Astronomy &
The Lunar Cycle
"It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases - that you may know the number of years and account [of time]." — Quran (10:5)
The Crescent (Hilal)
Scientific Fact
The new crescent moon (Hilal) becomes visible shortly after the astronomical New Moon. Due to the angle of the sun, it appears as a microscopic sliver of light on the western horizon right after sunset and sets very quickly.
Islamic Application
Islam relies on the physical or calculable sighting of the Hilal to mark the start of the Hijri month, determining critical events like the start of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Hajj.
Solar & Lunar Eclipses
Scientific Fact
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes exactly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.
The Hadith of Ibrahim
When the Prophet's son Ibrahim passed away, a solar eclipse occurred. People claimed it was due to his death. The Prophet (PBUH) immediately corrected them: "The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah; they do not eclipse on the death or life of anyone." (Sahih Bukhari 1042). This firmly decoupled astronomy from superstition in early Islam.