1400 years ago, the knowledge of the Earth, Sun, and Moon was limited to what could be observed from our own solar system. No one knew that there were planets beyond our own solar system—exoplanets—since they could not be seen with the naked eye. However, today, astronomers have confirmed the existence of numerous exoplanets, many of which exist in the habitable zone of their respective stars, where conditions may allow for life to develop. One key discovery is the detection of water in the atmosphere of the exoplanet K2-18b, which orbits a red dwarf star. This discovery, made by the Hubble Space Telescope, suggests that this exoplanet, located 110 light-years away, may have conditions conducive to liquid water—an essential ingredient for life as we know it. The concept of life depending on water was portrayed in the Quran over 1400 years ago. The Quran's verse 21:30 states:
Do the disbelievers not realize that the heavens and earth were ˹once˺ one mass then We split them apart? And We created from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?21:30
This verse suggests that all life, in the heavens and on Earth, is dependent on water, a concept that modern science has confirmed, particularly with the discovery of water vapor on exoplanets like K2-18b. Additionally, Quran 65:12 refers to the creation of seven heavens and similar types of planets in the Earth’s likeness, hinting at the possibility of exoplanets:
Allah is the One Who created seven heavens ˹in layers˺, and likewise for the earth. The ˹divine˺ command descends between them so you may know that Allah is Most Capable of everything and that Allah certainly encompasses all things in ˹His˺ knowledge.65:12
This verse aligns with the modern understanding of the potential existence of exoplanets, reinforcing the idea that the Quran speaks of planets beyond our solar system, similar to Earth. Whilst these verses might not necessarily reference the scientific findings mentioned here, they clearly showcase how the guidance mentioned in the Quran are very much scientifically possible. The discoveries of exoplanets and the understanding that water is crucial for life echo the concepts described in the Quran, which continues to inspire awe with its relevance to contemporary scientific findings. Whilst these verses might not necessarily reference the scientific findings mentioned here, they showcase how, even the most hard to imagine realities explained by the Quran, can be shown to be permissible with modern scientific discoveries.
