Quranic concept of the universe’s expansion and contraction
By: Sahil Lone
The Quran, revered by over a billion Muslims as the word of God, addresses a broad array of topics ranging from ethics and spirituality to the natural world. Among its many verses, a few touch upon subjects that modern readers might interpret in the context of cosmology. One of these topics is the universe’s expansion and potential contraction, a notion that finds resonance both in modern scientific theory and philosophical thought.
This article delves into the Quranic concept of the universe’s expansion and contraction, examining the relevant verses, exploring how modern science aligns with these ideas, and reflecting on the broader philosophical implications of such a worldview.
Quranic Verses on the Universe’s Expansion
The Quran was revealed over 1,400 years ago, long before the advent of modern science. Yet, there are verses that seem to point to the dynamic nature of the cosmos, especially the expansion of the universe. One of the most frequently cited verses in this context is from Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:47):
“And the heaven, We constructed it with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander.” (Quran 51:47)
This verse can be understood as referring to the expansion of the universe, a concept that was unknown to humanity until the 20th century, when the discovery of redshift and the work of astronomers like Edwin Hubble provided empirical evidence that galaxies are moving away from each other. This discovery laid the foundation for the Big Bang theory, which posits that the universe has been expanding ever since it originated from an incredibly dense and hot state.
Although the Quran is not a science textbook, many Muslims believe that verses like this demonstrate the Quran’s divine nature, offering insights that were far ahead of their time. Some scholars, however, caution against a simplistic reading of scripture in light of modern science. The interpretation of Quranic verses must take into account the context of revelation and the language of the time.
The Scientific Discovery of the Expanding Universe
To understand the remarkable alignment between the Quranic concept of expansion and modern cosmology, it is necessary to revisit the history of scientific discovery regarding the universe’s structure. In 1929, Edwin Hubble observed that galaxies were receding from one another, leading to the conclusion that the universe was expanding. This observation was crucial in solidifying the Big Bang theory, which describes the universe’s origin approximately 13.8 billion years ago from an initial singularity.
Before Hubble’s discovery, the dominant view among scientists was that the universe was static and unchanging. Einstein himself had introduced a cosmological constant in his equations of general relativity to maintain this steady-state assumption. However, when evidence of an expanding universe became undeniable, Einstein reportedly referred to his cosmological constant as his “biggest blunder.”
In contemporary science, the expansion of the universe is well-established, and measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the movement of galaxies have provided further confirmation. But the concept of an expanding universe, particularly if it leads to eventual contraction, also raises profound questions about the ultimate fate of the cosmos—questions that are echoed in the Quran and other religious traditions.
Quranic Verses on the Contraction of the Universe
While the Quran speaks of the universe’s expansion, it also alludes to its potential contraction. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:104), the Quran describes the Day of Judgment with a powerful metaphor:
“The Day when We will fold the heaven like the folding of a [written] sheet for the records. As We began the first creation, We will repeat it. That is a promise binding upon Us. Indeed, We will do it.” (Quran 21:104)
This verse suggests a cyclical nature to the universe, where it could contract or “fold up” after its expansion, leading to its re-creation. In modern cosmology, this idea parallels the “Big Crunch” theory, a scenario in which the expansion of the universe might reverse, leading to a gravitational collapse. While current scientific evidence points to an accelerating expansion (due to dark energy), the concept of a cyclical universe has not been completely ruled out and remains an intriguing theoretical possibility.
The idea of the universe contracting or being folded also has deep philosophical implications. In this Quranic verse, the folding of the heavens speaks to the impermanence of the physical world, highlighting that the material universe, however vast, is ultimately subject to God’s will. This worldview aligns with the Islamic belief in the temporality of creation and the ultimate return to a singular divine source.
Scientific Speculations on the Universe’s Contraction
From a scientific perspective, the fate of the universe depends on factors like the density of matter, the amount of dark energy, and the overall curvature of space-time. While the Big Crunch is one possible outcome, current evidence suggests that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, likely due to dark energy, which constitutes about 68% of the universe’s total energy. This has led to the “Big Freeze” or “Heat Death” hypothesis, where the universe continues to expand until stars burn out and galaxies drift apart into cold isolation.
However, the possibility of a cyclical universe—where contraction follows expansion—continues to be explored. Theories such as loop quantum cosmology suggest that the universe might undergo a series of expansions and contractions in a “Big Bounce” scenario, where each cycle represents a new iteration of the universe’s creation. This speculative model resonates with the Quranic concept of re-creation after contraction and the promise of divine renewal.
Philosophical Reflections on Creation and the Cosmos
The Quranic notion of the universe’s expansion and contraction invites deeper philosophical reflection, particularly in the context of creation, temporality, and the divine. In Islam, creation is not a singular, static event but an ongoing process of divine will and manifestation. The Quran emphasizes that God is the “Creator of all things” (Quran 39:62), continually sustaining the universe through His command.
The cyclicality of the universe, as suggested by the Quranic verses, implies that creation is not an isolated moment in the distant past, but part of a continuous, dynamic relationship between the Creator and the created. This challenges the secular view of a purely mechanistic and autonomous cosmos, pointing instead to a universe that is inherently purposeful and governed by metaphysical principles.
The notion of the universe’s ultimate contraction also prompts reflection on the nature of time and existence. Philosophers throughout history have grappled with the idea of an eternal return, a concept found in ancient Indian and Greek thought, which posits that the universe goes through infinite cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. In this view, time is not linear but circular, reflecting a deeper unity and interconnectedness in all things.
In Islamic thought, time is viewed as both linear and cyclical. Linear time governs human history and eschatology, moving from the creation of Adam to the Day of Judgment. However, on a cosmic level, the cyclical aspect of time is suggested in the Quran’s portrayal of the universe’s creation, expansion, contraction, and renewal. This dual perspective on time highlights the tension between the temporal and the eternal, the transient and the absolute.
Conclusion: The Quranic concept of the universe’s expansion and contraction offers a rich intersection of faith, science, and philosophy. The verses that touch upon the dynamic nature of the cosmos align in intriguing ways with modern scientific theories about the universe’s expansion and potential contraction. While science continues to explore the mysteries of the cosmos through empirical observation, the Quran offers a spiritual and philosophical lens through which to understand these phenomena.
For believers, the Quranic view of the universe serves as a reminder of the divine origins and ultimate destiny of all creation. The n and contraction of the universe, as described in both science and scripture, invite reflection on the grandeur of the cosmos and the profound mysteries that lie beyond human comprehension. Ultimately, the inquiry into the nature of the universe—whether through scientific discovery or spiritual insight—points to a reality that is vast, interconnected, and deeply imbued with meaning.
