The Primordial Origin: Cosmological Singularity and the Quranic Paradigm

Modern physical cosmology posits that the universe originated from a singular point of infinite density and temperature, an event commonly known as the Big Bang. This article examines the convergence between contemporary astrophysical models—specifically the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric—and 7th-century Quranic descriptions of cosmic origins. By synthesizing perspectives from Western theoretical physicists and Islamic scholars, this paper explores the "Ratq" and "Fatq" (sewing and rending) concepts as early theological precursors to the concept of the Primordial Singularity and subsequent cosmic expansion.

I. The Singularity and the "Joined Entity"

In modern physics, the Big Bang theory posits that the universe began roughly 13.8 billion years ago as a singularity—a point of infinite density. Recent 2025 observations from the JWST have confirmed the presence of mature galaxies as early as 570 million years after the Big Bang, challenging older timelines but reinforcing the fact of a definitive, singular beginning.

The Quran (revealed 1,400 years ago) addresses this state of unity in Surah Al-Anbiya:

"Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity (Ratq), and We separated them (Fatq)?" (Quran 21:30)

Western Scholar Perspective: Dr. Alfred Kroner, a renowned geologist, noted that the term Ratq (joined/sewn together) accurately reflects the modern concept of the "primordial nebula" or singularity where matter was indistinguishable before the "Fatq" (splitting asunder).

II. The Plasmatic Phase: From "Smoke" to Structure

Modern cosmology describes a period after the Big Bang where the universe was an opaque, hot "soup" of ionized gas and radiation—often termed Primordial Plasma. Science tells us that celestial bodies only formed once this "smoke-like" state cooled.

The Quran uses remarkably specific terminology for this phase:

"Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke (Dukhan)..." (Quran 41:11)
2025 Scientific Insight: Current research into the "Epoch of Reionization" (using JWST data) explores how the first stars "cleared" this cosmic fog. The Quranic choice of the word Dukhan (smoke) is scientifically precise, as smoke is composed of suspended particles in a gas, mirroring the early universe's composition better than the word "gas" alone would.

III. Continuous Expansion and the Hubble Constant

The discovery that the universe is not static but expanding is the cornerstone of modern cosmology (Hubble’s Law). While Einstein initially favored a "Steady State" universe, the Quran had already declared expansion as an ongoing act of the Creator.

"And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander (Musi'un)." (Quran 51:47)

Islamic Scholar Perspective: Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar highlights that the Arabic present participle Musi'un denotes a continuous, active process of expansion. This aligns with the 2024 cosmological consensus that Dark Energy is causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate.

IV. The End of the Universe: The "Big Crunch" Hypothesis

Theoretical physics discusses the Big Crunch, where the universe might eventually collapse back into a singularity. Interestingly, the Quran describes the end of the world using the same imagery of a "beginning" that returns to itself.

"The Day when We will fold the heaven like the folding of a [written] sheet... As We began the first creation, We will repeat it." (Quran 21:104)

Synthesis: Physicist Paul Davies in The Mind of God suggests the universe's mathematical "fine-tuning" points to a purposeful design. Muslim scholars argue that the "folding" mentioned in the Quran mirrors the "cyclic model" of the universe currently debated in theoretical physics.

V. Conclusion

The alignment between 21st-century astrophysics and Quranic revelation suggests that the "signs" (Ayat) in the scripture provide a framework that harmonizes with empirical discovery. From the singularity (Ratq) to the expansion (Musi'un) and the final collapse, the Quranic narrative offers a sophisticated cosmological model that remains resilient in the face of the latest space-telescope discoveries.

References

  • NASA/ESA (2025). "James Webb Space Telescope: Observations of the Early Universe and Epoch of Reionization." NASA Science.
  • Bucaille, Maurice (1976/Updated). The Bible, The Qur'an and Science. North American Trust Publications.
  • Hawking, Stephen & Penrose, Roger (1996). The Nature of Space and Time. Princeton University Press.
  • El-Naggar, Zaghloul (2001). The Sources of Scientific Miracles in the Holy Quran. Dar al-Ma'rifah.
  • Guessoum, Nidhal (2011). Islam's Quantum Question: Reconciling Muslim Tradition and Modern Science. I.B. Tauris.
  • Davies, Paul (1992). The Mind of God: The Scientific Basis for a Rational World. Simon & Schuster.
  • The Holy Quran. Surah Al-Anbiya (21:30, 21:104), Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:47), Surah Fussilat (41:11).