The Splitting of the Moon: A Manifest Miracle

This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (3868) describes one of the greatest manifest miracles (mu'jizat) bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, occurring approximately five years before Hijrah when the Quraysh challenged him to produce a sign of his prophethood.

Historical Context and Scholarly Commentary

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explains this occurred during a full moon night when the disbelievers demanded: "If you are truly a prophet, split the moon for us." The Prophet ﷺ raised his hands in supplication, and the moon visibly separated into two distinct halves.

Al-Qurtubi notes the mountain of Hira' being visible between the split portions serves as definitive proof that this was not merely an astronomical phenomenon but a supernatural occurrence breaking natural laws by Divine permission.

Theological Significance

This miracle demonstrates Allah's power over creation and serves as eternal validation of Muhammad's ﷺ prophethood. Unlike temporary miracles, this sign remains accessible to subsequent generations through reliable transmission (tawatur).

Ibn Kathir emphasizes that despite witnessing this clear proof, most Quraysh persisted in disbelief, attributing it to magic—revealing how stubbornness can blind people to even the most evident truths.

Quranic Corroboration

This event is explicitly mentioned in Surah al-Qamar (54:1): "The Hour has come near, and the moon has split." The proximity of the Hour mentioned refers to the beginning of its signs through Muhammad's ﷺ prophethood, as explained by classical exegetes.