SCIENTIFIC AND ISLAMIC RESEARCHES

Force of Gravity and Quran

بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

30/08/2026

Allah knows best, but we learn through research. We may be right or wrong, and we do our best. If we are wrong, we seek Allah’s forgiveness; if right, then Alhamdulilah (Praise be to Allah).

There are many studies on this particular topic, and It will be not correct to claim that I will be able to cover them all, as the Quran contains endless knowledge that transcends time and cultural boundaries. The depth and richness of its teachings provide invaluable insights into various aspects of life, human nature, and the universe. After we pass from this earthly existence, others will continue to discover, interpret, and teach these profound lessons to new generations. This ongoing journey of exploration and understanding is what makes the Quran truly a great miracle in its wisdom and relevance. Each verse invites further contemplation, encouraging believers and scholars alike to delve deeper into its meanings and applications in contemporary life. Allahu Akbar (God is Great).

1-Force of Gravity

2-Quran and Force of Gravity

1-Section 1-Force of Gravity

The force of gravity is the invisible pull between any two objects that have mass or energy .

It is the fundamental glue of the cosmos, holding together planets, stars, and entire galaxies, while simultaneously keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground.

To understand how gravity works across all scales—from a falling apple to the vast orbits of planets—we must look at its history, its core principles, and the mathematical equations that describe it.

A Brief History of Gravity

Human understanding of gravity has evolved through centuries of observation, revolutionary mathematics, and paradigm-shifting physics:

  1. Ancient and Medieval Observations: Early philosophers like Aristotle believed heavy objects naturally fell faster than light objects because they sought their natural place at the center of the universe. However, these ideas lacked systematic mathematical proof.
  2. Galileo Galilei (Late 16th/Early 17th Century): Galileo famously challenged Aristotelian physics. Through experiments with inclined planes and dropped objects (traditionally associated with the Leaning Tower of Pisa), he demonstrated that all objects accelerate at the same rate in a vacuum, regardless of their mass.
  3. Sir Isaac Newton (1687): Newton united terrestrial and celestial mechanics. In his seminal work Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, he proposed that every particle attracts every other particle in the universe, formalizing this through the Universal Law of Gravitation.
  4. Albert Einstein (1915): Einstein radically redefined our concept of gravity with his General Theory of Relativity. Instead of viewing gravity as a direct pulling force between masses, Einstein proved it is the result of the warping of space-time caused by mass and energy.

Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation

For everyday applications, engineering, and launching rockets, Newton’s classical mechanics work with incredible accuracy. Newton stated that the gravitational force (F) between two point masses is directly proportional to the product of their masses (m1 and m2) and inversely proportional to the square of the distance (r) separating their centers.

The mathematical formula is expressed as:

F=Gm1m2r2

  • Where F is the magnitude of the gravitational force between the two masses.
  • Where G is the gravitational constant, approximately 6.674×1011Nm2/kg2.
  • Where m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects.
  • Where r is the distance between the centers of the two masses.

Example:

Imagine a child with a mass of m1=40kg standing on the surface of the Earth. The mass of the Earth is approximately m2=5.972×1024kg, and the radius of the Earth (the distance r from the center) is about 6.371×106m.

Plugging these values into Newton’s equation:

F=(6.674×1011)40×(5.972×1024)(6.371×106)2

Solving this equation yields a force F392Newtons, which is precisely the weight of the child (W=mg, where g9.8m/s2).


Einstein’s Geometric View of Gravity

While Newton’s equation tells us how gravity acts, it does not explain why it happens across empty space. Einstein solved this by picturing space and time as a single woven fabric called space-time.

Imagine a stretched-out rubber sheet (space-time). If you place a heavy bowling ball (representing the Sun) in the middle, the sheet sags downward. If you roll a smaller marble (representing the Earth) around the edge, it does not fall straight into the bowling ball; instead, it follows the curves and slopes created in the rubber sheet. This curving of space-time is what we experience as the force of gravity.

