ORBIT MATAHARI DARI PERSPEKTIF SAINS DAN ISLAM: ANALISIS KONSEPTUAL, TAFSIR DAN PEMODELAN KOMPUTASI

The Orbit of the Sun from a Scientific and Islamic Perspective: Conceptual Analysis, Tafseer and Computational Modelling

Abstract

This article examines the Sun’s orbit within two complementary frameworks: modern astronomy and Qur’anic exegetical interpretation. Its primary focus is to distinguish the Sun’s orbit within the Milky Way Galaxy from the apparent solar path observed topocentrically from Earth. The study employs library-based research, qawaʿid al-tafsir, deductive and comparative analysis, as well as computational modelling using Python and the Gala package. The findings indicate that the Sun’s orbit on a galactic scale refers to the motion of the solar system around the centre of the Milky Way, whereas the Sun’s apparent path as observed from Earth is the result of the combined effects of Earth’s rotation, Earth’s revolution, and the inclination of Earth’s axis, which produce variations in altitude, seasons, day length, and the analemma phenomenon. From an exegetical perspective, Qur’anic verses such as Surah al-Anbiya’ 21:33, Surah Yasin 36:38–40, Surah Ibrahim 14:33, and Surah al-Rahman 55:5 reveal the concepts of order, determination, and the motion of celestial bodies in accordance with precise measure. This article argues that integrating science and Islam in discussing the Sun’s orbit must be undertaken with methodological care: revelation provides a framework of meaning, cosmic order, and signs of divine greatness, while astronomical models serve as tools for measurement and for explaining physical mechanisms. This study contributes to the enrichment of contemporary falak discourse by clarifying key terminology, refining astronomical scales, and demonstrating the use of computational approaches in understanding the motion of the Sun.