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In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
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In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
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An article by : Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar
Translated by: Hazem Hamdy
The Noble Qur'an refers in several Ayas (verses) to the universe and to many of
its constituents (the heavens and earth, and the various forms of creatures,
objects, and cosmological phenomena in each).
Those Ayas are introduced in the context of
demonstrating the boundlessness of divine powers by which this universe,
including everyone and everything in it, was brought into existence. The Ayas
also prove that the Creator of this universe is also capable of annihilating it
and of subsequently reconstructing it anew. Such reasoning is brought forth as
part of confuting infidels, polytheists, and agnostics, and proving that Allah
is the only God and that He has no partner, counterpart, or contender.
The perpetual claim of infidels has been, and will remain until the Day of
Judgment, based on attempts to deny the two issues of creation and resurrection
after annihilation. Those two issues characteristically fall beyond the
immediate perception of scientists, in spite of the tangible evidence that Allah
has maintained in the terrestrial and celestial surfaces to assist sensibly
contemplating humans in realizing the reality of creation and the inevitability
of annihilation and subsequent resurrection. Understanding the details of such
facts in isolation of divine guidance would be more of a wild-goose chase than
anything else. In that regard, Allah ta'ala says in response to wrongful
infidel, polytheist, and agnostic humans and jinn:
"I made them not to witness the creation of the heavens
and the earth, nor their own creation; nor choose I misleaders for My helpers"
(Al-Kahf: 51)
On the other hand, Allah ta'ala encourages humans to
ponder and meditate on the creation of the heavens and earth with the following
words of His perfect book:
Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in
the difference of night and day are tokens of His sovereignty for men of
understanding. Such as remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and
consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, and say: Our Lord! Thou
createdst not this in vain. Glory be to Thee! Preserve us from the doom of fire.
(Al-'imran: 190-191).
The revelation of the latter two noble ayas and subsequent ayas in the same sura
had an immense impact on the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him). He was quoted to have said upon their revelation, "Woe unto
those who hear those ayas and onto them do not ponder." The explicit command
contained therein indicates that pondering on the creation of the heavens and
earth is an Islamic duty that must be carried out by a group of Muslims. Such an
undertaking is a most honorable and important act of worshipping Allah the
Creator, in addition to being one of the most important means of realizing the
reality of creation, the inevitability of annihilation, and the necessity of
resurrection, and of assuring the glory of Allah ta'ala and that He is the only
God and Lord.
The universe that we inhabit is of vast size, fine
construction, and accurate motion. It is orderly in all its aspects and
systematic in its entire construct, fine and coarse. Being as such, nobody with
the least of reason can imagine that its is a product of sheer coincidence or
that it brought itself into existence. Rather, it must have a magnificent
originator possessing an extent of absolute power, perfect wisdom, and
comprehensive knowledge sufficient for creating this universe, including
everyone and everything in it. It is not possible that such a creator have a
contender to his dominion or have an associate in his supremacy, because He is
the Lord and Sovereign of this universe. None of His creation resembles Him, for
He is the Creator of all things, and He is doubtlessly superior to all of His
creation. He may not be limited in space or time, simply because He created both
of them. Additionally, neither matter nor energy formation may apply to Him,
because he is the Innovator of them both. We know nothing about His Supreme Self
other than the definition of Himself introduced in His own words:
The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He hath made for
you pairs of yourselves, and of the cattle also pairs, whereby He multiplieth
you. Naught is as His likeness; and He is the Hearer, the Seer.
(Ash-Shura: 11).
We also have His words to the last of His prophets and messengers (may the peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him):
Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought
of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him.
(Al-Ikhlas: 1-4).
Accordingly, reflecting on the creation of the heavens and
earth is one of the most significant approaches to believing in Allah, and is
thus strongly encouraged in both the Noble Qur'an and the virtuous Prophetic
Sunna.
Assurance of the Noble Qur'an that evidence in the heavens and earth proves
creation, annihilation, and resurrection
The Noble Qur'an emphasizes the evidence found in the heavens and earth
expressing the absolute divine power obvious in their creation and origination,
as well as the inevitability of their eventual annihilation and subsequent
reconstruction in a form other than that currently known to us. This is
recurrent in several ayas, among which are the following:
- He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in truth.
(Al-Ana'am: 73)
- Allah created the heavens and the earth with truth. Lo!
therein is indeed a portent for believers. (Al-'ankabut:
44)
- Allah created not the heavens and the earth, and that
which is between them, save with truth and for a destined end. But truly many of
mankind are disbelievers in the meeting with their Lord.