Einstein’s Geometric Interpretation of Gravity via Space-Time Curvature

Why Gravity Matters for All Ages

  • For Kids: Gravity is the reason you land back down when you jump on a trampoline instead of floating away into the clouds! It is also the reason dropped toys always fall straight to the floor.
  • For Adolescents: Gravity dictates the rhythms of our planet, from the ocean tides caused by the Moon’s gravitational pull to the stable orbit that keeps Earth at just the right distance from the Sun for liquid water to exist.
  • For Older Adults: Believe it or not, gravity is constantly interacting with our bodies! Throughout the day, the downward pull of gravity compresses the cartilage in our spines, making us slightly shorter at night than when we first wake up in the morning.

The Earth’s force of gravity is the specific gravitational pull exerted by our home planet on everything residing on or near its surface, including humans, the atmosphere, buildings, and the oceans.

While universal gravitation applies everywhere in the cosmos, Earth’s unique mass, radius, and internal composition create a very specific local gravitational environment that makes life possible.

To truly understand how Earth’s gravity works, we must look at how it is calculated, how it behaves mathematically, and why it changes depending on where you stand on the globe.

The Physics of Earth’s Surface Gravity

On the surface of the Earth, Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation can be simplified. When you are standing on the ground, the distance r in Newton’s equation is essentially the radius of the Earth (RE), because your height above the surface is negligible compared to the planet’s vast size.

By combining the variables of Earth’s mass and radius, physicists derive acceleration due to gravity, denoted by the symbol g.

The formula relating mass, radius, and surface gravity is:

g=GMERE2

  • Where G is the gravitational constant (6.674×1011Nm2/kg2).
  • Where ME is the mass of the Earth (5.972×1024kg).
  • Where RE is the mean radius of the Earth (6.371×106m).

Mathematical Proof and Calculation

Let us plug these standard values into the equation to find the average acceleration of gravity on Earth:

g=(6.674×1011)5.972×1024(6.371×106)2

g=(6.674×1011)5.972×10244.0589×1013

g9.81m/s2

This means that any object falling freely near the Earth’s surface will increase its downward speed by approximately 9.81 meters per second for every second it falls (ignoring air resistance).


Weight vs. Mass on Earth

A common point of confusion across all ages is the difference between mass and weight.

  • Mass (m): The amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms (kg). Your mass is the same whether you are on Earth, the Moon, or floating in deep space.
  • Weight (W): The force exerted on that mass by Earth’s gravity.

We calculate weight using Newton’s second law of motion combined with Earth’s gravity:

W=m×g

Example Table: Weight Across Different Terrestrial Conditions

Object / PersonMass (m)Local Gravity (g)Calculated Weight (W=mg)
Child on Earth40kg9.81m/s2392.4N (88lbs)
Adult on Earth70kg9.81m/s2686.7N (154lbs)
Adult at Mountain Peak70kg9.79m/s2685.3N (Slightly lighter due to distance)

Why Isn’t Earth’s Gravity Uniform Everywhere?

Interestingly, Earth’s gravity is not exactly 9.81m/s2 everywhere.

It varies slightly depending on two major factors:

  1. The Shape of the Earth (Oblate Spheroid): Earth is not a perfect sphere; it bulges slightly at the equator due to its rotation. Because the equator is farther from the center of the Earth than the poles, gravity is slightly weaker at the equator and stronger at the poles.
  2. Underground Density Variations: The distribution of mass beneath Earth’s crust is uneven. Dense mineral deposits or mountain ranges pull with slightly more local gravitational force than ocean trenches or areas with less dense rock. Space missions like NASA’s GRACE satellite program meticulously map these tiny anomalies to study sea-level changes and tectonic shifts.
Variations in Earth’s Surface Gravity due to its Oblate Shape

NASA uses highly specialized satellites to map the Earth’s gravitational field with astonishing precision, turning the invisible force of gravity into measurable data.

