Ma`rifat

The ninth verse of Surah Saba, is among the pivotal Quranic verses that explicitly command the reflective observation of the heavens. Conventional exegetical traditions predominantly construe the purpose of these invitations as contemplation upon the cosmic grandeur of the celestial bodies, thereby deducing divine omnipotence. Premised on the structural coherence and intratextual unity of Quranic discourse, the primary problematique of this study lies in scrutinizing the semantic network interlinking the observation of “what is before them and what is behind them”, “the heavens and the earth”, and catastrophic retribution—namely, earthly swallowing (khasf) and celestial projectile bombardment (kisaf-qadhf). Through this analytical portal, the study evaluates the Quranic feasibility of establishing an epistemic correlation between celestial phenomena and future worldly occurrences. Adopting a content analysis method, this article critically reviews conventional exegeses and traces judicial astrology in Imami jurisprudence and hadith, thereby offering an innovative interpretation of this Quranic verse. Consequently, the Quran not only substantiates the feasibility of exploring human past and future horizons through the heavens and the earth, but also universally impels all individuals, including disbelievers, toward this investigation. This verse signifies that the systematic investigation of celestial phenomena enables the inference of macro-level eschatological tribulations—including apocalyptic chastisements—thereby mandating proactive strategic planning and practical preparedness to mitigate their impact.