Maulana tells student ‘Earth is stationary’, netizens joke it is ‘still flat in Pakistan’

Islamabad: A classroom interaction in Pakistan has sparked debate after a student presenting a model of solar and lunar eclipses was questioned by a Maulana. The video of the exchange has gone viral, drawing mixed reactions online.

The clip shows a student standing in front of classmates and introducing his project. He says, “I have prepared a model of solar and lunar eclipses.” He then begins explaining how eclipses occur, using a physical model to demonstrate the movement of Sun, Earth and Moon .

Viral video

Using the setup, the student illustrates how the Earth revolves and how shadows are formed during solar and lunar eclipses. He points at different parts of the model, attempting to simplify the concept step by step.

Maulana says Earth is stationary

As the student continues, a Maulana observing the presentation intervenes and questions the explanation. Looking at the model, he asks, “The Earth spins like this?” in a doubtful tone.

The Maulana then shares his perspective, saying, “But listen to this point. In the Holy Scripture, Allah states that the Earth is stationary. The Quran says this, yet science says that. Now, what would you say regarding this specific issue?” He claiemd that the earth is held strong by the mountains.

He further presses the student, adding, “Regarding this specific point: whatever is written in the Holy Quran is absolutely correct.”

The student responds with a brief “yes.” Soon after, some students around him react by cheering and saying “Subhan Allah.”

Netizens react

As the video spread across social media, it triggered varied responses. Some users criticised the situation, while others reacted with sarcasm. One user commented, “Wow, nice there should be separate schools for such people….we should not disturb or disrespect anyone’s thought process….” Another wrote, “The maulana must be employed in SpaceX for his new inventions and letting know the world new solar system.”

Another comment read, “It was very surprising that the Pakistani Maulana didn’t object to the shape of the earth.”

“But the model can be still improved. Make the earth a cube / box,” a person wrote, while another added, “I thought earth is still flat in Pakistan.”