Because our planet is not a uniform sphere—featuring towering mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and shifting underground water supplies—its local mass and gravity change from place to place.

To understand how NASA maps these variations, we can examine the physics of satellite orbits, the dual-satellite formation technology, and the mathematical principles behind satellite gravimetry.

The Physics of Satellite Orbits and Gravity

When a satellite orbits the Earth, it is locked in a continuous state of free fall. The satellite’s forward speed balances out Earth’s downward gravitational pull, keeping it in orbit. However, as the satellite passes over regions of Earth with higher or lower density (such as a massive underground deposit of dense rock or a depleted aquifer), the local gravitational pull changes slightly.

This tiny shift alters the satellite’s speed and orbital path. By tracking these microscopic changes in velocity and position, scientists can map the gravitational anomalies below.

The GRACE and GRACE-FO Missions

The most famous and successful missions for mapping Earth’s gravity are the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) mission, launched in 2002, and its successor GRACE-FO (Follow-On), launched in 2018.

Instead of using a single satellite, GRACE utilized two identical satellites flying in tandem about 220 kilometers (140 miles) apart along the exact same orbital path.

NASA’s Twin GRACE Satellites Measuring Gravitational Shifts via Inter-Satellite Distance

How the Twin Satellites Work Mathematically

The secret to measuring gravity variations lies in tracking the exact distance between the two moving satellites. As they orbit roughly 500 kilometers above the Earth:

  1. Leader Encounters High Gravity: The lead satellite passes over an area of high mass (e.g., a mountain range). The stronger gravity pulls the lead satellite slightly forward, accelerating it and increasing the distance (d) between it and the trailing satellite.
  2. Trailer Encounters High Gravity: Moments later, the trailing satellite passes over the same high-mass region and is similarly pulled forward, closing the distance back down.
  3. Measuring the Change: By using highly accurate microwave ranging systems (and later laser interferometry on GRACE-FO), scientists can measure changes in the distance between the two satellites down to the width of a human hair (microns)!

The change in distance (Δd) over time (t) relates directly to the gradient of the gravitational force (F), allowing scientists to calculate the local acceleration due to gravity:

Δa=d2(Δd)dt2

This high-precision tracking yields a detailed global gravity map every 30 days.


What Do Gravity Satellites Tell Us?

Mapping Earth’s gravity is not just an abstract exercise; it provides vital data for monitoring our changing planet:

  • Tracking Water Movement: Because water has high mass, GRACE can track underground aquifer depletion, melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, and major global river basin floods.
  • Monitoring Sea Level Rise: By measuring how mass shifts from melting glaciers into the oceans, scientists can accurately separate thermal expansion of water from actual ice-mass loss.
  • Post-Earthquake Analysis: Massive earthquakes shift immense amounts of Earth’s crust. GRACE can detect these sudden subterranean mass rearrangements.

Section 2-Quran and The Force of Gravity

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبۡعَ سَمَـٰوَٲتٍ۬ وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِثۡلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ بَيۡنَہُنَّ لِتَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدۡ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عِلۡمَۢا (١٢)

It is Allah who has created seven heavens and of the earth, the like of them. [His] command descends among them so you may know that Allah is over all things competent and that Allah has encompassed all things in knowledge. (Quran Chapter 65 Verse Number 12)

From this Verse, Allah states that He has created 7 Heavens and the Earth as well. This profound proclamation has sparked extensive research and exploration within the realms of theology and science, as seen throughout the articles on this website about the creation of the Earth and the Heavens. The interpretations of such verses often lead to rich discussions, as Allah knows best. There are two prevalent translations regarding the nature of these Heavens. One interpretation suggests that Allah created 7 distinct Heavens, while another perspective holds that Allah created a single Heaven, which itself is composed of seven layers. Regarding the Earth, similar contemplations arise. We ponder whether Allah created 7 Earths, or if He created only a singular Earth that consists of these layered formations.

