How was the world created according to the Qur'an?

Creation of the Universe in the Qur’an Full Explanation

How was the world created according to the Qur'an?

1. Creation in Six Days

Allah mentions repeatedly in the Qur’an that He created the heavens and the earth in six days.

“Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then rose above the Throne.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:54)

📝 Note:

• “Days” (ayyām) here do not necessarily mean 24-hour periods. According to many scholars, these refer to phases or periods of time, as the concept of “day” (based on Earth's rotation) didn’t exist before the creation of Earth.

• This shows a deliberate and planned creation, not something chaotic or accidental.

2. The Origin – From Smoke or Mist

“Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, ‘Come willingly or unwillingly.’ They said, ‘We come willingly.’”
(Surah Fussilat 41:11)

📝 Explanation:

• The word “dukhan” (دخان) means smoke, suggesting the primordial gaseous state of the universe.

• This resembles the “nebular hypothesis” in modern science, though the Qur’an made this statement centuries ago.

• The heavens and the earth were not separated yet at this stage.

3. The Big Separation – From One Joined Entity

“Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:30)

📝 Explanation:

• The term "ratq" (رَتْقًا) means "joined together," and "fataq" (فَفَتَقْنَاهُمَا) means "We split them apart."

• This is widely understood by scholars to mean the initial unity of matter or space before Allah expanded and separated it into the heavens and the earth.

• It parallels the Big Bang theory, which says the universe was once compact and exploded outward.

4. Creation of the Earth and Its Features

“It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:29)

“And We placed within the earth firmly set mountains, lest it shift with them, and We made therein broad highways that they might be guided.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:31)

📝 Key Points:

• Everything on Earth — mountains, rivers, plants, animals — was created purposefully.

• Mountains are described as pegs (أَوْتَادًا) in Surah An-Naba (78:6-7), which gives them a stabilizing role, something even modern geology agrees with.

• Allah made paths and routes in the Earth for human movement and guidance.

5. Seven Heavens

“He who created the seven heavens one above another; you see no fault in the creation of the Most Merciful.”
(Surah Al-Mulk 67:3)

📝 Explanation:

• “Seven heavens” can be understood as seven levels/layers of the sky or celestial realms.

• Some scholars interpret this metaphorically; others connect it to physical layers of the atmosphere or unseen dimensions.

• The Qur’an emphasizes the perfection and flawlessness of the universe.

6. Balance and Order in Creation

“And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance (mīzān). That you not transgress within the balance.”
(Surah Ar-Rahman 55:7-8)

📝 Explanation:

• Allah created everything with precision, proportion, and purpose.

• From the rotation of planets to human biology, the universe operates on laws and balance — encouraging humans to live in justice and harmony.

7. The Earth as a Place of Life

“And We have made the earth a resting place, and the mountains as stakes. And We created you in pairs, and made your sleep [a means for] rest.”
(Surah An-Naba 78:6–9)

📝 Explanation:

• Earth is not random — it's designed for life, rest, and reproduction.

• Human beings, the sky, the sun, and even the alternation of night and day are signs (ayat) of creation.

8. Everything Created in Pairs

“And of everything We have created pairs, that you may remember.”
(Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:49)

📝 Explanation:

• The idea of duality (male-female, night-day, life-death) is emphasized in the Qur’an.

• It shows the design and intention in creation, not randomness.

9. Water as the Source of Life

“And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:30)

📝 Explanation:

• This is scientifically accurate — water is essential to all known life.

• It shows how the Qur’an combines spiritual message with real-world signs to invite reflection.

 Final Reflection from the Qur’an

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and day, are signs for those of understanding.”
(Surah Aal-Imran 3:190)

The Qur’an invites not just belief, but reflection. It shows that the world is not an accident, but a designed system, pointing to a Designer — Allah.

Verses Mentioning “Six Days” of Creation in the Qur’an

1. Surah Al-A’raf (7:54)

“Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne.”

2. Surah Yunus (10:3)

“Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne.”

3. Surah Hud (11:7)

“And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six days — and His Throne was upon the water.”

4. Surah Al-Furqan (25:59)

“He who created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in six days and then established Himself above the Throne.”