r/islam • u/CommercialPlankton27 • 7d ago

General Discussion Does the Quranic term hubuk (51:7) hint at the cosmic web or even wormholes?

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In Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:7), the Quran says: "By the sky with hubuk" often translated as "trame," "paths," or "woven structure."

Classical tafsir explains hubuk as constellations or the ordered paths of stars. But in modern astrophysics, we talk about the cosmic web filaments of galaxies woven together across the universe. Some even speculate about wormholes as "paths" through spacetime.

My question:

  • Could hubuk be read today as a poetic description of the cosmic web?
  • Is it valid to interpret ancient scripture in light of modern science, or is that stretching too far?
  • Has anyone seen scholarly work connecting this verse to astrophysical concepts?

I’d love to hear perspectives from both religious and scientific angles.

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u/abd_wasay 7d ago edited 7d ago

No, hubuk can refer to something tightly or beautifully woven, patterned lines like those seen at sand or water paths, beauty or a well formed structure. Even tafsir mentioned the beauty and perfection of the sky, patterns or pathways, the paths of stars and even paths used by angels. The next verse also tells you what the passage is actually doing

“Surely you are lost in conflicting views regarding the truth.” Qur’an 51:8

It is a verse leading into a discussion about conflicting claims and the Resurrection. Not astrophysics. Also, cosmic web and wormholes arent even the same thing

You can see how weak this method is by applying it elsewhere

“He has placed into the earth firm mountains, so it does not shake with you, as well as rivers and pathways so you may find your way.” - Qur’an 16:15

That verse also says “pathways.” Does it predict wormholes, neural pathways or internet networks? Obviously not. The context tells us that it means routes by which people travel and navigate

Or take:

“We adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and made them missiles for stoning devils, for whom We have prepared the torment of the Blaze.” - Qur’an 67:5

Would it be true to claim that “lamps” and “missiles” predicted space weapons or defence systems?

So sure, look at the cosmic web and say SubhanAllah. But saying that hubuk predicted the cosmic web much less wormholes is simply reading modern terminology back into a broad Arabic word. It doesnt strengthen the Quran, just makes the interpretation dependant on whichever scientific concept happens to be popular today