An Astronomical and Dualistic Interpretation of the “Ten Nights” in the Qur’an

Abstract

Classical commentaries offer no consensus on the interpretation of the expression “ten nights” in Surah al-Fajr. This expression is found in the verse just prior to the verse that draws attention to even and odd. Even and odd bring to mind a dualistic perspective, suggesting that ten nights might be understood in the same context. The present study explores how ten nights may be understood, considering both its textual and historical setting.