37:6
We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars
The following excerpt is taken from “The Quran and Modern Science” by Maurice Bucaille:
The Qurʾān contains several references to celestial bodies, including stars and planets, which some commentators interpret in light of later scientific understanding. In one verse, the term for star (najm) appears with the descriptive adjective thāqib, meaning something that pierces or penetrates through darkness, suggesting a luminous body that shines brightly in the night sky (Qurʾān 86:3). Modern astronomy recognizes that stars generate their own light through internal processes of nuclear fusion, a characteristic that distinguishes them from other celestial objects.
In contrast, the Qurʾān sometimes uses a different term, kawkab, which has been interpreted by some scholars as referring to planetary bodies that do not produce their own light but instead reflect light from stars. Another verse states: “Indeed, We have adorned the lowest heaven with the adornment of planets” (Qurʾān 37:6). Within classical and contemporary interpretations, this distinction between luminous stars and reflective celestial bodies has been noted as consistent with modern astronomical observations.
The Qurʾān also emphasizes the functional role of stars in guiding human beings, stating: “And it is He who made the stars for you so that you may be guided by them in the darkness of land and sea” (Qurʾān 6:97). Classical commentary highlights the practical significance of this phenomenon. According to Maariful Quran, stars—along with the sun and moon—serve as visible manifestations of divine power and wisdom. Among their practical benefits is their use in navigation, especially for travelers crossing deserts or seas at night. Even in periods of technological advancement and sophisticated navigation systems, traditional stellar navigation has historically remained an important reference point in certain circumstances.
The commentary further emphasizes the theological message conveyed by these verses. While stars provide guidance and reflect the order of the cosmos, they are themselves creations that operate according to the command of God. They neither exist independently nor possess any inherent divinity. Consequently, the verses encourage reflection on the Creator who governs the universe rather than directing reverence toward celestial bodies themselves. In this interpretive framework, the references to stars and planets function both as signs of divine power and as reminders of the transient and dependent nature of the created universe.
References:
Abd-Allah, Muhamed. 323 Verses on Science in the Quran . Kindle Edition.
Bucaille, Maurice (1976). The Quran and Modern Science.
Shafi, Muhammad (2008). Maariful Quran. (Vol .3 pg. 420).