Why do Muslims put such confidence in the so called “splitting of the moon” miraculous sign when there is no way that it could have happen?

Question

This so called miracle is impossible to observe due to a small problem of scale.


From the Hadith we find these words:
“We were along with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) at Mina, that moon was split up into two. One of its parts was behind the mountain and the other one was on this side of the mountain. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upbn him) said to us: Bear witness to this.”
(Sahih Muslim, Book 39, Number 6725)

http://www.usc.edu/org/cmje/religious-texts/hadith/muslim/039-smt.php#039.6725

There is a real problem of scale here:

Diameter the Moon = 3,474km.
Diameter the earth = 12,742km
Height of the tallest mountain = 8.8 km (8,848m)
Distance for the earth to the Moon = 384,400km

“One of its parts was behind the mountain and the other one was on this side of the mountain.”

The moon diameter is 3,474km. - HOW could half the moon fit between the mountain and the observer? There is no way one could observation of such a phenomenon, it is IMPOSSIBLE. Half the moon is way bigger than any mountain on earth and there is no way on earth that you could see a mountain that was over a thousand kilometres away because of the curvature of the earth.

But even if you could fit half of the moon was on this side of the mountain, it would have been 384,400 km closer to the earth. Yet the verse does not mention the most conspicuous thing that the observer would be confronted with - the sheer size of the moon.

.

Answer 1

Hahaa, half the moon disappeared behind the mountain it did not split.

Splitting of moon would be witnessed and recorded by other highly advanced contemporary civilizations. it would be such an unusual event. No one reported it.

Answer 2

I don't since I don't believe in Hadith. This is what the Quran actually says



54:1

The Hour comes nigh and the moon is split/cracked/breached.

Answer 3

What is the scientific reasoning behind the splitting of the moon?

http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa4176

In order to answer this question precisely, a few points need to be pointed out:

1- The splitting of the moon is one of the great miracles of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). In surah Inshiqaq, Allah (swt) speaks of this magnanimous incident in such a manner: “اقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَ انْشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ”[1]. In this verse, two important incidents have been mentioned; one being the nearness of the Day of Judgment which is the greatest change the universe is to undergo, and the other being the significant miracle of splitting the moon which is both a manifestation of Allah’s (swt) never-ending power and proof of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) prophethood.[2]

There is more than enough evidence that proves this was a miracle, namely: This matter has been mentioned in the Quran using a past tense verb, showing that the splitting of the moon has taken place, the same way the Day of Judgment has neared as a result of the coming of the final prophet (pbuh).

Add to that the many hadiths in Islamic references that narrate this incident as a miracle of the prophet (pbuh). These hadiths are so high in number to the extent that they leave no doubt that the splitting of the moon was truly a miracle of the prophet (pbuh).

What is more interesting is the reason why this miracle took place. The disbelievers said that magic and sorcery only have an effect on the earth, so in order to be sure of the prophet (pbuh) being truthful in his claim and that his miracles aren't plain magic, they proposed that he split the moon.[3]

2- The splitting of the moon and contemporary science

First off, not only isn't the splitting and breaking of celestial bodies possible according to astrology and science, but takes place a lot too, although the causes of such phenomena may vary.

To put it another way, splitting, breakage and explosions frequently occur in space; for instance, scientists today say that the solar system came about through an explosion that involved the sun, breaking parts of it off, hence the different members of the “family” of the solar system.[4]

Anyway, the splitting of celestial bodies isn't something that hasn’t happened before, and isn't considered scientifically impossible, so it can't be said that something impossible was the subject of a miracle.

As for the moon coming together again after splitting, it is because of the gravitational force between the two halves, although this fact isn't correct according to the Ptolemaic system of astrology, because according to this system, our solar system is made up of nine spheres that are stuck together like the layers of an onion, making their splitting and coming together impossible, and it is because of this that the advocates of this system didn’t believe in bodily ascension to the skies and the splitting of the moon, because it necessitated the piercing of these spheres. But today, this system isn't followed anymore and is considered an incorrect and out-of-date one so its claims on the splitting of the moon being impossible are disregarded.[5]According to NASA, our moon has indeed split before and come together again. The official website of Al-Watan, an Arabic newspaper printed in the US, has quoted a Jordanian astronomer and space specialist saying: “After years of orbiting the moon and doing research, the space probe “Clementine” has reached the conclusion that the moon has split into two halves hundreds of years ago, and come together again.” This astronomer has sent a report to NASA explaining that Muslims believe this phenomenon belongs to 1400 years ago and is a miracle of their prophet; a phenomenon that NASA still hasn’t been able to discover the true cause to, because it is a unique one that hasn’t taken place for other celestial bodies.[6]

Two more points to consider:

1- Proving Islamic facts that are somewhat metaphysical, isn't possible through normal science that is limited to this material world and is only physical, especially since it has developed in an environment that has had nothing to do with Islam.

