وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَاهَا رُجُومًا لِلشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابَ السَّعِيرِ” Translation: “We have certainly adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and made them missiles for devils, and prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze. [3]
“وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ النُّجُومَ لِتَهْتَدُوا بِهَا فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ” Translation: “And it is He who made the stars for you that you may be guided by them in the darkness of land and sea.” [4]
Imam Qatadah (RH) stated that the stars were created for three purposes: as adornment of the sky, as missiles against devils, and as signs for guidance. He rejected any other interpretations beyond these purposes. [5]
Similarly, Muhammad ibn Ka‘b (RH) said, “By Allah, no one on earth has a specific star in the sky; rather, people use such claims as a means for fortune-telling and false predictions.” [6]
Therefore, it becomes clear that attributing special meanings to stars such as the claim that a unique star appeared at the birth of Buddha is based on speculation and has no factual foundation.
To be continued…
Previous Part
References:
- Muhammad al-Hamad, Essays on Religions and Sects, p. 54.
- Surah Al-A’raf ‘7.
- Surah Al-Mulk 5.
- Surah Al-An‘am 6.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 8, p. 198.
- Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 18, p. 211.
