The Quranic Revelation and the Origins of Aerodynamics: A Study of Human Flight Through Wind Control

The ability to achieve flight has been a long-standing human aspiration, eventually realized through centuries of scientific exploration. While modern aerodynamics is a relatively recent field, ancient scriptures have discussed the idea of flight, often in mythical or divine contexts. Among these scriptures, the Quran stands out for making a direct and explicit statement: that controlling the wind enables controlled flight.This research explores the Quranic revelation (Surah Sad 38:36 and Surah Al-Anbiya 21:81), where Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) was given control over the wind, allowing him to direct his flight. Unlike other religious or mythological texts that describe flight through divine assistance, supernatural means, or mystical enlightenment, the Quran presents flight as a direct consequence of wind manipulation—a principle now central to aerodynamics and aviation science.We explore how this idea may have influenced scientific inquiry, particularly during the Islamic Golden Age, leading to experiments in human flight by Abbas Ibn Firnas, the first recorded person to attempt controlled gliding. Additionally, this paper discusses how understanding the Quranic statement can lead to deeper research in aerodynamics, material science, wing structure (aerofoil design), propulsion, and modern aviation technology.