Science explains that the universe started from a single, dense, and extremely hot point. This theory is officially known as “The Big Bang Theory.” It also states that over the years, the universe has stretched and cooled, allowing life to form. And although this is true, this blog will explore the creation of the universe according to Islam. This blog will also shed light on the Quranic verses and hadiths regarding this topic.
Creation Of The Universe: In 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]
The tafsir of this verse states that before the universe came into existence, the heavens and earth were joined together, which means that they were all one piece, attached and piled on top of each other. There was nothing between them except for darkness. Then, Allah SWT separated them and placed air between the lowest heaven and the earth. Then he caused the earth to grow vegetation and made rain fall from the sky.
“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.”
Creation Of The Heavens & Earth In 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:
- He wanted to make something each day so he could demonstrate His power to the angels and to those who witnessed it. (Ibn al-Anbaari suggested this.)
- He was preparing things for Adam and his children before Adam existed, to emphasize Adam’s high standing before the angels.
- Completing something instantly demonstrates power, while taking a measured, deliberate approach reflects wisdom. Allah chose to manifest His wisdom in this matter, just as He manifested His power when He says, ‘Be,’ and it is.
- He taught deliberation to His servants, because if He, who never makes mistakes, created the universe in a manner of deliberateness, then it is more appropriate to do things while being deliberate for those who are prone to making mistakes.
- Creation was carried out gradually so that no one would imagine it occurred through a natural accident.”
Where Was Allah Before The Creation Of The Universe?
Before the Throne of Allah, the heavens, the earth, and any kind of direction were created, Allah SWT existed. There was nothing before him, nothing after him, and nothing beside him. There is a hadith that states that Allah SWT exists before anything else.
“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.”
There is another hadith that explains how Allah existed before he created anything.
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]
To sum it up, Allah existed with nothing before Him. Then He brought His creation into existence and ascended above His Throne, just as He has informed us in His Book.