(Ar-Rum: 8)
- And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the
earth, and the difference of your languages and colors. Lo! herein indeed are
portents for men of knowledge. (Ar-Rum: 22)
- He it is who produceth creation, then reproduceth it and
it is easier for Him. His is the Sublime Similitude in the heavens and in the
earth. He is the Mighty, the Wise. (Ar-Rum: 27)
- He created the heavens and the earth with truth, and He
shaped you and made good your shapes, and unto Him is the journeying.
(At-Taghabun: 3)
- He hath created the heavens and the earth with truth. He
maketh night to succeed day, and He maketh day to succeed night, and He
constraineth the sun and the moon to give service, each running on for an
appointed term. Is not He the Mighty, the Forgiver?
(Az-Zumar: 5)
- Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is
greater than the creation of mankind; but most of mankind know not.
(Ghafir: 57)
- And of His portents is the creation of the heaven and
the earth, and of whatever beasts He hath dispersed therein. And He is Able to
gather them when He will. (Ash-Shura: 29)
- And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all
that is between them, in play. We created them not save with truth; but most of
them know not. (Ad-Dukhan: 38-39)
Assurance of the Noble Qur'an that Allah ta'ala is the
Creator of the heavens, earth, and everything else
Derivatives of the Arabic root term for creation (Khalq) occur two hundred and
sixty one times in the Noble Qur'an, assuring that the process of creation is
exclusively attributed to Allah ta'ala with absolutely no association nor
contention. In reality, no one else is capable of creation unless supported by
authority from Allah ta'ala. On the other hand, the Arabic word corresponding to
"heaven" (sky) is mentioned in singular, plural forms in three hundred and ten
locations in the Noble Qur'an. One hundred and twenty of those are in singular
(heaven) and one hundred and ninety in plural (heavens) in both definite and
indefinite forms. Derivatives of the term for earth are mentioned in four
hundred and sixty one locations covering various contexts, all of which affirm
that Allah ta'ala is the Creator of the heavens, earth, and everything else,
such as the following:
- Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no God save Him, the
Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He taketh care of all things.
(Al-An'am: 102)
- His verily is all creation and commandment Blessed be
Allah, the Lord of the Worlds! (Al-A'raf: 54)
- Lo! He produceth creation, then reproduceth it
(Yunus: 4)
- Say: Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the
One, the Almighty. (Ar-Ra'd: 16)
- He hath created everything and hath meted out for it a
measure. (Al-Furqan: 2)
- Allah is Creator of all things, and He is Guardian over
all things. (Az-Zumar: 62)
- Such is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things.
There is no God save Him. How then are ye perverted? (Ghafir:
62)
- Lo! We have created every thing by measure.
(Al-Qamar: 49)
- He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of naught, the
Fashioner. (Al-Hashr: 24)
The Noble Qur'an extensively and conclusively handles the issues of creation and
resurrection by ascribing them exclusively to Allah ta'ala. This is because they
were two of the most challenging issues that have been historically used as
arguments by atheists and agnostics lacking knowledge and guidance. Until today,
they still use such repudiation and denial in contesting the belief in Allah
ta'ala as the Creator. The Noble Qur'an refutes their claims as follows:
- Is He then Who createth as him who createth not? Will ye
not then remember? (An-Nahl:
17)
- Those unto whom they cry beside Allah created naught,
but are themselves created. (An-Nahl: 20)
- Yet they choose beside Him other gods who create naught
but are themselves created. (Al-Furqan: 3)
- Or were they created out of naught? Or are they the
creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they are sure
of nothing! (At-Tur: 35-36)
- Say: Is there of your partners ( whom ye ascribe unto
Allah ) one that produceth Creation and then reproduceth it? Say: Allah
produceth creation, then reproduceth it. How then, are ye misled! (Yunus:
34)
- See they not how Allah produceth creation, then
reproduceth it? Lo! for Allah that is easy. Say ( O Muhammad ): Travel in the
land and see how He originated creation, then Allah bringeth forth the later
growth. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
(Al-'ankabut: 19-20)
Stance of the Islamic civilization on the issue
of creation
Upon completion of the mission of the Prophet (may the
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Muslims set out to establish the
greatest civilization history ever knew. Their endeavor was based on undisputed
belief in the fact of creation and the inevitability of resurrection. The aim
was achieved because theirs was the only civilization that successfully combined
this world with the afterlife in a single formula that lasted for more than ten
whole centuries. Such civilization called for worshipping of Allah as He
commanded (on basis of pure monotheism and full denial of any counterpart,
associate, or contender to His names and attributes). It concurrently calls for
adequate fulfillment of the constructive duties assigned to humans on earth and
the realization of justice as set forth by Allah thereon, based on the laws
revealed by Allah through his final messenger. It is that revelation that Allah
vowed to preserve in the same language as it was revealed; word for word and
letter for letter. Truly, it has been preserved so that no human may ever have
an excuse after that conclusive revelation was brought forth and preserved under
the vow of Allah from any loss or distortion.
