Muslim brothers and sisters often present the Quran as divine and infallible. Yet when examined carefully against modern scientific knowledge, certain passages raise serious questions. Below are five examples where the Quran’s descriptions appear inconsistent with established science, inviting thoughtful reconsideration of its claim to divine origin.
The Shape of the Earth
Quran 88:20
states: “And at the earth, how it is spread out?” The Arabic word sutihat conveys the idea of something flattened or spread like a carpet. This reflects a pre-scientific worldview of a flat Earth. By contrast, astronomy has long confirmed—since classical Greek thought and through modern space exploration—that Earth is spherical and orbits the Sun. If the Quran were truly timeless revelation, one might expect it to anticipate such fundamental knowledge.
Sun Setting in a Muddy Pool
Quran 18:86 describes a traveler who “found [the sun] setting in a spring of dark mud.” Taken literally, this depicts the sun sinking into a muddy pool. Modern science explains that the sun does not “set” anywhere; the apparent sunset is caused by Earth’s rotation. A divine text should not perpetuate imagery that so plainly conflicts with observable reality.
Embryology Sequence
Quran 23:14
claims: “We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, then the clot into a lump, then bones, and We covered the bones with flesh.” This sequence echoes ancient Greek embryology rather than divine insight. Contemporary biology shows that bones and flesh develop together, not sequentially. The description is scientifically inaccurate and reflects the limited medical understanding of the era
Mountains as Pegs Preventing Earthquakes
Quran 78:7
calls mountains “pegs,” and 31:10 suggests they stabilize the Earth. Some interpreters argue this means mountains prevent earthquakes. Geology, however, demonstrates the opposite: mountains are formed by tectonic collisions, which themselves generate earthquakes. This portrayal reflects a 7th‑century misunderstanding of Earth’s dynamics rather than divine omniscience.
Stars as Missiles Against Devils
Quran 67:5
says: “We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps [stars], and made them missiles for the devils.” In reality, stars are massive spheres of plasma powered by nuclear fusion. The verse appears to confuse meteors with stars and ties them to mythological battles against devils. Such imagery belongs to ancient superstition, not scientific reality.
Conclusion
These passages are not minor slips; they reveal a text shaped by the limited knowledge of its time. Rather than demonstrating divine omniscience, the Quran reflects the worldview of 7th‑century Arabia. For those who value reason and science, these contradictions invite careful reflection on Islam’s claim to divine authority.
At the same time, seekers of truth need not remain in uncertainty. Sikhi offers a universal and timeless wisdom, rooted in the divine teachings revealed through the Divine Creator’s Guru-form that manifested in ten forms—from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji—and now eternally present in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sikhi harmonizes reason, science, and spirituality, presenting a complete vision of truth that is open to all who sincerely seek higher knowledge and enlightenment. It is not bound by era or geography, but speaks to the human spirit across ages, guiding toward unity, compassion, and ultimately liberation from the lower vices. Through living by Naam, Sikhi makes it possible to see, hear, and experience Vaheguru in this life and beyond, offering the complete and perfect path to spiritual fulfillment.