BİRİNCİ FEN · ÜÇÜNCÜ BÂB · DOKUZUNCU FASIL · Yedinci Madde
Seventh Point
It relates the questions posed to new astronomical knowledge and the answers given to them.
O esteemed one! It must be known that regarding the new astronomical knowledge, objections initially arose concerning religious matters, rules pertaining to observation (diraya), and the science of astronomy. These objections were:
The proposed assumptions, presented as “new views,” contradict many of what is stated in the revealed scriptures. Any science based on these views does not deserve acceptance or attention whatsoever. Therefore, it is absolutely incorrect to give credence to and consider fanciful things put forth as "new views." The response to these objections was given, employing the great premise of the science of logic, by considering two possibilities: If it were said, “These [new views] are not worthy of acceptance or regard in their own essence,” then although this may be accepted, it is of no benefit whatsoever.
If it were said, "In terms of being hypothetical, they are absolutely not worthy of acceptance or regard," then such a statement was deemed incorrect and disallowed. Responding through reciprocal conversation at the level of the minor premise, they stated: The Earth, according to this new astronomy, does not actually possess movement itself; rather, what is moving is the vortex composed of the soft matter surrounding the Earth. For the Earth is always encompassed within certain parts of that soft matter, just as a person on a ship appears to remain stationary within the ship, so too does the Earth remain constantly stationary within the parts of that soft matter.
Furthermore, it was responded: Many rulings are found explained in the revealed scriptures when considered apart from religious matters and doctrines of creation. For example, in the Torah, the moon is called “great lamp (siraj).” Yet, when we look at the moon, we know that it is smaller than other stars and that it derives its light from the sun.
The decree "The Earth is always stationary" also appears in some versions of the Torah. [99/b] Its intended meaning is true and real. For the beginning of this statement is: “One formation passes, one comes.” Thus, the meaning of the statement is: “The Earth is always stationary.” This means that "the Earth remains permanently in its existing state, completely free from change and transformation," even though occurrences and dissolutions may take place upon it. The same has been said regarding other scriptures and interpreted according to this meaning. For the Earth, as a whole, never disperses nor is ever entirely in a state of formation and dissolution,” they responded.
Subsequently, objections were raised to the new astronomical knowledge based on the rules of astronomy and the results of observations: “If the Earth were distant from the center of the universe and were merely moving along its annual orbit, then, for example, the altitude of the north pole would not remain constant, and the stars that are always located at our meridian point would not always be visible. A certain half of the celestial sphere of fixed stars would not always appear before us; the points of apogee and perigee would not be located in this manner.”
The response to all these objections was as follows: If the Earth moves on its axis in the form known to us, then the altitude of the north pole remains constantly at a certain level, and the star that is always located at our meridian point is always visible. The specific portion of the celestial sphere—that is, the six constellations identified—must always remain fixed in a particular location on the Earth’s surface and appear before us, as previously stated. For the celestial sphere of fixed stars is so distant from us that, relative to it, the Earth's annual orbit appears as a point.
Because the Earth's axis is always aligned with the universe's axis. Therefore, according to the three decrees mentioned above, one cannot permanently reside at a specific point on the Earth. Hence, it has been stipulated that the altitude of the north pole must be found by us in a single manner. When we are located at a fixed place on the Earth, then it is seen by us always in a fixed position. That is, this condition holds true as long as we do not lose or change our established horizon and the specific point above our head.
For example, if one moves across the Earth from north to south or from south to north, changing their location and the specific point located at their meridian (in a certain direction), then surely a different portion of the celestial sphere will appear before them—a portion that they could not have seen when standing in their fixed position. The portion they were previously seeing becomes completely hidden at that moment. Similarly, the altitude of the pole and the visibility of the stars located at our meridian also undergo changes.
However, regarding the necessity of the determination of apogee and perigee, it was responded: (Using the method described above), even when the Earth is moving along its annual orbit aligned with the southern constellations, it finds itself distant from the sun, thereby creating apogee. When it moves aligned with the southern constellations, it then arrives at a position close to the sun, thus creating perigee.
The decrees of this new astronomy regarding the points of apogee and perigee are exactly as they are in the old science of astronomy. The difference between them is that…
Here follows a translation of the provided text, aiming for faithfulness and preservation of meaning within a classical Islamic/Sufi context:
"Following this, objection has been raised to the foundational premise upon which the preceding responses are based: that the fixed celestial spheres are located at such an immense distance that from our vantage point, it appears as though we observe one point on the Earth’s annual great orbit. To this objection, the response is given: That this distance should be cause for disbelief is not supported by sound reasoning. Nevertheless, the minor premise mentioned above has served to demonstrate the order and system of the celestial spheres, which is our primary objective. In other fields of knowledge, one encounters many rulings that appear incredible in a similar manner [as the analogy previously presented]. Therefore, it is stated that such considerations are not detrimental.
Only Allah knows best."