In
the Islamic sacred tradition, this verse of the Qur’an is generally associated
with a special miracle of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa), known widely as the
event of “Shaqqul Qamar”, or the ‘splitting’ of the Moon. There are
several Ahadith that confirms
the miracle. The authenticity of these traditions are beyond reproach as the
transmission chains and channels pertaining to them go all the way to the great
companions of the Holy Prophet (sa), such as Ibn
Abbas, Anas bin Malik, Abdullah bin Masud and others. The traditions on the subject can be seen in all the major collections of Ahadith: Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, etc.
For instance, in Sahih Al Bukhari, one can read several
traditions being reported on Shaqqul Qamar:1. Narrated Abdullah bin Masud: "During the lifetime of the Prophet the moon was split into two parts and on that the Prophet said, 'Bear witness (to thus).'"
2. Narrated Anas: "That the Meccan people requested Allah's Apostle to show them a miracle, and so he showed them the splitting of the moon."
3. Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: "The moon was split into two parts during the lifetime of the Prophet." (Volume 4, Book No:56, Traditions: 830-832)
4. Narrated Anas bin Malik: "The people of Mecca asked Allah's Apostle to show them a miracle. So he showed them the moon split in two halves between which they saw the Hiram' mountain."
5. Narrated 'Abdullah: "The moon was split ( into two pieces ) while we were with the Prophet in Mina. He said, "Be witnesses." Then, a Piece of the moon went towards the mountain."
6. Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas: "During the lifetime of Allah's Apostle the moon was split (into two places)."
7. Narrated 'Abdullah: "The moon was split (into two pieces)." (Volume 5, Book No:58, Traditions: 208-211)
Hadhrat
Ali (ra) is reported to have affirmed
to have heard the account from several persons that once a number of
polytheists came to the Prophet Muhammed (sa), and said, 'If you claim to be a prophet,
split the moon which is now in the sky into two parts.'