2- If an issue is logically possible, without any reason for its impossibility, and is something that Islam firmly says has taken place, there is no longer any need to prove it scientifically; although it is sometimes better to do so, so that one becomes personally sure of the fact’s truth.

Here are two sites that have discussed the issue of the splitting of the moon:

1- http://www.nojumi.org/newsn/news.php?action=fullnews&id=1095

2.http://www.cloob.com/club/article/show/clubname/croobank/articleid/111661/redirectkey/1c8c2157f460636134e7fd10eac9b37c

________________________________________

[1] Inshiqaq:1 “The Day of Judgment has drawn near and the moon split”

[2] Tafsir Nemouneh, vol. 23, pp. 7-8.

[3] Biharul-Anwar, vol. 17, pg. 355 (hadith 10).

[4] Of course there is a debate between different scientists on this subject; some say the main cause was the sun’s centrifugal force, while others say it was the flux and reflux of the sun because of another star nearing the sun.

[5] With help from Tafsir Nemouneh, vol. 23, pp. 12-19.

Answer 4

Same reason (or, more correctly, same LACK of actual reasoning) that causes Funnymentalcase Christians to claim that there was a global flood, deeper than Everest, and that, after a YEAR under water that deep, where sunlight could not penetrate, some olive tree was able to sprout a branch with leaves on it, which a dove was able to bite through, and carry back to Noah.



Same reason (or, more correctly, same LACK of actual reasoning) that causes Catholics to BELIEVE that saying some words over a cracker causes it to turn into the ENlTIRE body and blood of a 33 year old man, AND that they have no objection to EVERY PART of that man being put in the mouth of a seven-year-old child.

(Toenails, armpit hair, EVERYTHING!)

Answer 5

Maybe the story is made up.

Answer 6

It is metaphorical for the way their @rse splits when they bend over and point it toward Allah.

Answer 7

ever heard what miracle term is?

moses split the ocean

jesus ascended to heaven

and so on.

are there anyone able to provide the proof of them?



in case of moon behind the mountain, it is logic since in our daily life sometimes we cannot see the moon at night because it hides behind the trees for instance.

Answer 8

Salam .Because we convince that Muhammad pbuh the honest person was given various miracles from Allah based on hadith although the biggest miracle is the Qur'an itself

Answer 9

You reject reality knowingly. I cannot help it!

Answer 10

there is no evidence that jesus born without father but you believe him so where is the proof?

Answer 11

Praise be to Allaah.



First of all, it is essential to understand that guidance to the true religion of Islam and belief in the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the message he brought comes about only by the help of Allaah, and that we are required to explain this and produce evidence of it.



There is a great deal of clear evidence for the one who seeks to find out the truth about the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), including the following:



Allaah chose him even though he had grown up as an orphan and was illiterate, knowing neither how to read or write. All good qualities and virtues were perfected in him, to the point of ultimate perfection. All these good qualities were combined and firmly established in him, something which no one else can attain except the Prophets whom Allaah protected and guided. This combination of perfect qualities is one of the greatest proofs of the truth of his Prophethood (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).



The revelation of Allaah was bestowed upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Angel of Revelation, Jibreel (Gabriel), who is recognized by all the People of the Book [Jews and Christians], came to him, and when he received revelation, there were unusual effects on him that indicated the intensity of the effort involved in receiving the Message of Allaah from Jibreel, upon whom be peace. His Companions witnessed this when he received Revelation, and they believed that the revelation was something that came from an outside source and was beyond his control; it came to him from (Allaah), the Wise and Praiseworthy.



Allaah supported the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with physical miracles, with which he challenged his people. Among the most important of these were the splitting of the moon and the Night Journey to Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). They were unable to match these miracles, and so they were a decisive, divine testimony to the truth of his Prophethood (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).



Allaah supported him with miracles and evidence for people of reason and understanding, the greatest of which was the Qur’aan. This was the greatest sign, which contains in its pages miracles of both style and content, which all of mankind cannot match or imitate, even if they gather together for that purpose. This is clear from the statements of the most eloquent of the Arabs, who were completely unable to match it. The Qur’aan was – and centuries later still is, praise be to Allaah – an eternal miracle as is evident in its brilliant style, its information about the Unseen, its fulfilment of the promises of Allaah, the superiority of its laws, and the fact that its rulings are appropriate for every time and place – in addition to the fact that it has such a moving impact on people’s hearts.



