Isn’t it fascinating that science tells us the universe began from a singular, incredibly dense, and hot point? This amazing concept, known as “The Big Bang Theory,” reveals how the universe has expanded and cooled over time, paving the way for life to flourish. In this blog, we’ll joyfully explore the creation of the universe from an Islamic perspective, highlighting beautiful Quranic verses and hadiths that illuminate this topic. Get ready for an enlightening journey!
The Creation of the Universe: Insights from the Quran
Allah SWT has thoroughly explained how he created the universe in Surah Al-Anbiyah. The Quran states:
“Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and we made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe?”
[Quran 21:30]
This verse beautifully illustrates a remarkable moment in creation when the heavens and earth were once united as one, enveloped in darkness. With divine wisdom, Allah SWT then separated them, introducing air to fill the space between the earth and the heavens. Following this, He nurtured the earth to bloom with vibrant vegetation and sent refreshing rainfall from the sky. This miraculous transformation showcases the incredible power and creativity of Allah, inviting us to appreciate the wonder of the world around us!
“And We have placed in the earth firm hills lest it quake with them, and We have placed therein ravines as roads that haply they may find their way.”
The Awe-Inspiring Creation of the Heavens and Earth in Just Six Days
Several Quranic verses state that the universe was created in six days. In the Quran, Allah SWT says:
“Lo! your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, then mounted He the Throne.”
[Surah Araf, Verse 54]
“And verily We created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, in six days, and naught of weariness touched Us.”
[Surah Qaaf, Verse 38]
Several scholars have commented on this verse and attempted to explain why the universe was created in six days.
Imam al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) said in al-Jaami’ li Ahkaam al-Qur’aan,
“Allah mentions that creation took six days—although had He willed, He could have created everything instantly, simply by saying ‘Be,’ and it would be. But He chose this gradual process to:
- Teach His servants gentleness and deliberation in handling their affairs.
- Manifest His power to the angels in a step-by-step manner.
- And for another wisdom: He created it in six days because He has decreed a set measure and appointed time for all things. This is also why He delays the punishment of sinners—every matter has its fixed time with Him.”
Ibn al-Jawzi has also said in his tafseer called Zaad al-Maseer (3/162), commenting on the verse that:
“If it is stated, why did Allah not create it in an instant when He is able to do so? There are five answers for this question:
- Each day, He joyfully unveiled His amazing power to the angels and everyone who beheld His remarkable creations, just as Ibn al-Anbaari beautifully noted!
- Long before Adam came into existence, a beautiful world was being prepared for him and his future children, showcasing his remarkable place among the angels.
- While completing a task quickly certainly demonstrates power, opting for a thoughtful and deliberate approach reveals true wisdom. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, chose this intentional path, just as He effortlessly brings things to life with a simple command of “Be.”
- He has gifted us the value of careful consideration. If the flawless Creator crafted the universe with such mindfulness, how inspiring it is for us—always learning—to embrace this same thoughtful approach on our growth journey!
- The creation process unfolded gradually, reminding us that it was no mere happenstance. It’s absolutely awe-inspiring to recognize the meticulous design behind every incredible detail in our world!
Have you ever pondered the intriguing question: Where was Allah before the universe came into existence?
Before Allah’s Throne, before the heavens and the earth, there was Allah SWT. He existed in solitude, timeless and unchanging—before anything, and beyond anything. A beautiful hadith reminds us of His singular existence, illuminating the profound truth that He is always present, the eternal source of all creation.
“The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Allah existed, and there was nothing else before Him, and His Throne was above the water. Then He created the heavens and the earth and recorded everything in the Book.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 7418]
Al-Hafiz (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “This proves that nothing existed besides Allah—not water, not the Throne, nor anything else—because all of these are creations other than Him, exalted is He.”
Here’s an intriguing perspective on a profound concept: there’s a hadith that reveals how Allah existed long before anything was created. This highlights the timeless nature of the Divine—a fascinating insight into the origins of existence itself!
Waki’ bin Hudus narrated from his uncle, who asked the Prophet PBUH where Allah SWT was before he created what he created. The Prophet PBUH replied, ‘He was above the clouds. No air was above him. No air was under him. He created His throne upon water.’
Ahmad [bin Mani’] said, “Regarding the air, Yazid bin Harun said that it means there was nothing with him.”
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3109]
In summary, Allah existed independently before creation, then beautifully manifested the universe and took His rightful place above the Throne, as clearly revealed in His Book. It’s a profound testament to His greatness!