My question is regarding the following verse of the Qur’ān:
It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each swims along in [its own] orbit [according to law]. (36:40)
The sun does not have an orbit. This is a proven scientific fact. Please clarify.
Answer: The referred to verse does not provide a scientific explanation of the phenomenon of the solar system or anything else. Rather it only communicates that the sun cannot leave its path and the night cannot come earlier even a split second of its prescribed time.
The words ‘each swims along in [its own] orbit’ is not a very accurate translation of the Arabic words: ‘كُلّ فِي فََلَك يَسْبَحُوْن’ The word ‘فََلَك’ means ‘a prescribed path’ – which may be circular, ovular, longitudinal or of any other shape. It would be pertinent to point out here that science has proved that sun together with other heavenly bodies of the solar system is moving ahead in a straight line.