The Qur’aan refers to the signs and proofs surrounding the person of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), which testify to his truthfulness. For example, he was free of sin and trivial spitefulness; he grew up illiterate in the Arabian Peninsula, and did not receive any religious knowledge from beyond its borders, nor did he spend time acquiring any religious knowledge. When he reached the age of forty, he brought divine knowledge that none of the earlier or later generations could produce. He also received special protection and care from Allaah, which kept him safe at times of crisis; if it were not for this protection he would most certainly have been doomed to destruction. None of this could have happened except to one who was truly sent from Allaah.



His coming was foretold in the Tawraat (Torah) and Injeel (Gospel), and some of the People of the Book saw that these prophecies applied in totality to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), which led them to embrace Islam. There are still passages in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments, in the versions that are accepted by the People of the Book, that clearly refer to the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) – for example in the Gospel of Barnabas, which is considered by Christians to be the most authentic Gospel.



The Message of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was not unique to him, but was in nature and content similar to the message brought by other Messengers before him. Allaah had sent Prophets and Messengers, such as Moosa (Moses), ‘Eesa (Jesus) and others, to the Children of Israel, and great numbers had believed in them and borne witness to the truth of their Books, which were similar in general terms to the message brought by the Qur’aan. This was eloquent testimony to the truth of the Message with which he was sent, especially as it belonged to the same type of Message to whose truth they had testified.



When Allaah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with the same Message as the Prophets who had come before him, the Qur’aan came to confirm their Books and their Prophethood, and to call people to believe in them. So when the People of the Book disbelieved in him and his Book, it meant that they were disbelieving in their own Books and Messengers. As the Qur’aan contained the same principles as their books, and confirmed them, this meant that it was the least likely to be fabricated or to have come from a source other than Allaah, because all of them came from Allaah, may He be exalted.



In summary, then, the proof of truthfulness is quite clear in this case. The evidence is there both in (historical) reports and on the grounds of common sense. This will cure the ill (i.e., the one who has doubts) and quench the thirst (of the one who longs for knowledge), as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “… Indeed, there has come to you from Allaah a Light (prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)) and a plain Book (the Qur’aan), wherewith Allaah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light, and guides them to a Straight Way” [al-Maa’idah 5:15-16].



In order to provide the Christian mentioned in the question with proof and evidence, it should be sufficient to give him a translation of the meanings of the Qur’aan. If he believes, then praise be to Allaah, and if he turns away, then destroy not yourself in sorrow for him (cf. Faatir 35:8). Allaah leaves astray whom He will and guides whom He will, and He is the Most Knowing of Guides.From Christian Ph.D. Robert Morey



Quran proves - "Allah" is NOT a 'moon god':

"And from among His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not bow down (prostrate) to the sun nor to the moon, but only bow down (prostrate) to "Allah" Who created them, if you (really) worship Him." [Noble Quran 41:37]



The Christian acquaintance who sent me a copy of Morey's booklet also sent me five questions related to this subject. I will attempt to answer them below:



Question 1:

What is the significance of the crescent moon in Islam?



Answer:

The Quran answers this question before you asked it. Read this verse:



"They ask you about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage." [Noble Quran 2:189]



Question 2:

Why does Islam follow a lunar calendar?



Answer:

In both the Bible and the Quran religious festivals are regulated by the lunar calendar. Jews and Muslims have kept to these regulations which they believe to be from God. Why does Christianity follow a solar calendar?



Question 3:

Why is the feast of Ramadan marked by the appearance of the crescent moon?



Answer:

I think you mean the fast of Ramadan. God commanded Muslims in the Quran to fast from dawn to sunset during the month called Ramadan (see Quran 2:185, 187). The beginning and end of the month is determined by the crescent (2:189) based on the instruction of God's Messenger, on whom be peace.



Why this method and not another is not for us to say but for God and His Messenger to prescribe. However, I find it an efficient method. It is a universally applicable method, and it allows for Ramadan to move through all the seasons. This allows believers to have the pleasure of worshipping God by fasting in all the various seasons: one year in the summer, some years later in the winter.



Question 4:

Why does the Quran place the Sabians on the same level with Jews and Christians when scholars have clearly proven that the Sabians were involved in the moon cult?



Answer:

I am not aware that the Quran has placed the Sabians on the same level with Jews and Christians. Perhaps you have in mind the following verse:



"Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians and Sabians, whoever believes in "Allah" and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."

[Noble Quran 2:62; also 5:69]