The word “samāʾ” (sky) and its derivatives are used 310 times in the Quran across 301 verses (about 5% of all verses). A significant number of these verses relate to the final processes of the world and the changes and transformations in the current cosmic order. On the other hand, modern cosmology presents several possible scenarios for the end times, with no consensus among them. Assuming that Quranic concepts are fixed and certain truths, aligning Quranic propositions with the ever-evolving scientific concepts is a challenging issue. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach that not only allows for a comparative study between scientific and religious propositions but also provides a tool for extracting novel propositions and theorizing based on the fixed truths of the Quran. Within the framework of this approach, we demonstrate that the challenge of comparative studies between Quranic truths and scientific propositions is solvable. As an example, we show that assuming the occurrence of the Day of Judgment within the framework of the physical laws governing the material world, its transformations can be explained based on modern physics and Quranic descriptions through three general states.
Keywords: end times, Day of Judgment, cosmology in the Quran, relationship between science and religion
Introduction
One of the greatest challenges in comparative studies between Quranic realities and scientific theories is that Quranic propositions represent fixed and certain truths, whereas scientific propositions are always subject to change and uncertainty. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for comparative analysis between the Quran and empirical sciences. This approach provides a suitable framework for scientific theorization and comparative studies and facilitates a deeper understanding of Quranic truths through scientific findings. As an example of applying this approach, we examine the end of the world in both the Quran and modern cosmology.
Functional Approach to Quranic Concepts
In the functional approach, Quranic concepts are not limited to a single instance but can manifest in any natural system that has a similar structure and function. In this approach, no definitive correspondence is established, and the instances of Quranic concepts in each natural system are defined based on the relationships and functions between the objects in that system. For example, the concept of samāʾ in the Quran is defined as an element of any natural system that possesses a relative position of elevation and supremacy over other components and serves as the location for the descent of water.
The End Times in the Quran and Modern Cosmology within the Framework of the Functional Approach
Based on which natural system the concept of samāʾ is applied, the comparative study of the final transformations of the world can be conducted at that level. The closest system in terms of time to its final events is the solar system. The next system involves the heavy celestial bodies and intergalactic structures. Finally, at the highest level, intergalactic systems and higher dimensions are considered.
The Solar System
In this conceptual system, samāʾ is considered to correspond to the Earth’s atmospheric layers. Given the predicted increase in the sun’s radius, its transformation into a red giant, and its eventual engulfment of the Earth and the Moon, many of the verses related to the end of the world can be matched with this process because, in this process, the Earth’s temperature gradually increases, leading to the melting, severe fluctuations, collapsing, combining, splitting, and ultimately the disintegration of the Earth’s atmospheric layers. All of these functions align with the final functions described for the concept of samāʾ in the Quran. Additionally, during the process of the Earth’s warming, recurring earthquakes and the subsequent release of its internal materials, along with the collapse of mountains and the leveling of Earth’s uneven terrain can be anticipated. These phenomena could be considered as potential correspondences to the events mentioned in the Quran.
Intergalactic and Cosmic Systems
In this system, the entire universe is considered as an instance of samāʾ. Among the various cosmological scenarios about the universe’s end, the most probable are the Heat Death and the Big Rip, which could occur simultaneously. In these scenarios, the “darkening of the stars” (inkidār al-nujūm) in the verse “And when the stars darken”  [81:2] can be interpreted as the actual extinction of the stars. Additionally, the dispersion of celestial bodies due to accelerated expansion and the anthropic death of the universe could correspond to “Mawr al- samāʾ” (movement of the sky) in the verse “On the day when the heaven shall move from side to side”  [52:9]. If the accelerated expansion exceeds its current rate, in the Big Rip scenario, we would face the splitting of the space-time structure, which could correspond to “Inshiqāq” (splitting) and Infiṭār (cleaving) of al- samāʾ” in the verses “When the sky is split open” [84:1] and “When the sky is rent apart” [82:1] . With continued accelerated expansion, the entire universe might be viewed as particles of dust or smoke.
Inter-dimensional and Higher Dimensions
In this system, higher dimensions, such as the parallel branes in the Steinhardt-Turok theory, are considered as the instance of the concept of samāʾ. In this level of comparison, when two branes collide, both will begin to expand with an intense explosion, becoming initially extremely hot and molten. Here, the splitting of the sky could signify the separation of these two branes. Similarly, after the collision, the two branes will experience strong distortion-like waves, which could align with the function of “tamūr” in verse nine of the al-Ṭūr Chapter.
Conclusion
Rational and textual reasons indicate that Quranic truths have interpretations that are suitable for each era. While interpretation is solely the responsibility of the Infallibles, in the context of theorization, we can also utilize Quranic truths to gain a deeper understanding of creation. This paper has shown that, in extracting dynamic theories from Quranic truths, one should not seek definitive and unique correspondence. Instead, Quranic concepts should be viewed as fixed truths that can have multiple instances in different natural systems. The criterion we have provided for discovering these instances is the functional correspondence of the instances in a natural system with Quranic truths in the conceptual system of the Quran. In this regard, we have demonstrated that when studying the end of the world, we can search for instances and similar functions in at least three natural systems.
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* Received 4 July 2023; Received in revised from 25 October 2023; Accepted 13 November 2023; Published online 20 November 2024
Cite this article: Ayatollah Rafsanjani, A. (2024). A Novel Approach to the Comparative Study of the End Times in the Quran and Modern Cosmology. Comparative Interpretation Research, 10(2), 67‑92. https://doi.org/10.22091/ptt.2024.10219.2298
Publisher: University of Qom                                                               © The Author(s)