Introduction to Islamic astronomy (Falak)

Falak (Orbit)

Source : bbc.co.uk

The definition of Islamic astronom (Falak) according to language means orbit, whereas according to the term, Falak is a science, the science that discusses the astronomical conditions of celestial bodies associated with Islamic Shari'a. There are 4 scopes in the study of Islamic astronomy :

1. Qibla direction = discuss the Islamic Shari'a on liability facing the Qiblah while praying, even when not only praying but also when slaughtering sacrificial animals and when burying. To know the direction of the Qiblah can be traced with the science of Islamic astronomy in the discussion of the various directions on the surface of Earth that is experienced from geodesy science. visit this link to know what the Rules of Facing The Qibla.

2. Time of Salat = discusses the obligation to perform the prayers in due time. To know the time of prayer is also required Islamic astronomy science that is experienced from the science of the spherical trigonometry  in the discussion of the daily movement of the Sun's pseudo Earth, visit this link to know what the Prayer Times Marker.

3. The first lunar month = this discussion started from the obligation to perform fasting during Ramadan, when will Ramadan come ?, in this case we can know with Islamic astronomy that discusses the Crescent Moon Phase on the surface of the Earth, The phase is influenced by the circulation of the Earth against Sun, because the light of the Moon comes from the Sun, so the Moon as the Earth's natural satellite reflects light from the sun that directly fell to Earth.

4. Eclipse = this discussion also started from the Islamic Shari'a regarding the extinction in praying during the eclipse, when will the eclipse happen ?. In this case we can also know when the eclipse occurred with Islamic astronomy that discusses the phase of conjunction and opposition of the Sun, Earth, Moon in a straight line.

Islamic astronomy is not as difficult as it is in our minds. Islamic astronomy is fun! It has become one of the most rare sciences of today. Indeed seen by the eyes of astronomy more advanced knowledge, but it is a modern astronomy. Not Islamic astronomy. Rarely anyone learns this science, when in fact this science is very important because it is needed in the religion of Islam.