Speed of Light in the Qur’an: Ancient Revelation Meets Modern Science
Speed of light is a special number in science: 299,792 km/s. Many people ask—does the Qur’an hint at this amazing fact?
Through history, believers have found wonderful guidance in religious texts. Today,more Muslims want to discoverconnections between science and the Qur’an.
Understanding scientific miracles in the Qur’an can strengthen faith and create respect for knowledge. This section explores the question:
“The speed of light in the Qur’an: is 299,792 km/s mentioned?”
and learns how Islam inspires us to reflect on science and creation.
Let’s discover the link between scientific facts and divine revelation—guided by curiosity and faith.
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the speed of light in the qur’an: is 299,792 km/s mentioned?
Qur’an Verses on Cosmic Wonders
Surah Al-Sajdah 32:5
Qur’an 32:5
يُدَبِّرُ الْأَمْرَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ ثُمَّ يَعْرُجُ إِلَيْهِ فِي يَوْمٍ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ مِّمَّا تَعُدُّونَ
“He regulates all affairs from the heavens to the earth, then it ascends to Him in a day, the length of which is a thousand years of your reckoning.” (Qur’an 32:5)
Many see this verse as describing a cosmic journey, where time and movement between earth and sky become vast—sparking modern discussions of the speed of light in the Qur’an.
Surah Al-Ma’arij 70:4
Qur’an 70:4
تَعْرُجُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ إِلَيْهِ فِي يَوْمٍ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُ خَمْسِينَ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ
“The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a day whose measure is fifty thousand years.” (Qur’an 70:4)
This verse describes vast cosmic travel, with spiritual beings crossing unimaginable distances. Some reflect on whether these massive time spans hint at universal constants like the speed of light.
Why Do These Verses Stand Out?
Verses like these use gentle language and huge numbers, inspiring both spiritual awe and scientific reflection. That’s why discussions about Islam and science and quran hadith science often start here.
Tafsir and Classical Scholarly Commentary
Many classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explained verses about time, especially those mentioning
“a day as a thousand years” or similar phrases, as expressing spiritual and metaphorical meanings.
They saw these as ways to show the power and control of Allah over the universe, rather than strict scientific facts.
Qur’an Example
[وَهُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ ۖ كُلٌّ فِي فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ]
“And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon: All [the heavenly bodies] swim along, each in its rounded course.”
(Qur’an 21:33)
Classical tafsir generally tells us these verses remind us about Allah’s creation and His laws that regulate everything in perfect order.
Modern scholars sometimes explore these verses in light of modern science and space studies,
suggesting possible harmony with concepts like relativity and the universe’s vastness.
However, this is an area for thoughtful discussion — not fixed scientific proof.
Hadith
[إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى]
“Actions are (judged) by motives (niyyah), and every man will have only what he intended.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1)
This hadith reminds us that our intention shapes our understanding. When looking at ISLAM and science, our goal should be to grow both knowledge and faith in balance.
Scientific Explanation and Mathematical Analysis
Throughout history, Muslim scholars and modern thinkers have reflected on the relationship between the Qur’anic statement, “a day as a thousand years”, and scientific concepts like the speed of light.
In Surah As-Sajdah 32:5, the Qur’an describes a cosmic time frame that greatly exceeds human experience, sparking both religious awe and scientific curiosity. IN this way we can now correlate the topic on speed of light in the qur’an.
Qur’an
[يُدَبِّرُ الْأَمْرَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ ثُمَّ يَعْرُجُ إِلَيْهِ فِي يَوْمٍ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ مِمَّا تَعُدُّونَ]
“He regulates all affairs from the heavens to the earth; then they ascend up to Him in a Day, the measure of which is a thousand years of your reckoning.”
(Qur’an 32:5)
Modern mathematical interpretations suggest that if you use the Islamic (lunar) calendar to calculate the distance the moon travels around the earth in one year, multiply by 1,000 years, and then divide by the number of seconds in a day (86,400), you get a result very close to the speed of light (299,792 km/s).
Example Calculation:
Speed ≈ (moon distance in 1 lunar year × 1,000) ÷ 86,400
If: moon distance in 1 year ≈ 2,415,020 km,
Speed ≈ (2,415,020 km × 1,000) ÷ 86,400 ≈ 27,957,870 km ÷ 86,400 ≈ ~299,792 km/s
Qur’an
[تَعْرُجُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ إِلَيْهِ فِي يَوْمٍ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُ خَمْسِينَ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ]
“The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a Day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years.”
(Qur’an 70:4)
Proponents of this theory claim this numerical coincidence supports the idea that the Qur’an contains hidden scientific knowledge. Some contemporary commentators point out that these calculations align with what modern science has discovered about space, time, and relativity.
They highlight how physics confirms that time can differ for different observers, just as the Qur’an poetically describes long periods or “days” beyond human experience.
Important: This approach is a modern interpretation and was not taught by early tafsir scholars.
Most classical Islamic readings understood these verses spiritually or metaphorically, teaching about the greatness of God and the limits of human knowledge.
