Spacetime in the Quran

Spacetime

The universe is largely empty space; planets, stars and galaxies occupy relatively small regions of space. Our planet is surrounded by space too but it is filled with atmospheric gases, micro-organisms and dust particles. Far beyond the atmosphere there are vast tracks of eternal darkness commonly referred to as space. Is such space empty? For centuries space was considered to be a cold vacuum of emptiness, a fixed permanent entity in which the cosmic drama is playing itself out. The introduction of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity transformed this long-held view. Scientists today describe space as an elastic medium which can stretch, shrink and curve. The universe is in a state of expansion. This is not due to the flying-apart of galaxies through existing space, but the result of space expanding between the galaxies and pushing them apart. Space, although invisible and imperceptible to us has a mathematically precise structure. The point may be appreciated if we remind ourselves of the countless electromagnetic waves that daily traverse the space arena. Space not only assist in their transmission, but ensures that their correct frequency arrive at the receiving instrument. TV and radio broadcasting will not be possible without this feature of space.

We live in three-dimensional space corresponding to directions backward-forward, left-right and up-down. However, there is another dimension, not a space dimension but a time dimension. Travelling through three-dimensional space also means travelling through one-dimensional time. Motion in space is inextricably linked to time. Scientists for this reason refer to the universe in terms of a four-dimensional space-time structure. Even on a microscopic scale (from a quantum perspective) space is alive. There is a continuous creation and destruction of virtual particles, wild energy fluctuations and field changes. Gravity too is everywhere. In fact, as we shall see later gravity is described as the manifestation of curved space. Space therefore is a dynamic concept; it can stretch, change shape, has mathematical features and there is a continuous creation and destruction of particles. Armed with this information we can now proceed as to how the Quran view spacetime.

The Qur’an and Spacetime

The Qur’ân captures the essence of the modern understanding of space: “He (it is) who made heavenly space a structure^[1] (2-22).  Space is not mere emptiness as accepted for centuries, but is referred to as a structure, a piece of work consisting of parts joined together in some definite manner.  Many physicists today do not consider space and time to be fundamental concepts. Like everything else it is composed of ultra-microscopic constituents arranged in an orderly fashion. Space may therefore be defined as a kind of atomised structure as the verse indicates. The concept is further developed in the following two verses:

 

1. “By the heavenly space the nature of which is a network or like a fabric” (51-7). If the reader could imagine space to be constructed of countless thin wires running in different directions like a three-dimensional grid, this is one of the Quranic ideas of space which is precisely how it is described in modern terms. Another analogy forthcoming from the verse is to compare spacetime with threads interwoven like the threads of a pliant fabric. Scientists often speak about the fabric of spacetime. This description suggests that space (actually spacetime which is also how the Quran views it- see below) emerges as a result of tiny threads stitched together. Verse 10-5 states: “He it is who made the sun a source of light and the moon (a body) that reflects light and ordained that it (the moon) moves in space and measured out phases for her that you may be know how to compute the number of years and how to measure (time)”. The verse illustrates an important principle; when a celestial body like the moon for instance moves in space, it does so within a specified time. Motion is space and time is therefore interlinked. Verse 21-30² (discussed under the birth of the universe) which describes the origin of the universe, refers to the beginning of space and time. In 2-117³ there is an allusion to the primal origin of the universe (which includes space and time). Why primal? The Quran is providing a clue of something more fundamental than space and time. Space and time are not ultimate concepts but consists of smaller parts, a kind of atomised structure. Since space and time are structural entities and are connected as pointed out, we may infer that the Quran view spacetime in terms of a combined spacetime structure.
2. “By the heavenly space which is expanding and curving back (on itself) to return to its original state” (86-11). The verse relates the elastic and curved nature of space, (and the destiny of the universe which will be reviewed in another article). This interpretation is supported by 51-47⁴ quoted before which alludes to the expansion of space and 21-104⁵ which looks at the fate of the universe. The latter states that space will be “rolled-up” ie curved around on it-self. This will happen in the far distant future when the expansion will grind to a halt and the universe will start to contract. This will be brought about by the overwhelming gravitational forces suggested by the following three verses quoted under article, galaxies and planetary systems: 13-2⁶ which states that the lifespan of celestial bodies and hence of the universe is determined by gravitational forces; 77-25⁷ which refers to the attractive nature of gravity- gravity will “pull” the universe inwards and 15-16⁸ which speaks about the powerful gravitational force of a black hole. As space continues to shrink, its curvature will steadily escalate towards the beginning of existence. The curvature will become infinite creating a boundary, in other words a singularity (which resides at the heart of a black hole) through which space and time cannot have continued. The singularity concept referred to earlier in 21-30², describes the initial state of the universe as a “single unit of creation, closed-up and devoid of space”. Another verse, 15-27⁹ refers to the violent temperatures in the beginning. These terms are key features of a singularity. The very idea of a “closed” universe implied by 86-11 and the other passages, points to the curved nature of space. A closed universe is one which after billions of years of expansion will curve around on it-self, contract and revert to its former state, the singularity. Such a universe is finite, but has no boundary. Rather like the curved surface of a sphere except that it is four-dimensional

Quantum view of space

The quantum perspective of space is expressed in the Quran as follows: “Do they (the sceptics) not look at heavenly space above, how We constructed it and adorned it and it has no gaps?” (50-6). Firstly, the passage refers to the building of space. Space is a framework that requires construction. Verse 2-22 above compliments this understanding. Secondly, the verse appeals to the non-believer to reflect on the properties of space:

1. How it was designed.
2. Its decoration (with countless space objects running there courses according to precise mathematical laws (55-7)¹⁰ and
3. The absence of “gaps”.

Quantum physics teaches us the impossibility of finding a volume of space devoid of everything. To the contrary as discussed before, it is filled with ceaseless microscopic activity and ever present force fields. The absence of gaps in space according to a distinguished quantum physicist is the most profound observation in this field. Space according to the Quran is therefore an ever changing concept and is ultimately the handy work of God.

Note that the Quran often combines scientific verses with others of a moral and metaphysical nature. This is to emphasis its unified approach- all aspects of life are part of the same deal. The idea of using concrete physical phenomena as a vehicle for expressing metaphysical ideas is an illustration of the Book’s rational approach to matters pertaining to faith. For instance, just as real as spacetime is, so is the reality after death. The nature of space is a 20^th century concept. Could a mortal 1400 years ago when the Quran appeared have made such predictions?

Foot notes

1. Binâ – derived from the root banâ which means structure, framework.
2. Do not those who deny the existence of God see that the heavens and the Earth were [once]a closed-up single unit of creation devoid of space which We then parted creating space [and time]? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (21-30).
3. To Him belongs the primal origin of the universe (2-117).
4. With power, skill and energy did We lay the foundation of the universe according to specified conditions and certainly We are steadily expanding it (51-47).
5. A long period from now, We shall roll up spacetime as written scrolls are rolled up. And as We brought into being the first creation, so We shall bring forth a new creation (21-104).
6. Your Lord is He who raises the celestial bodies with an invisible pillar and is firmly established on the throne of authority. He has subjected the sun and the moon (and all other celestial bodies) to His (gravitational laws) each pursuing a course for a term appointed (in accordance with those laws). He governs everything that exists (13-2).
7. Have We not made the Earth draw to itself the living and the non-living?(77-25).
8. We have set up (unseen) structures in space, (derived from) large stars which become manifest through their great (gravitational) force, and are gateways (15-16).
9. The hidden forces [of nature] were created [in the beginning long] before [the creation of man] out of intense heat (15-28,29).
10. The sun and the moon follow prescribed path ways according to calculations (55-5).