This theological discourse invites believers and skeptics alike to reflect deeply on the cosmos and the divine knowledge that encompasses all existence, revealing the intricate relationship between faith and understanding in the context of creation.

Allah himself mentions in the Quran that he did not make us witness to the creation of the heavens and the earth or to the creation of ourselves. This profound statement highlights the divine wisdom behind our limited perspective as human beings.

Allah only showed us what concerns us and whatever we will need for our journey through life, guiding us toward understanding our purpose and the nature of our existence.

By choosing not to disclose certain aspects of creation, He steers us away from whatever we don’t need to know allowing us to focus on the knowledge and truths that are essential for our growth, morality, and connection with the divine.

In doing so, Allah equips us with the tools required to navigate the complexities of life while maintaining our faith and devotion. and Allah says about this fact that:

۞ مَّآ أَشۡہَدتُّہُمۡ خَلۡقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا خَلۡقَ أَنفُسِہِمۡ وَمَا كُنتُ مُتَّخِذَ ٱلۡمُضِلِّينَ عَضُدً۬ا (٥١)
 

I did not make them witness to the creation of the heavens and the earth or to the creation of themselves, and I would not have taken the misguides as assistants. (Chapter 18 Verse Number 51).

This research, which delves into the intricate nature of the force of gravity, is fundamentally based on the composition of the seven distinct layers of the Earth that we inhabit. These layers, varying in density and composition, each contribute to the gravitational field we experience. Importantly, this research does not stand in opposition to the two perspectives previously mentioned. In fact, it recognizes the complexity of the concept, whether one subscribes to the belief that Allah created seven Earths or merely one Earth; this theological debate is primary to the scientific exploration at hand. The essence of the matter lies in the understanding that our Earth, regardless of its singular or plural existence, possesses the fundamental force of gravity. This force is essential for maintaining the structure and stability of our planet. Even if we were to consider the scenario of a singular Earth, the gravitational forces governing it remain unchanged, thus reinforcing the idea that gravity is a universal principle that underpins our experience of the physical world , no matter the number of Earths conceived in various beliefs.

Chapter 9 of the Quran, known as Surah Atawbah, contains 7 verses that mention “Earth.” Allah knows best and perhaps this could refer to the 7 Earths created by Allah or the seven layers of our physical Earth. Let’s list these verses and explore more hints about the structure of the Earth and the force of gravity.

Quran Chapter 9 Surat Atawbah

806 Letters- 218 Words-7 Ayaat (Verses)

{ فسيحوا في الارض اربعه اشهر و اعلموا انكم غير معجزي الله و ان الله مخزي الكفرين } [التوبة: 2].

So travel freely, [O disbelievers], throughout the land (Earth)[during] four months but know that you cannot cause failure to Allah and that Allah will disgrace the disbelievers. (Chapter 9 Verse Number 2)
 

لقد نصركم الله في مواطن كثيره و يوم حنين اذ اعجبتكم كثرتكم فلم تغن عنكم شيا و ضاقت عليكم الارض بما رحبت ثم وليتم مدبرين
[التوبة: 25].

Allah has already given you victory in many regions and [even] on the day of Hunayn, when your great number pleased you, but it did not avail you at all, and the earth was confining for you with its vastness; then you turned back, fleeing. (Chapter Number 9 Verse Number 25)
 

ان عده الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتب الله يوم خلق السموت و الارض منها اربعه حرم ذلك الدين القيم فلا تظلموا فيهن انفسكم و قتلوا المشركين كافه كما يقتلونكم كافه و اعلموا ان الله مع المتقين
[التوبة: 36].

Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him]. (Chapter Number 9 Verse Number 36)
 

يايها الذين امنوا ما لكم اذا قيل لكم انفروا في سبيل الله اثاقلتم الي الارض ارضيتم بالحيوه الدنيا من الاخره فما متع الحيوه الدنيا في الاخره الا قليل
[التوبة: 38].

