BİRİNCİ FEN · ÜÇÜNCÜ BÂB · DOKUZUNCU FASIL · Birinci Madde
**Article One**
It reports that the new science of astronomy has gained fame and respect.
Know then, that ancient and modern philosophers and astronomers have been divided regarding the state of the spherical universe into two groups, concerning the structure and characteristics of the universe composed of ethereal (celestial) spheres and bodies formed from the four elements (fundamental essences), their positions, order, aspects, as well as the quantities of their movement and stillness, and the explanation of other conditions yet unknown.
The majority of philosophers have chosen sound views regarding these matters and reached consensus around them; this view has gained fame under the name of ancient astronomy (old cosmology). These views and doctrines adopted as ancient astronomy—with the intention that they serve as a means for self-knowledge and contemplation of the wisdom in God’s creation—have been written and explained in the sections and articles of *Ma'rifatnama* up to this point.
As for the philosophers who adopt and prefer the second view, they consider the sun, which is composed of a mass of fire and illuminates the universe, to be the most perfect of all elements and the center of all bodies. According to them, the sun remains stationary at the center of the universe, surrounded by it, while the earth rotates like one of the stars, moving and turning; and the heavens are in a fixed state and within an order. As these scholars strive to systematize their thoughts among people with a certain order and proof, the common folk have chosen the path of reproach and condemnation. For they contradict the understanding and comprehension of the masses, believing that the earth is in motion contrary to what is visible. Consequently, people from various segments distanced themselves from them, harboring animosity and hatred. However, even before the emergence of these new views, there have always been those who said that the earth rotates. Indeed, Plato adopted the opinion that the earth rotates towards the end of his life.
Centuries and epochs have passed over this view; astronomical observations have developed day by day, and the work done up to that point has been recorded. In the time of later scholars, new knowledge and observations obtained upon the written rules and experiences established by their predecessors have been added. Thus, as the states of the spheres are evaluated within a certain system, this second view has become somewhat widespread, gaining fame under the name “new cosmology” (new astronomy) with the preference of most of the later scholars. Indeed, those who adopted this view would light candles in the middle of their homes and in churches, imitating the structure of the universe.
However, it should not be overlooked that believing and trusting in the views recounted above is not a requirement of religion. For whether the spherical universe is in what manner or has what structure, however the formation of celestial bodies occurs, and however the wheel of the heavens turns, it is never possible to deny that the universe was created afterward (brought into existence), and that believing and trusting that no other conception than that these beautifully formed shapes are the perfect work of the Most Exalted Creator is impossible. Indeed, this is a necessary, definitive belief principle for attaining certainty in faith.
The observation of this universe by philosophers from different perspectives is among the mysteries of the Creator’s artistry. The perception that the universe moves as it is viewed from any perspective is evidence of the perfection and power of the Universe's Creator.