The 25th of Dhu al-Qa’dah coincides with Dahw al-Ard, meaning the spreading out of the earth.Dahw al-Ard is one of the blessed days granted by God to His servants. It is a day filled with virtuous deeds and recommended practices. Stay with Saed News to learn more.
What is Dahw al-Ard (دحو الأرض)?
Dahw al-Ard, meaning “the spreading of the Earth,” refers to the day when dry land emerged from beneath the waters. Some interpret it as the expansion of the Earth’s landmasses, while others take it to mean the movement or shaping of the Earth. According to Islamic narrations, this event took place on the 25th of Dhu al-Qa'dah. Hadith and historical sources state that the first place to emerge from the water was Mecca, or specifically, the Kaaba.
The only Qur'anic verse that refers to Dahw al-Ard is Surah An-Nazi'at (79:30):
"And the earth, after that, He spread it out" (وَالْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِکَ دَحَاهَا).
There is scholarly disagreement over the meaning of this verse. Most scholars believe that the Earth was created before the heavens, and after the creation of the heavens, it was spread out. However, Allama Tabatabai argues that creation and spreading of the Earth are a single act, which occurred after the heavens were created. He bases this on the Earth's spherical shape, suggesting its formation inherently includes its spreading. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi interprets “dahw” as making the Earth suitable for vegetation, which happened after the heavens were completed. Tabari notes the disagreement centers on the meaning of “ba'da dhalik” (after that), with some interpreting it as chronological, and others as simultaneous.
Some scholars believe the idea of Earth emerging from the Kaaba aligns with modern scientific findings. Since the Kaaba is considered to be the Earth’s highest point, it would logically be the first to surface as waters receded. This fits with geological processes, where new land emerges from water due to tectonic activity or volcanic action. Over time, other parts of the Earth surfaced, a process referred to as Dahw al-Ard. Modern scholars also connect this with earth morphology and Wegener’s theory of continental drift.
Islamic narrations clearly state that the Earth spread from beneath the Kaaba. Imam al-Ridha (AS) said the Earth was spread out from the Kaaba on the 25th of Dhu al-Qa'dah. A hadith from Imam al-Baqir (AS) describes how God commanded the wind to stir the waters, creating foam that gathered at the location of the Kaaba. From this foam, a mount formed, and the Earth was spread from beneath it.
Scholars such as Allama Sha’rani and Ayatollah Makarim Shirazi argue that this concept does not conflict with modern science. They explain that while Mecca may not be the highest point today, geological shifts over millions of years could explain the changes in Earth’s surface elevations.
The Earth is seen as the cradle of life and a divine sign, with its mountains, seas, forests, and resources. The day of Dahw al-Ard is highly blessed in Islamic tradition and comes with special spiritual acts, including:
Fasting – said to have the reward of 70 years of worship.
Night vigil (Tahajjud) – equals one year of worship.
Remembrance of God and supplications.
Ghusl (ritual purification bath) with the intention of honoring the day.
A special two-unit prayer, near noon, where after Al-Fatiha, Surah al-Shams is recited five times in each unit, followed by the phrase:
“La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah al-‘Aliyy al-‘Azim”
Then this supplication:
“O One who forgives slips, forgive my slip; O One who answers prayers, answer my prayer; O Hearer of all voices, hear my voice; have mercy on me and overlook my sins and what I have with me, O Possessor of Majesty and Honor!”
Pilgrimage or visitation (Ziyarat) of Imam al-Ridha (AS) is considered among the best recommended acts on this day.
