Author: Mufti Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran; A Miracle Beyond Time-A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (Part 21)
The Forces of Gravity and the Secret of Cosmic Balance
The vast and magnificent universe, with its astonishing structure, has always drawn the attention of thinkers, physicists, and believers. Among the fundamental principles that govern this immense system is the law of gravity—a law that not only leads to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, but also guarantees the balance and stability of the entire cosmos.
In this section, we will explain this fundamental law from both scientific and Qur’anic perspectives, and demonstrate how the verses of revelation, with remarkable precision, reflect scientific truths about the structure and balance of the universe.
The Law of Gravity
One of the established scientific facts is that the universe has no fixed boundaries; astronomers constantly discover galaxies that are millions or even billions of light-years away from us. Yet, despite this immensity, a precise order governs the universe—an order founded on the law of gravity.
According to this law, every mass in space attracts another mass depending on its size and distance. If this force acted alone, all celestial bodies would eventually be pulled together into one dense mass. But reality is not like this. The question arises: what force counteracts gravity and prevents cosmic collapse?
The Secret of Return in the Heavens
The answer is found in the Divine Word: (وَٱلسَّمَآءِ ذَاتِ ٱلرَّجۡعِ) [At-Tariq: 11] Translation: “By the sky which returns (rain, or waves, or other phenomena)!”
This verse refers to the returning motion of celestial bodies. Planets, stars, and galaxies all revolve in orderly, closed orbits. This continuous rotational motion generates centrifugal forces that counteract the pull of gravity, thus creating a stable equilibrium known in physics as dynamic balance. This precise equilibrium is clear evidence of the wise planning of the Creator.
Invisible Pillars: Qur’anic Allusions
Elsewhere in the Qur’an, it is said: (ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِي رَفَعَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ بِغَيۡرِ عَمَدٖ تَرَوۡنَهَاۖ) [Ar-Ra’d: 2] Translation: “Allah is the One Who raised the heavens without visible pillars as you see.”
Some commentators and modern scholars believe that this verse refers to the force of gravity—an unseen power that acts like hidden pillars, holding the structures of the heavens in place. These invisible supports are, in fact, the gravitational forces that keep galaxies, stars, and planets in their orbits.
Gravity on Earth and the Phenomenon of Weight
Another verse states: (أَمَّن جَعَلَ الْأَرْضَ قَرَاراً) [An-Naml: 61] Translation: “(Is it better to worship idols) or the One Who made the earth a stable dwelling?”
The weight of objects is actually the result of gravity. Air, seawater, mountains, and everything on Earth is held down by this force. Even humans lose their weight if they travel beyond Earth’s gravitational field. Thus, Earth is not only a dwelling place but its gravity ensures the stability of all forms of life.
If Gravity Ceased to Exist!
In describing the final changes of Earth on the Day of Judgment, the Qur’an states: (وَإِذَا ٱلأَرضُ مُدَّتۡ وَأَلقَتۡ مَا فِيهَا وَتَخَلَّتۡ) [Al-Inshiqaq: 3–4] Translation: “And when the earth is stretched out, and casts out whatever is within it, and becomes empty.”
This description refers to a state in which gravity ceases to function. At that time, the Earth will no longer be able to hold its contents, and everything will be expelled and scattered. This illustrates the immense importance of gravity in maintaining the Earth’s structure.
The Keeper of the Heavens: From Earth to Comets
The following verse expresses a key truth: (إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُمسِكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلأَرضَ أَن تَزُولَاۚ وَلَئِن زَالَتَآ إِنۡ أَمسَكَهُمَا مِن أَحَدٖ مِّن بَعدِهِۦٓۚ) [Fatir: 41] Translation: “Indeed, Allah holds the heavens and the earth so they do not deviate [from their positions]. And if they should deviate, no one could hold them [in place] after Him.”
Here, the word zawal refers to deviation from orbit or collapse. If a planet, like Earth, were to leave its orbit, it would be pulled by another mass, and life would end. A clear example is Halley’s Comet, which approached Earth in 1910 and returned in 1986. For thousands of years, this celestial body has been moving in a fixed orbit with precise timing. Who established this astonishing order? None but the Wise Creator Who fashioned the universe with exact measure:(وَٱلشَّمۡسُ تَجۡرِي لِمُسۡتَقَرّٖ لَّهَاۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَقۡدِيرُ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡعَلِيمِ) [Ya-Sin: 38] Translation: “And the sun runs to its resting place. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.”
Conclusion
In summary, the universe is not random or chaotic, but governed with precision and perfect design. Gravity, together with orbital motion, are the two factors that preserve cosmic balance and stability. The Qur’an, in many verses, refers to this divine order and considers it a sign of the Lordship of Allah.
These verses not only strengthen faith but also inspire researchers in the empirical sciences to realize that behind this precise system stands an All-Knowing, All-Powerful Creator.(1)
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[1] Extracted from: Encyclopedia of Miracles in the Qur’an and Sunnah: Volume 2, pp. 7-8. (2/7-8.
