The Light of Truth — Page 379
REFUTING OBJECTIONS Then, if the reality of the solar eclipse, as per its well-known defi- nition, is that it is a visual manifestation resulting from the moon moving between the sun and the earth during the final days of the [lunar] month, then how is it possible that the most eloquent Arabs and non-Arabs would call it by a word that conflicts with the established terminology of the people, the language, and its literature? Furthermore, how is it permissible to utter a word carrying a specific meaning according to the native speakers of that language, then deviate from that meaning without establish- ing any context or explaining the statement? It is unacceptable, according to those who specialize in the arts and linguistics, for anyone to deviate from the established use and intended mean- ings of a word except through establishing a context that leads to confirmation and certainty [of the new meaning]. I have already mentioned that the Quran confirms this statement. Were the lunar and solar eclipses to take place on days other than the established ones, by a few or many, the Quran would certainly not have named them خُسُوف ]khusūf[ and كُسُوفًا ]kusuf]; rather, it would have mentioned them using another term and made it clear through a most evident expla- nation. However, the Quran did not do this, as you see. Instead, it named the lunar eclipse خُسُوف ]khusūf] to make the people understand that it is a well-known matter. Yes, it did not mention the solar eclipse by the name الكسوف [al-kusūf] in order to point to a phenomenon beyond what is established and well known. Indeed, this solar eclipse, which took place after the eclipse of the moon, was strange and a rare sight. And if you were looking for proof, or hoping to witness it yourself then you have already seen its strange and wondrous forms, if you have eyes to see. Thereafter, what has been pub- lished in two popular and acceptable newspapers will suffice for you. I am referring to the English newspaper The Pioneer and the Civil and Military Gazette, both widely published and 379