Reviewed lesson adaptation
The Miracle of the Splitting of the Moon and Lessons from Suratul Qamar
An exposition on the opening verses of Suratul Qamar, addressing the historical miracle of the moon splitting, the response of the disbelievers of Makkah, and practical answers to common objections.
Published by KICC
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Context and Revelation of Suratul Qamar
Suratul Qamar is a Makki Surah revealed in Makkah Mukarramah, comprising 55 verses. Located in the 27th juz of the Glorious Qur'an just prior to Surah Ar-Rahman, its name Qamar means the moon. The name originates directly from Allah (Most High) mentioning the moon in the very first verse.
The Splitting of the Moon and the Arrogant Response
Allah (Most High) states that the Hour has drawn close and the moon has been split. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) demonstrated numerous miracles by the assistance of Allah (Most High) to the polytheists when announcing his prophethood. Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned that there are over a thousand miracles of the Prophet (pbuh), with the Qur'an being the greatest modern-day miracle.
Upon request from the people of Makkah for a miracle to prove his prophethood, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) split the moon into two pieces. Narrations recorded by Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) and Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) affirm that onlookers witnessed one part of the moon visibly above the mountain and the other part below it.
Despite witnessing this clear miracle, the disbelievers of Makkah turned away in stubbornness and arrogance. They falsely claimed it was fleeting magic destined to vanish, rejecting the truth to follow their base desires and carnal passions.
Addressing Objections Regarding Historical Records
Scholars have provided clear explanations as to why this event was not recorded universally across all parts of the world. Firstly, during the time of the Prophet (pbuh), documented recording systems were scarce and paper was not readily available. Texts were recorded on materials like leaves, leather, and tree trunks. The compilation of the Qur'an and the establishment of the Islamic Hijri calendar only occurred later during the caliphate of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
- Time zone differences meant it was daylight in other parts of the world, making sighting impossible there.
- Overcast or cloudy weather conditions in various regions could easily have obscured visibility.
- The miracle occurred without prior warning, so people unaware or inside their homes sleeping or occupied would not have seen it.
The Sunnah Meal of Tharid
A praised Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is partaking in the meal called tharid. Tharid involves taking pieces of bread or roti and mixing or soaking them in meat curry or gravy. Incorporating this meal into one's routine serves as a simple way to revive a Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh).
Key lessons
- Suratul Qamar takes its name from the opening verse where Allah (Most High) mentions the splitting of the moon.
- The splitting of the moon is an authentic historical miracle recorded in Hadith collections such as Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
- Disbelievers rejected clear miracles due to arrogance and prioritizing their base desires over established truth.
- Lack of global documentation for the moon splitting is explained by time zone differences, weather conditions, lack of advance warning, and limited writing materials of the era.
Questions for reflection
- How can reflecting on the miraculous signs given to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) strengthen our conviction in Islamic teachings?
- In what ways do personal whims and base desires prevent individuals from accepting clear evidence and truth?
Put the lesson into practice
- Revive the Sunnah of eating tharid by mixing pieces of bread or roti into meat curry or gravy.
- Study Suratul Qamar and reflect upon its warnings and description of past nations.
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Tafseer of the Qur'an - Surah Qamar (Ayah 1-5)
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