What is the interpretation of the prophetic hadiths that contradict what modern science has proven, such as the hadith "The Nile and the Euphrates spring from Paradise," and "where does the sun set," and "where is the Throne," given that unseen matters are beyond the grasp of reason and are not deemed impossible by it?
Scholars unanimously agree that the definitive revelation (al-wahy al-qat'i) never contradicts definitive reason (al-'aql al-qat'i). Anything established by definitive textual evidence (daleel qat'i sam'i) cannot possibly be contradicted by definitive rational evidence. If speculative rational evidence and speculative textual evidence conflict, the stronger of the two takes precedence. If one is speculative and the other definitive, the definitive takes precedence. Two definitive pieces of evidence (whether rational, textual, or a combination of both) cannot contradict each other. What the truthful and trustworthy Prophet (peace be upon him) reported is established, whether we comprehend its truth or not. There can be no contradiction between a scientific fact and a definitive religious report. Scientific theories are subject to being correct or incorrect, whereas scientific facts are beyond doubt. The hadith of Abu Dharr proves that the sun prostrates under Allah's Throne every sunset, and this aligns with what modern science has established about the sun's rotation. Allah's Throne is above His heavens.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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