Summary of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah.
Understanding the causes of cosmic phenomena does not negate the purpose behind their occurrence.
Investigating the causes of natural phenomena is not inherently objectionable.
Such as solar and lunar eclipses, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, storms, and so forth.
However, what is objectionable and forbidden is to limit the explanation of these phenomena to a material interpretation.
Under the pretense of linking causes to their effects.
And forgetting that Allah, the Exalted, is the Ordainer of affairs, the Creator of causes and their effects.
And denying that Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, warns His servants with His cosmic signs.
And Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, says:
“Naught hindereth Us from sending portents save that the folk of old denied them. And We gave Thamud the she-camel - a clear portent save to warn.” (17:59)
“If only, when Our disaster came on them, they had been humble! But their hearts were hardened and the devil made all that they used to do seem fair unto them!” (6:43)
“If only, when Our disaster came on them, they had been humble! But their hearts were hardened and the devil made all that they used to do seem fair unto them!” (6:43)
And the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone.
Rather, they are two signs from among the signs of Allah.
Allah causes them to frighten His servants."
So if you see an eclipse,
remember Allah until it passes.
Agreed upon.
And it is said to those who explain the occurrence of a solar eclipse
by the moon passing between it and the Earth,
thus blocking its light from the Earth and causing the eclipse.
And similarly, the explanation of a lunar eclipse
by its passing into the Earth's shadow,
so the sun's rays do not reflect upon it and it is not seen.
It is said to these people:
Your words are correct.
And they explain the reason for the occurrence of solar and lunar eclipses.
But who is it that brought this cause into being?
And why does it not happen continuously and regularly?
Rather, its occurrence is rare,
and it happens at distant intervals.
The answer to that is:
They are two signs from among the signs of Allah.
He creates their causes,
and He makes them occur according to His knowledge and wisdom, whenever He wills.
As a warning to His servants, and as a lesson and admonition.
And when Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, destroyed 'Ad with a cold wind,
He created its cause during winter,
so that it would be intensely cold and destructive.
And He informed His Prophet Hud,
to warn his people of the impending punishment upon them.
So the decisive word in this matter is:
Natural phenomena occur by means
that Allah, the Exalted, has ordained and brought into existence,
according to His wisdom and plan.
And He has placed within them signs, lessons, and admonitions
for a people who believe.