Today, these interpretations can encourage mutual respect for faith and science, as well as an appreciation for the timeless wisdom of the Qur’an.
Proofs, Critiques, and the Scientific Context
Some writers believe the Qur’an’s unique verses about time and travel, such as “a day as a thousand years”, contain hidden scientific knowledge.
They point out the mathematical connection to the speed of light as a sign of the wisdom of the qur’an. Their argument is that this cosmic formula could not have come only from human guesswork.
Qur’an
[وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ]
“And none knows its true interpretation except Allah.”
(Qur’an 3:7)
However, skeptics and scholars offer strong critiques of these ideas. They point out:
The Qur’an does not mention the speed of light or its units by name.
Some say that finding the correct number could be just a coincidence, or the result of reverse calculation using modern physics.
Hadith
[تَرَكْتُكُمْ عَلَى الْبَيْضَاءِ لَيْلُهَا كَنَهَارِهَا لاَ يَزِيغُ عَنْهَا بَعْدِي إِلاَّ هَالِكٌ]
“I have left you upon clarity; its night is like its day, none will deviate from it after me except one who is ruined.”
(Ahmad 17182)
Academic researchers remind us that scientific miracles in scripture must be interpreted with care.
The wisdom of the Qur’an is not limited to science but includes guidance for life, faith, and ethics for everyone.
Believers and thinkers are encouraged to reflect — without making final claims from mathematical patterns alone.
The real miracle is the Qur’an’s inspiration to seek knowledge and explore creation.
Leading Scholars and Modern Muslim Voices
The topic of speed of light in the Qur’an has been discussed by many modern scholars, scientists, and thinkers in the Muslim world. Some believe the Qur’an contains hidden scientific codes, while others suggest caution and balance.
- Dr. Mohamed Dodah – Supports the mathematical approach relating the verse to modern measures; shares lectures and articles explaining his calculations and views.
- Abduldaem Al-Kaheel – Popular for his website and videos analyzing science in the Qur’an; strongly argues that numbers and language hint at scientific facts, including the speed of light.
- Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar – Egyptian geologist and well-known science writer who links many Qur’anic statements to science, but reminds readers that faith is not only about numbers.
- Harun Yahya (Adnan Oktar) – Has published works on “scientific miracles” but faces both support and criticism from the scholarly community.
- Dr. Yasir Qadhi – Islamic scholar and public lecturer; reminds that scientific claims should not replace the main moral message of the Qur’an.
- Dr. Nidhal Guessoum – Astrophysicist who is supportive of dialogue between Islam and science but is critical of attempts to “force” scientific facts into verses if not clear and direct.
Qur’an
[وَقُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا]
“And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
(Qur’an 20:114)
Many papers, books, and video lectures are available in both Arabic and English, exploring these perspectives and evidence.
Supportive voices highlight the “miracle of numbers”, while skeptics and scientists remind us to avoid exaggeration or forced harmony.
True scholarship involves balanced study, open research, and respect for differences.
How Muslims Can Reflect Today
Deep thinking and reflection are a part of the Islamic tradition. The Qur’an calls us to look at the world around us and to think deeply, not just accept things without question.
Qur’an
[إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ]
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs for people of understanding.”
(Qur’an 3:190)
- Value scientific knowledge as a gift. Learn how science reveals the complexity and beauty of Allah’s creation.
- Reflect with humility. All knowledge belongs to Allah. Even if we find new answers, we must stay humble before His greatness.
- Balance faith and curiosity. Celebrate discoveries but also remember the Qur’an’s message is more than numbers – it is a guide to good living.
- Ask questions, seek wisdom, and embrace learning. Your faith grows even stronger when you connect the world’s wonders with the light of revelation.
Hadith
[طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ]
“Seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim.”
(Ibn Majah 224)
Whether you are a student, scientist, or anyone with a curious mind, let this topic inspire you to explore, ask, and learn. The world is full of signs—follow them, and let both your mind and heart grow.
Conclusion
The speed of light is not directly mentioned in the Qur’an. Some scholars and scientists have found it by interpreting the verses, but these interpretations are not explicit in the text.
This topic invites respectful, open inquiry at the crossroads of faith and science. Muslims and thinkers everywhere are encouraged to explore, question, and learn with humility.
The dialogue between scripture and science is ongoing and meaningful. It helps build a bridge of understanding between the wisdom of the Qur’an, scientific discoveries, and the needs of modern communities.
Qur’an
[وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا]
“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'”
(Qur’an 20:114)
Let the teachings inspire a continuous journey to understand both our faith and the universe better.
Frequently Asked Questions
References and Further Reading
- Speed of Light in Holy Quran – Kaheel7
- Speed of Light in the Holy Quran (PDF)
- Time in the Quran & Einstein’s Theory of Relativity – AlJumuah
- The Scientific Miracle of Quran – IslamicWays
- Zakir Naik: The Speed of Light in Quran – MuslimCentral
- The Koran Predicted the Speed of Light? Not really – ShiaChat
- Speed of Light in Quran – Miracles of Quran | YouTube