O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little. (Chapter Number 9 Verse Number 38)

يحلفون بالله ما قالوا و لقد قالوا كلمه الكفر و كفروا بعد اسلمهم و هموا بما لم ينالوا و ما نقموا الا ان اغنيهم الله و رسوله من فضله فان يتوبوا يك خيرا لهم و ان يتولوا يعذبهم الله عذابا اليما في الدنيا و الاخره و ما لهم في الارض من ولي و لا نصير
[التوبة: 74].

They swear by Allah that they did not say [anything against the Prophet] while they had said the word of disbelief and disbelieved after their [pretense of] Islam and planned that which they were not to attain. And they were not resentful except [for the fact] that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them of His bounty. So if they repent, it is better for them; but if they turn away, Allah will punish them with a painful punishment in this world (Earth) and the Hereafter. And there will not be for them on earth any protector or helper. (chapter Number 9 Verse Number 74)


{ ان الله له ملك السموت و الارض يحي و يميت و ما لكم من دون الله من ولي و لا نصير } [التوبة: 116].

Indeed, to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He gives life and causes death. And you have not besides Allah any protector or any helper. (Chapter Number 9 Verse Number 116)

و علي الثلثه الذين خلفوا حتي اذا ضاقت عليهم الارض بما رحبت و ضاقت عليهم انفسهم و ظنوا ان لا ملجا من الله الا اليه ثم تاب عليهم ليتوبوا ان الله هو التواب الرحيم
[التوبة: 118].

And [He also forgave] the three who were left behind [and regretted their error] to the point that the earth closed in on them in spite of its vastness and their souls confined them and they were certain that there is no refuge from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them so they could repent. Indeed, Allah is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. (Chapter Number 9 Verse Number 118)


From the Above 7 Verses we can see that the Middle Verse is Number 38

{ يايها الذين امنوا ما لكم اذا قيل لكم انفروا في سبيل الله اثاقلتم الي الارض ارضيتم بالحيوه الدنيا من الاخره فما متع الحيوه الدنيا في الاخره الا قليل } [التوبة: 38].

Translation

O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little. (38)
 

The total letters of all these 7 verses are 806

This Middle Verse has the phrase

اثاقلتم الي الارض

which we can translate to “you adhere heavily to the earth” which perhaps (Allah Knows Best)points to the Gravity of the Earth.

So the Chapter is 9 and the letters of all the Verses where the word Earth is mentioned has the total of 806 letters.

Science tells us that The Earth’s gravity pulls objects toward its center of mass, acting as a single combined force pointing inward. While individual tiny pieces of the Earth pull in all directions from around you, their combined net force adds up into one single downward direction toward the middle and as The Force of Gravity Ranges from 9.79 to
9.81 and the Limit is 9.81. Mathematically If we Round Up the 9.806 (Chapter Number 9+ 806 Letters) we get 9.81 which is the Limit.

Although Force of Gravity is not Uniform but 9.81 is the Top of Ranges.

May be there is something else to discover and perhaps the Middle Verse points to the IRON (Allah knows Best)and this is one of the Cause of Gravity. IRON is in the middle of the Earth.

Earth’s standard acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.81 meters per second squared (or 9.81 Newtons per kilogram). This value represents the rate at which objects speed up when falling freely near the Earth’s surface.

So Perhaps and Allah Knows Best the Middle Verse points to the Earth Iron Core and where the Force of Gravity originates.

This research shows the wonder of the Quran and how scientific facts are coded within its verses, providing an unparalleled insight into the relationship between spirituality and science. As we have seen in many Quranic studies, there are intriguing hints that align remarkably with modern scientific discoveries, ranging from cosmic phenomena to biological processes. This unique characteristic of the Quran is part of what makes it one of the greatest miracles not only for humans but also for jinns. The depth of knowledge embedded in its text invites continual exploration and reflection, encouraging scholars and believers alike to delve deeper into its meanings and implications, fostering a sense of awe and reverence for its contents that transcends time and culture.


Inshaallah (if Allah wills), this page will have more research added soon.

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