Mr. Meherally, as usual, opens with the Comptons Interactive Encyclopedia Deluxe:
"Big bang theory, a general theory held by many astronomers that the universe may have originated about 12 to 15 billion years ago as the result of a violent explosion of some primordial mass; since then the universe has been expanding and evolving; a refinement of the theory states that the universe pulsates, expanding and contracting every 80 billion years."
Comments: The above mentioned "refined theory", puts to rest the earlier theory that the universe will continue to expand infinitely forever. It now supports the theory that at some time in future the universe will stop expanding and begin to contract until eventually a situation termed the "Big Crunch" would occur. This refined theory now goes a step beyond and declares the time frame for its oscillations with alternate expansions and contractions.
Incidentally, if we accept the big bang, do we really need God? Does the Qur'an agree with Compton's this time?
"On that day we will roll up the heaven as one rolleth up written scrolls. As we made the first creation, so will we bring it forth again. This promise bindeth us; verily, we will perform it."
"On the day when We shall roll up heaven as a scroll is rolled for the writings; as We originated the first creation, so We shall bring it back again - a promise binding on Us; so We shall do."
"The Day that we roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed) even as We produced the first Creation so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We fulfil it." (Holy Qur'an 21:104)
Comments: The Arabs of the revelation era, were quite familiar with the rolls of the Holy Scrolls which their Jewish neighbours had in their homes. A scribe would select a scroll of a particular "Book", very meticulously and slowly unroll it and when done with, he would roll it back. He would repeat the same process day in and day out. What better analogy there could be for the repeated expansions and the contractions of the Universe in an era of ignorance and naivete!
This passage has nothing to do with the oscillation of the universe. If we read this ayah in context, we see that it is talking about the end of the universe and final judgement. Most Muslim scholars including Syed Maududi reach this interpretation.
Reading the ayah in context:
The Great Terror will bring them no grief: but the angels will meet them (with mutual greetings): "This is your Day,- (the Day) that ye were promised." The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed),- even as We produced the first creation, so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We fulfil it.
"We have not created the heavens and the earth, and what between them is, save with the truth and a stated term; but the unbelievers are turning away from that they were warned of."
"We created not the heavens and the earth and all between them but for just ends, and for a term appointed: But those who reject Faith turn away from that whereof they are warned." Holy Quran 46:3
Comments: Today, the contemporary science tells us that the Universe (all that is between the Heavens {plural} and the Earth) has it's existence for "an appointed term", and that term is supposed to be 80 billion years. Allah alone knows the veracity of that figure. The scientists who have declared this particular number must have announced it based upon a rational scientific computation. This proves the point; the appointed term is not only "pre-determined" by the Creator, but it can be verified in numbers, if we have the knowledge and devices to fathom that Truth.
Once again, if we read this Sura in context, with proper commentary, we find that the "appointed term" was the time that unbelievers had, before the final judgement, to turn to Islam and avoid the wrath of God. The Qur'an says NOTHING about 80 million years, or any other time span.
Responses to Akbarally Meherally
Answering Islam Home Page