Title:
The Qur'anic Cosmology of Stars as Weapons Against Demons: A Theological and Scientific Critique
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Shimba Theological Institute
Introduction
On Thursday, November 25, 2021, I encountered a striking and troubling doctrinal claim within Islamic scripture — a claim that exposes a profound theological and scientific incongruity in the Qur'an’s cosmology. According to several verses in the Qur'an, stars were created by Allah not only for adornment in the sky but also as missiles to hurl at demons (jinn or shayatin) who attempt to eavesdrop on the heavenly assembly. This assertion raises serious questions about the Qur'an’s compatibility with both established scientific knowledge and sound theological reasoning.
This article seeks to translate, examine, and expand upon these Qur'anic claims, highlighting their inconsistencies and providing a critical Christian theological response.
Qur'anic Verses on Stars as Missiles
Surah 67:5 (Al-Mulk)
"And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with lamps and have made them (as missiles) to drive away the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze."
Surah 37:6–8 (As-Saffat)
"Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars, and as protection against every rebellious devil, so they may not listen to the exalted assembly (of angels) and are pelted from every side."
Additional references can be found in:
Surah 15:16–18, Surah 55:33–35, among others.
Theological and Scientific Implications
The Qur'anic claim suggests that stars function as physical weapons used by Allah to strike demons attempting to access the heavens. In this worldview:
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Stars serve not merely as astronomical bodies but as divine artillery.
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The purpose of these celestial objects includes both cosmic decoration and metaphysical warfare.
However, this notion collapses under both theological scrutiny and modern scientific understanding.
Scientific Incompatibility
From a scientific standpoint:
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Stars are massive luminous spheres of plasma held together by gravity, undergoing nuclear fusion reactions in their cores.
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The nearest star to Earth, the Sun, is approximately 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) away.
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To suggest that stars could be thrown or used as missiles is categorically absurd by any standard of astrophysics. The laws of thermodynamics, gravitational theory, and astronomical observation uniformly contradict this assertion.
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Moreover, if even a small celestial body like an asteroid could devastate a planet, the concept of weaponizing entire stars is ludicrously unfeasible.
This presents a significant problem for the Qur'an’s claim to divine origin since a true Creator would possess and communicate accurate knowledge of the universe He created.
Theological Inconsistency
From a Christian theological perspective:
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God is omniscient, omnipotent, and sovereign over both the natural and spiritual realms (Job 38:4-7; Psalm 8:3-4; Colossians 1:16-17).
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Nowhere in the Bible are stars depicted as literal missiles used against spiritual beings.
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Scripture presents the stars as signs, for seasons, and as declarations of God's glory (Genesis 1:14-18; Psalm 19:1).
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In fact, the Bible consistently differentiates between the material and the spiritual realms, and while angels and demons interact with the physical world (Job 1-2; Luke 8:30-33), such interactions are not through physical projectiles hurled from astronomical bodies.
The Qur'an's cosmology reflects an ancient, pre-scientific, mythological worldview akin to pre-Islamic Arab folklore, where celestial phenomena were attributed to deities and metaphysical conflicts.
Spiritual Error and Pagan Continuity
This doctrine also mirrors animistic and polytheistic traditions, where heavenly bodies were believed to possess personalities or be active participants in spiritual warfare. The Qur'an, while claiming monotheism, here retains elements of mythic cosmology inconsistent with true monotheism.
In Christian doctrine:
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Spiritual battles occur in the unseen realms (Ephesians 6:12).
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God's sovereignty is exercised through His Word, His angels, and His Spirit — not through throwing physical stars.
Thus, the Qur'anic depiction not only lacks theological coherence but undermines Islam's claim of preserving the pure monotheism of Abrahamic faith.
Conclusion
The claim that Allah uses stars as missiles against demons is both scientifically untenable and theologically flawed. It reveals a primitive cosmological understanding embedded within the Qur'an that fails both modern scientific scrutiny and Biblical theology.
As Christian theologians and apologists, it is imperative to critically engage these claims and present the rational, coherent, and biblically grounded worldview of the living God — the Creator of heaven and earth, whose creation declares His glory and whose sovereignty extends over both the seen and unseen realms without resorting to mythical cosmologies.
Shalom.
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
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