Does the Sun Set in a Murky Pool in the Qur'an (18:86)?

Debate Topic: Does the Sun Set in a Murky Pool in the Qur'an (18:86)?

Position A: Yes, the Qur'an Literally Says It

Those who read Qur'an 18:86 plainly argue it clearly states that Dhul-Qarnayn reached the place where the sun "set in a muddy spring." The Arabic phrase مغرب الشمس (Maghriba al-shamsi) describes an actual, visible event. Early Islamic commentators like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari also took this literally — suggesting the sun appears to set into a muddy or murky body of water at the earth’s edge. Critics claim this reflects ancient, pre-scientific cosmology, proving the Qur'an's human origin and lack of divine knowledge.

Position B: No, It’s Just a Figure of Speech

Defenders of the Qur'an argue the verse is metaphorical — it’s describing what it appeared like to Dhul-Qarnayn. They claim the language reflects his perspective, not physical reality. In this view, just like saying “the sun rises” or “the sun sets” in modern speech, it describes an observation, not a literal event. They accuse critics of ignoring Arabic idiomatic expression and missing deeper spiritual meanings in the passage.

Question for the Audience:
Was the Qur'an describing physical cosmology, or was it using figurative language to capture human perspective? And if it's figurative, why did early Muslim scholars take it literally for centuries?

Your Thoughts? Drop your comments below and join the debate!

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