1) To draw closer to Allah through contemplating His signs in outer space, some of which are mentioned in the Holy Qur'an and Noble Hadiths.
Reflecting on the beauty, vastness, and intricacy of these signs, leads us to glorify Allah , attesting to the perfection of His Divine Attributes such as His Oneness, Power and Wisdom.
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an, "Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are indeed Signs for men of understanding." (Translation: Yusuf Ali)
2) To be reminded of Allah's Prophetic Messenger, Sayyidina Muhammad who has been likened to the full moon and the shining sun due to his beauty, noble rank, spiritual light, and illuminating guidance.
3) To be reminded of the blessed and Righteous for they have been likened to celestial bodies.
For example, Sayyidina Muhammad has mentioned that some of those entering Paradise will have faces bright like the moon and others like the stars. He also mentioned that the rank of the religious scholar over the devout worshipper is like the moon over the stars.
4) To ward off heedlnessness and bring about a state of wakefulness. Pondering the vastness and beauty of outer space can put perspective in our lives.
5) To turn to Allah due to being reminded of the Day of Judgement. Some of its signs and events relate to celestial bodies.
6) To gain appreciation for `Ilm ul Falak (e.g. Definition: A science that enables knowledge of the passage of time, measurement of the days, nights, months and years, and the nature of the observable phenomema that is used to that end. Subject: The orbital movement of the sun, moon, planets, stars and constellations as they appear to the naked eye. Benefit: Knowledge of prayer times, direction of prayer, days and months of the year that enable us to fulfill appropriate acts of worship and devotional observations such as the mawlid.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nualRp0nnHg 2:44)
7) To perform the various related acts of worship to Allah , such as Salatu'l Kusuf (the Eclipse Prayer), the supplication to Allah upon seeing the new moon, etc.
8) To bring joy and freshness to one's soul, which will relieve boredom, laziness and mediocrity.
9) To refine one's inward state and outward actions with the virtuous qualities that can come with astronomical observing, such as:
* reverential awe of Allah
* patience
* humility
* aspiration
* excellence
* refinement
* appreciation for the works of others
* astronomy etiquette
* welcoming, helping, and encouraging others
10) To establish harmony in ourselves and on earth with the beauty and order in the heavens above.
11) To learn more about the Islamic Civilisation's achievements (and contributions) in Astronomy.
12) To inspire, encourage, and bring joy to others, by sharing knowledge and love for astronomy.
Note: the inspiration to forumlate this list of intentions for studying astronomy came from The Book of Intentions by al-Habib Muhammad bin Alawi al-Aydarus .
Al-Fatiha!
Irshaad Ahmad Rashid
Madrasa Riyada, Toronto, Canada
Rabi` ul Thani 1444 / November 2022