Applying such a balanced combination of divine revelation with endeavors to
acquire beneficial knowledge, the Islamic civilization enlightened all religious
and civil aspects of life, while establishing a solid foundation for religious,
scientific, and technological matters. This was based on belief in the natural
coherence of knowledge, and that believers enjoy ultimate entitlement to wisdom,
simply because they are constantly pursuing it. As such, the Islamic
civilization compiled knowledge from all sources, no matter how distant or how
disparate the initiating civilization and the beliefs of its members were.
However, such knowledge was never taken for granted. Rather, all available human
heritage would always be screened using Islamic criteria that are based on pure
belief in the unity of Allah, in order to purify that heritage from all the
blemishes of polytheism, atheism, and repudiation towards Allah ta'ala.
Additionally, the Islamic civilization made substantial inherent contributions
to all aspects of human heritage, which subsequently served as a springboard for
the modern scientific and technological renaissance. This is a fact that many a
contemporary scientist admits all over the world.
Believing in the unseen never impeded scientific and technological progress of
the Islamic civilization. In fact, the Islamic civilization strongly encouraged
pursuing such progress, considering it one of the patterns of worshipping Allah
ta'ala. It also encouraged contemplation of the creation and methodological
means of induction based on the laws set by Allah in the universe with the
ultimate goal of utilizing them to the constructive benefit of this world in
fulfillment of one of the duties assigned to humans on earth. Such efforts thus
represent the other side of worshipping Allah; the first side being acts of
worship based on obeying His commands and following the course of the last of
prophets and messengers (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Stance of the current materialistic civilization
on the issue of creation
The current materialistic civilization was originally formed in the Islamic
civilization crucible and rose there from. However, contrary to the Islamic
civilization, the western civilization was built on a purely materialistic
foundation. It repudiated religion and assumed a denying position with regards
to believing in Allah, His angels, books, and messengers, and the Day of
Judgment. It also rejected anything that is unseen in an explicitly hostile and
scornful manner. It thus deviated off-track and went astray, in spite of its
tremendous amount of scientific discoveries and amazing technological
achievements. In fact, such discoveries and achievements are potential factors
of the eventual destruction of that very civilization in the absence of any
religious, spiritual, or ethical commitment. How truly has this been expressed
in the Noble Qur'an more than fourteen hundred years ago, in the revealed words
of Allah ta'ala: Then, when they forgot that whereof they had been reminded, We
opened unto them the gates of all things till , even as they were rejoicing in
that which they were given , We seized them unawares , and lo! they were
dumbfounded. So of the people who did wrong the last remnant was cut off. Praise
be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds!
By rejecting belief in Allah, western societies have descended to an extremely
inferior standard of depravity, social deterioration, and defiance of the nature
with which Allah created every being. This coincided with their enjoyment of
material superiority that supported their hegemony, subjugation of others, and
spreading of injustice; as they lack fear of a Lord and of judgment, all of
which pose a combined threat to the very existence of humanity!
Human knowledge as a whole, and science in particular, are still being composed
on purely materialistic grounds that only take tangibles into consideration and
neglect everything beyond. Human societies drifted with such directions into an
endless labyrinth, thus going astray and misleading others, in spite of the
enormous amount of information contained therein and the amazing technological
progress that has been achieved.
Misguidance of modern materialistic civilization reaches its peak when it deals
with issues that simply cannot be subjected to direct human perception, such as
those related to creation, annihilation, and resurrection (creation of the
universe, of life, of humans, and subsequent annihilation and resurrection
thereof anew). Those are some of the issues that imply the need for divine
guidance. Otherwise, profound misguidance is certain. Allah ta'ala most
truthfully confutes those claims made by wrongful infidel, polytheist, and
agnostic humans and jinn as follows:
I made them not to witness the creation of the heavens and
the earth, nor their own creation; nor choose I misleaders for (My) helpers.
(Al-Kahf: 51)
The Noble Qur'an assures that none of humans or jinn witnessed the creation of
the heavens and earth, nor even of his own self, for that matter. However, it
concurrently affirms the necessity of pondering on the creation of heavens,
earth, and life as the most significant indicators of the boundless power of
Allah and the perfect craft of divine production. They equally indicate the
inevitability of afterlife and the necessity of resurrection, judgment,
paradise, and hell. This is due to the fact that the Creator (highly exalted and
glorified) left clues in the terrestrial rocks and in the celestial plane to
help humans understand the issues of creation and resurrection, in spite of
their limited mental and perceptive abilities vis-а-vis the vastness of the
universe, the enormity of its dimensions, and the complexity of its structure,
in addition to the structural complexity of the human body and its cells. Such a
combination produces a marvelous form of placing the entire universe at the
service and benefit of man, and of rendering it within his conception and
perception.
