The Shape of the Earth
Historically, the prevailing belief regarding the shape of the Earth was that it was a flat disk or a level surface afloat in an ocean, encompassed by a sky resembling an inverted bowl. This notion persisted in Eastern societies and Mesopotamia, as well as among European intellectuals during the time of Columbus. The geographer Hecataeus, often referred to as the father of geography, produced numerous maps based on the concept of a round disk. The origins of this belief can be attributed to the lack of scientific knowledge and research capabilities, compounded by the dominance of the Church, whose perspective was absolute and indisputable, even in scientific discussions. Such factors allowed the theory of a flat Earth to remain unchallenged for millennia.
First Discoveries of Earth’s Spherical Shape
In the mid-fourth century BCE, the Greek philosopher Plato proposed the idea of a spherical Earth around 348 BCE. However, this theory did not garner sufficient support from subsequent thinkers and remained merely speculative. In 885 CE, the Muslim scholar Ibn Khordadbeh addressed the concept of Earth’s sphericity in his work “The Routes and Kingdoms.” Later, during the 15th century, the Russian scientist Nicolaus Copernicus established that the Earth is spherical and not the center of the universe; unfortunately, his findings were not published until he was on his deathbed.
During the same period, the explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his pupil Juan Sebastián Elcano provided practical descriptions and evidence of the Earth’s roundness through their voyages that traversed half the globe. In the 18th century, scientists came to a consensus that the Earth’s shape is more accurately described as oblate spheroid or egg-like.
The Spherical Earth in the Quran
With the advent of Islamic civilization in the 6th century CE, Muslim scholars unanimously recognized the Earth’s sphericity, supporting their views with evidence. Here are some theories put forth by notable Muslim scholars:
- In 1282 CE, Al-Qazwini stated in his book “Wonders of Creation” that the Earth is a sphere. He argued that the lunar eclipse is observed from different locations at different times rather than simultaneously, indicating that the moon rises and sets at varying times across different places. He referenced the Quranic verse: “He wraps the night upon the day and wraps the day upon the night.”
- Modern scholars have proven that the Earth is not a perfect sphere but rather an oblate shape, slightly bulging at the equator. This conclusion was drawn from interpreting the verse: “And the earth, after that, He laid it out.” The term ‘Dahā’ is interpreted to mean ‘like an egg.’
Have You Considered the Flat Earth Hypothesis?
Have you ever contemplated the hypothesis that suggests the Earth might actually be flat? What if this idea were indeed true?