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What is the correct interpretation of verse 5 from Surat Al-Mulk, which refers to the adornment of the lowest heaven with lamps and their being made as missiles against devils, and how can the argument of the disbelievers be refuted, given that modern science views meteorites as unrelated to stars, while Ibn Kathir's interpretation connects them, taking into account that science can definitively determine something to be 100% incorrect?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

There is no basis for impugning or doubting that the Qur'an's use of the word "najm" (star) is a scientific error. The Arabic language applies the word "najm" to all celestial bodies. While this is a modern astronomical term, there is no harm in it, as the Holy Qur'an was revealed in the language of the Arabs, which does not restrict the word "najm" to luminous bodies.

The Holy Qur'an applies the term "nujum" (stars) to celestial bodies that are fixed, moving, piercing, luminous, and dark. In the noble verse from Surat Al-Mulk, stars are divided into two types: lamps for the sky (luminous stars), and a moving, wandering type that includes meteors, meteoroids, and planets, which are also called "nujum."

The imams of the Arabic language have affirmed that the word "najm" is general and includes all planets and celestial bodies. Al-Farahidi said: "The 'nujum' encompass all planets." Ibn Sidah said: "Al-Najm: The planet."

The words "najm" and "kawkab" (planet) have appeared in the Holy Qur'an in many places, indicating their synonymity, and that moving astronomical bodies such as meteors and meteoroids are also called "nujum" and "kawakib."

Therefore, there is no scientific issue in the Qur'anic verses, as the Holy Qur'an followed the Arabic language's expansive use of the word "najm" for celestial bodies of all types.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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