The Miracle of the Splitting of the Moon is a significant event mentioned in Islamic tradition. According to Islamic belief, this miracle took place during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. The moon being split into two separate parts and then rejoining together.
How did the Miracle of the Splitting of the Moon occur?
The miracle of the splitting of the moon is said to have occurred before the migration to Medina. It is believed to have taken place in response to the demands of the polytheists, who asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to split the moon as a proof of his prophethood. This event is narrated by several companions of the Prophet, including Anas bin Malik, Hz. Ali Huzayfa bin Yaman, Abdullah bin Mas’ud, Abdullah bin Abbas, Abdullah bin Umar, Abdullah bin Amr bin As, and Jubayr bin Mut’im.
The polytheists, including individuals such as Walid b. Mughira, Abu Jahl, As b. Wail, As b. Hisham, Aswad b. Abdi Yaghus, Aswad b. Muttalib, Zama b. Aswad, Nadr b. Harith, and others, challenged the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to split the moon. They specified that one half of the moon should appear over Mount Abu Qubais and the other half over Mount Quayqian.
If you truly are a Prophet that has been appointed by Allah, then split the moon in half. Let it be in such a way that one half will appear over the Mount Abu Qubais and the other half will be seen over Mount Quayqian.
In response, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked the polytheists
If I do it, will you become Muslims?
The polytheists answered:
Yes, we will.
On the 14th night of a full moon, the Prophet prayed to Allah for the miracle. Upon receiving confirmation from the Angel Gabriel that his prayer had been accepted, the Prophet announced to the people of Mecca that the splitting of the moon would occur.
During this event, the moon was reportedly split into two halves, with one half positioned over Mount Abu Qubais and the other half over Mount Quayqian.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called upon Muslims and specific individuals, such as Abu Salama bin Abdulasad and Arqam bin Abi’l Erqam, to bear witness to the miracle.
O Abu Salama bin Abdulasad! Arqam bin Abi’l Erqam! Bear witness!
He also invited the polytheists and he said,
Bear witness! So and so!
However, some of the polytheists dismissed the miracle, claiming that it was a form of magic or sorcery performed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They attributed it to his supposed skill in casting spells. They argued that if the Prophet had indeed cast a spell, not everyone would have been affected by it. To verify the event, they sought the testimony of people who had traveled from other regions and had witnessed the moon in its split state.
The wayfarers confirmed the sighting of the split moon, affirming that they had also seen it and had informed others about it. Despite this testimony, the polytheists refused to accept Islam or believe in the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They dismissed the miracle as a widespread form of magic,
This is a prevalent magic!” , they said “Abu Talib’s orphan affected the sky with his spell!
What does Quran says about the splitting of the moon?
In the Quran, there is a mention of the splitting of the moon as a sign or miracle. It alludes to the event of the splitting of the moon, indicating that it occurred as a sign of the approaching Day of Judgment.
ٱقْتَرَبَتِ ٱلسَّاعَةُ وَٱنشَقَّ ٱلْقَمَرُ
The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].
Additionally, there is another verse in the Quran (Surah Al-Qamar, Chapter 54, Verse 2 & 3) that highlights the reaction of the disbelievers when witnessing such signs:
وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ ءَايَةً يُعْرِضُوا۟ وَيَقُولُوا۟ سِحْرٌ مُّسْتَمِرٌّ
And if they see a sign [i.e., miracle], they turn away and say, “Passing magic.”
وَكَذَّبُوا۟ وَٱتَّبَعُوٓا۟ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ ۚ وَكُلُّ أَمْرٍ مُّسْتَقِرٌّ
And they denied and followed their inclinations. But for every matter is a [time of] settlement.
(AlQuran 34:1-3)
Significance of the Miracle “Splitting of the Moon”
Here are the few significance of the miracle,
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Strengthening Belief
The Splitting of the Moon stands as a profound sign of Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood. It served as undeniable evidence for the people of Mecca at that time, reinforcing their belief in the message he delivered. This miraculous event continues to inspire faith in the hearts of Muslims around the world, highlighting the truth of Islam.
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A Reminder of Allah’s Power
The Splitting of the Moon is a reminder of God’s infinite power and His ability to suspend the laws of the universe. It demonstrates that God has the authority to manifest His signs and miracles in ways that surpass human comprehension. This awe-inspiring event invites individuals to reflect on the greatness of the Creator and His ability to shape the world.
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Divine Confirmation
The Splitting of the Moon served as a divine confirmation of Prophet Muhammad’s mission and the truth of Islam. It provide undeniable evidence for the people of Mecca, who witness this extraordinary phenomenon, that the message deliver by the Prophet was indeed from God.
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Unique and Unrepeatable
The Splitting of the Moon is a singular event that occurred during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad. It stands as a distinct miracle specific to him, differentiating him from other prophets. Its uniqueness adds to its significance, demonstrating the extraordinary nature of Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood.
Conclusion
The Splitting of the Moon remains a significant event in the life of Prophet Muhammad and in Islamic history. Its occurrence, supported by authentic narrations and eyewitness accounts, serves as a powerful testament to his prophethood. While scientific perspectives may offer possible explanations, they fall short in capturing the miraculous nature of this event. The Splitting of the Moon holds deep meaning for believers, strengthening their faith and reminding them of God’s unlimited power
