What is the meaning of Allah Almighty’s saying: (It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day; rather, each floats in an orbit)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The meaning of the verse is that the sun cannot overtake the moon in its course, because each has an independent and separate orbit, and both swim in an orbit from which they do not depart. This prevents the night from preceding the day or vice versa. Allah Almighty has ordained these vast distances between the orbits of the planets to preserve the universe from collision until its appointed time. The movement of celestial bodies in space resembles the movement of ships in the vast ocean.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 52285
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy