Interstellar Matter

In astronomy, the interstellar medium (ISM) is the matter that exists in the space between the star systems in a galaxy. This matter includes gas in ionic, atomic, and molecular form, as well as dust and cosmic rays. It fills interstellar space and blends smoothly into the surrounding intergalactic space. The interstellar medium is composed primarily of hydrogen followed by helium with trace amounts of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen comparatively to hydrogen.

Interstellar Matter contains mainly of Gas (99%) and Dust. In total, approximately 15% of the visible matter in the Milky Way is composed of interstellar gas and dust.

Interstellar Gas

Approximately 99% of the interstellar medium is composed of interstellar gas, and of its mass, about 75% is in the form of hydrogen (either molecular or atomic), with the remaining 25% as helium. The interstellar gas consists partly of neutral atoms and molecules, as well as charged particles, such as ions and electrons. This gas is extremely dilute, with an average density of about 1 atom per cubic centimeter. Even though the interstellar gas is very dilute, the amount of matter adds up over the vast distances between the stars. The interstellar gas is typically found in two forms:

Cold clouds of neutral atomic or molecular hydrogen
Hot ionized hydrogen near hot young stars

Interstellar Dust

Interstellar Dust or Cosmic dust is dust which exists in outer space. Most cosmic dust particles are between a few molecules to 0.1 µm in size. The dust density falling to Earth is approximately 10^-6/m3 with each grain having a mass between 10^-16kg and 10^-4 kg.

Cosmic dust can be further distinguished by its astronomical location: Intergalactic Dust, Interstellar Dust, Interplanetary Dust and circumplanetary dust (such as in a planetary ring). In the Solar System, interplanetary dust causes the zodiacal light. Sources of Solar System dust include comet dust, asteroidal dust, dust from the Kuiper belt, and interstellar dust passing through the Solar System.

The Creation of what lies between the Heavens and the Earth

The Qur'an contains a great many verses concerning the creation of the earth, the heavens and what lies between:

It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and whateve r is between them in six days; then He established Himself above the Throne. You have not besides Him any protector or any intercessor; so will you not be reminded? (32:4)

And We did certainly create the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days, and there touched Us no weariness. (50:38)

We did not create the heavens and earth and everything between them, except with truth. TheHour is certainly coming, so turn away graciously. (15:85)

Everything in the heavens and everything on the earth and everything in between them and everything under the ground belongs to Him. (20:6)

We did not create heaven and earth and everything in between them as a game. (Qur'an, 21:16)

The Arabic word used in the above verses for Interstellar Matter is “ma baynahuma” which is translated as:

Everything in between
Whatever is between

The word “Heaven” in the Quran describes all the Galactic and Star Systems of the entire Universe.

So Everything in between the Heavens and the Earth is the same as Interstellar Matter that exists between the star systems in a Galaxy.

Conclusion

The Holy Quran and Islam are filled with scientific statements and notions. These are statements of Allah Almighty describing how He created things on earth and in the Universe. What's most amazing is that all of these scientific statements and notions had been proven to be in perfect agreement with science and our modern-day scientific discoveries. Allah Almighty made the Noble Quran be Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) Everlasting Divine Miracle and proof for Prophethood. The Holy Book certainly stood the test of time 1,500 years ago with Its Claims, Prophecies and Miraculous language eloquence, and it does again and again in our day today with Its overwhelming agreement with science and discoveries that were not known to man 1,500 years ago.

Allah Almighty said:

We will show them our signs in the Universe and inside their selves, until it will become quite clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient as regards your Lord that He is a witness over all things? (41:53)