Originally a star consists of predominately hydrogen and helium, but as the star’s mass increases the heat and pressure causes new elements to form through fusion. From Hydrogen and Helium the star then forms Carbon, Oxygen, Neon, Magnesium, Silicon in this particular order, until finally the mass and pressure are so great that iron is fused inside the core of the star.
Within a fraction of a second that iron being fused within the star’s core, the star will spectacularly combust in one of the most violent events in the universe called a supernova. This catastrophic explosion ejects most of the star’s mass into the universe.
Pending on the initial mass of the star, the remnants of a supernova will form a neutron star or black hole. A black hole is when the star’s remaining density is so great that the the it implodes upon itself puncturing a hole in the fabric of space-time. Once a black hole is formed the gravitational field is so strong that not even light is capable of leaving its event horizon.
Sura 57 of the Quran is entitled Iron. In verse 25 of this sura we read:
57:25 We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength, and many benefits for the people. All this in order for GOD to distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers, on faith. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.
But this verse does not appear to describe the specific role that iron plays in causing a supernova or the formation of a black hole. To see this representation we need to go to verse 16 of Sura 57:
57:16 Is it not time for those who believed to open up their hearts for GOD’s message, and the truth that is revealed herein? They should not be like the followers of previous scriptures whose hearts became hardened with time and, consequently, many of them turned wicked.
The concept of a hardened heart ( فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ) can be found in the following verse that further enhances the message of the above verse. To put this verse in context, 2:74 comes after God provides the numerous examples He gave to the Children of Israel for them to redeem themselves.
2:74 Despite this, your hearts hardened like rocks, or even harder. For there are rocks from which rivers gush out. Others crack and release gentle streams, and other rocks cringe out of reverence for GOD. GOD is never unaware of anything you do.
In this verse God describes that their hearts “cringe” the Arabic for this word is يَهْبِطُ which literally means to go down or fall down. This is the same word used in describing Adam’s fall from Paradise:
2:38 We said, “ Go down therefrom, all of you. When guidance comes to you from Me, those who follow My guidance will have no fear, nor will they grieve.
So there are three outcomes to a person’s heart upon witnessing God’s miracles and mercy through the opportunity for redemption:
Some hearts gush out from reverence for God.
Other hearts crack and release a gentle stream eventually opening up to God’s mercy.
But the heart’s of disbelievers under such massive pressure fall down and collapse upon themselves, like a blackhole.
Therefore, the hearts of disbelievers, just like a black hole, collapse upon themselves and thus stop emitting light. And on the Day of Judgement when this becomes apparent to them they will beg for light in a vain from the believers in an effort to attempt to fuel their survival. This is why we see in the previous verses the following statements made by these disbelievers on the Day of Judgement to the believers regarding their light.
The Worst Losers
57:13 On that day, the hypocrite men and women will say to those who believed, “ Please allow us to absorb some of your light.” It will be said, “ Go back behind you, and seek light.” A barrier will be set up between them, whose gate separates mercy on the inner side, from retribution on the outer side.
57:14 They will call upon them, “Were we not with you?” They will answer, “Yes, but you cheated your souls, hesitated, doubted, and became misled by wishful thinking, until GOD’s judgment came. You were diverted from GOD by illusions. 57:15 “Therefore, today no ransom can be taken from you, nor from those who disbelieved. Your abode is the fire; it is your lord, and miserable abode.”
Deterioration of Religion
57:16 Is it not time for those who believed to open up their hearts for GOD’s message, and the truth that is revealed herein? They should not be like the followers of previous scriptures whose hearts became hardened with time and, consequently, many of them turned wicked.
This is in contrast to the believers whose hearts burst with light from accepting God’s message and making sure that their life here on Earth is founded on the basis of righteousness.
The Great Triumph
57:12 The day will come when you see the believing men and women with their lights radiating ahead of them and to their right. Good news is yours that, on that day, you will have gardens with flowing streams. You will abide therein forever. This is the great triumph.
_ _
Subscribe to the podcast
Quran translation App on iOS
Quran translation website
Additional Resources