Introduction
Our lives seem random, yet everything flows in rhythm. The planets travel in a perfectly determined path, like the gears of a clock in the cosmos. In those planetary motions, we as human beings receive their hidden rhythms. So, we are all being affected by hidden celestial rhythms based on different types of properties of the celestial bodies.
The Universe as a giant clock
If you look up to the sky, you will see that every star and every planet moves in an exact order, which astronomers call “cosmic harmony”. The Earth orbits the sun in the cosmos, the moon orbits the Earth in the cosmos, the tides ebb and flow as the moon passes overhead, and, believe it or not, we as human beings live in the same rhythm.
Contemporary Scientific Research
The evidence is in; we have now scientifically validated the cosmic forces in our lives. For example, Current Biology published a study in 2013 that demonstrated a full moon reduced sleep by 20 minutes. Another study established that solar storms interfere with the human nervous system and heart rate. Clearly, planetary influences silently shape our daily lives.
The Moon and Our Feelings
The moon is the closest body to Earth, so the moon’s effect would logically be strongest in comparison to other cosmic forces. Psychologists have noticed people feel more anxious during a full moon, and an increase in emergency cases is recorded in hospitals during full moons as well. The moon changes not only the tide but human emotions as well.
Read more: Emotional Gravity: The Cosmos and Your Mind
Did You Know?
The seven days of the week are named after seven celestial bodies—the Sun, Moon, and five visible planets.
The Power of the Sun’s Rhythm
The Sun is another strong converter. The Sun has control of sleep and energy. When sunlight fades, as in winter, many people feel depressed. Psychologists have a name for it: it is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Sunlight stimulates serotonin, the “happiness” hormone. Without sunlight, one inevitably becomes sad and tired.
Islamic Teaching on the Sun and Moon
The Qur’an says: “And He made the Sun and the Moon— both are travelling in orbits” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:33). This tells us that Allah designed the movement of the heavenly bodies intentionally. Their rhythms in physics are not random. They are signs of Allah for us to consider.
The Internal Clock – Circadian Rhythms
Within the body, every human is also equipped with an internal clock, which scientists account for as the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythms regulate sleep, mood, hunger, and attention. Importantly, the circadian rhythm is also influenced by sunlight; when the sun rises, energy rises, and when night approaches, calmness sets in.
Healed Mind vs. Traumatized Mind
A healed mind flows naturally within natural rhythms. It will wake with dawn, rest by night, and be at peace. A traumatized mind resists these cycles. A traumatized mind will struggle to sleep and have restlessness of mind during stillness. Healing is often about returning to Divine timing.
Islamic Example from Real Life: the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ flowed well in harmony with cosmic rhythms. He prayed Fajr at dawn, worked during the day, and afford to rest at night after Isha. Modern psychology tells us that this healthy balance improves mental health. So, His radical way of life was a perfect example of cosmic harmony.
One Case Study: Ramadan and Lunar Cycles
Ramadan is the month of fasting based on the lunar calendar. Going without food or drinks during a lunation rapidly reshapes human behavior. Research has demonstrated that fasting “resets” biological clocks, but also serves to provide more self-control. From a spiritual year, Ramadan fasting helps nearly all humans flow better towards Allah’s divine rhythm.
Read more: When Stars Die: Supernovae & Psychology
Did you know?
Did you know that the female menstrual cycle often synchronizes with the lunar cycle? There are many studies that have found that cycles of 28-30 days sync with cycles of the moon.
Planetary Rhythms beyond the Moon
The moon and sun are not the only planets that matter. Other planets influence human behavior. For example, solar storms from the sun disrupt melatonin levels, which manage sleep, mood, and even the 7th most important molecule for life on Earth. Also, some studies suggest that Mars’ movements impact weather and, therefore, human behavior too.
An Interesting Fact
Did you know heart attacks peak in the morning? Doctors have studied circadian rhythms and found strong evidence that it has an impact on blood pressure and heart activity. Hence, even financial market movement patterns seem to be linked to lunar phases.
Reflecting Spiritually on Rhythm
Each heartbeat is a recollection of cosmic order. Each breath is a reflection of divine timing. So, as humans realize that they connect to these rhythms, they will see their peace rise in harmony. If at all possible, once they realize they actively resist these rhythms, their inner chaos will increase. Hence, this is what makes the requirement for Salah, to pray at fixed times, so important to Islam. Hence, salah means to connect to an inner rhythm, while also connecting back to the cosmic order.
Quranic Sign
Allah says: “And indeed, we created everything with predestination.” (Surah Al-Qamar 54:49) This verse indicates that absolutely nothing happens except by the timing that Allah has decided for it to occur. So, every rhythm, including the rhythms we may be oblivious to, is within Allah’s design.
In Reference to Stars
The Qur’an says: “And it is He who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them.” (Surah Al-An’am 6:97) Not only are they for navigation, but a larger element is the signs that provoke thought. Contemplation of divine order. So, this is especially true whenever the stars are referenced in the Qur’an.
Case Study: Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)
Umar (RA) lived with a sense of discipline. He prayed at specific times, woke early, and lived in harmony with the natural order of cycles. So, his calmness and leadership reflected his own internal alignment within a cosmic order.
Did You Know?
Did you know that birds wake at dawn because of the Earth’s magnetic field? Also, their rhythm is based on implicit celestial ([chi]) energy. Similar implicit connections exist for human beings as well.
- Ways to align with the Celestial Clock
- Wake early at sunrise.
- Pray at specified times.
- Spend time in sunlight.
- Observe moon cycles and emotions.
- Spend less time under artificial light at night.
Farming by the Moon
Did you know that for centuries, farmers planted their crops according to the moon phases? Even to this day, gardeners have reported better crop growth when planting according to the lunar cycles.
Psychological Benefits of Rhythms
Through study, psychologists discovered early risers feel 12% happier than those who wake up later. A study done at the University of Toronto showed that researchers who were early risers had more positive moods than those who woke late. Interestingly, we know Islam has a morning prayer and encourages us to wake early. Here we see science confirming spiritual understandings.
Conclusion
The celestial clock is always counting down. Planets, moons, and stars act on human behavior in hidden ways. The science shows us the extent of influence. Islam reminds us that rhythms are a sign from the Divine. Psychology has confirmed that the human mind operates on a cosmic order. Therefore, to achieve inner peace, we must synchronize ourselves with the celestial clock and trust in the Creator who makes such timekeeping possible.
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