Have you ever wondered about the creation of the universe?
The reflection over Allah’s creations is probably the most effective means to nurture belief and increase a human’s certainty (of an All-Powerful Being), introducing him to the Greatness of the Creator and the extent of His Knowledge and Wisdom. This is because Allah (Glorified be He) created the heavens and the earth in truth and with a purpose, and not in vain. He does not do anything without a purpose, {Allâh says to His Prophet Muhammad, pbuh): “Allâh (Alone) created the heavens and the earth with truth (and none shared Him in their creation).” Verily! Therein is surely a sign for those who believe}(Al-’Ankabût: 44)
Uncountable myriads of creatures exist in this universe! What is the wisdom that lies behind the creation of each of them?!
There are impressive miracles in this universe that manifest the ability of Allah and signs of His Greatness. Contemporary science is still in the process of discovering further miracles that motivate man to feel the Greatness of this Almighty Supreme Creator, the Originator, the Fashioner and the All-Wise.
If man contemplates and deeply speculates about this universe and the creatures it contains, he will realize, in full certainty, that it is created with infinite precision by an All-Wise, All-Able, All-Knowing God, who ordained it with the best estimate.
It suffices to consider that this universe, with its heavens, stars and solar systems, and our earth, with the seas, rivers, lands, mountains, animals and trees, were all created from nothing by Allah Almighty. If we ruminate properly, we shall feel the extent of Allah’s Power, Knowledge and Wisdom. Allah says: {30. Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? 31. And We have placed on the earth firm mountains, lest it should shake with them, and We placed therein broad highways for them to pass through, that they may be guided. 33. And He it is Who has created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, each in an orbit floating.}(Al-Anbiyâ’:30-33)
When a reasonable and wise person speculates about Allah’s creation he will certainly realize that everything in this world is a worshipper of its Lord. Everything glorifies and praises the Almighty Lord. Allah says: {Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth glorifies Allâh, the King (of everything), the Holy, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.}(Al-Jumu’ah:1)
Everything prostrates to His Greatness. The Sublime Lord says: See you not that to Allâh prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawâb (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and many of mankind? But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is justified. And whomsoever Allâh disgraces, none can honour him. Verily! Allâh does what He wills.(Al-Hajj:18)
Thus, all of these living organisms glorify and pray to the Lord of all the worlds. He says: {See you not (O Muhammad, pbuh) that Allâh, He it is Whom glorify whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, and the birds with wings out-spread (in their flight). Of each one He (Allâh) knows indeed his Salât (prayer) and his glorification, [or everyone knows his Salât (prayer) and his glorification], and Allâh is All-Aware of what they do}(An-Nûr:41)
Consequently, the believer will witness that the entire universe is moving as a single caravan in one direction towards Allah Almighty. He therefore, in turn, moves in tune with this blessed and upright march towards a contented life and a settled conscience
This vast universe, and the creatures and miracles it contains, is the strongest witness to the Greatness of the Power of Almighty Allah and the perfection of His ability to originate. This certainly proves the Oneness of Allah, the Exalted and that there are no other lords except Him and no other gods beside him. Allah says: {20. And among His Signs is this, that He created you (Adam) from dust, and then [Hawwa’ (Eve) from Adam’s rib, and then his offspring from the semen, and], - behold you are human beings scattered! 21. And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect. 22. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours. Verily in that are signs for those who know. 23. And among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen. 24.And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of fear and hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand 25. And among His Signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His Command, then afterwards, when He will call you with a single call, behold, you will come out from the earth (i.e. from your graves for reckoning and recompense). 26. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. All are obedient to Him.} (Ar-¬Rûm:20-26)
He also says: 59. Say (O Muhammad pbuh): {Praise and thanks be to Allâh, and peace be on His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)! Is Allâh better, or (all) that you ascribe as partners (to Him)?” (Of course, Allâh is Better). 60. Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water (rain) from the sky, whereby We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty and delight (better than your gods)? It is not in your ability to cause the growth of their trees. Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Nay, but they are a people who ascribe equals (to Him)! 61. Is not He Who has made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet water) (better than your gods).Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Nay, but most of them know not. 62. Is not He Who responds to the distressed one when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations (better than your gods). Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Little is that you remember! 63. Is not He Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain) (better than your gods)? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? High Exalted be Allâh above all that they associate as partners (to Him)! 64. Is not He Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it and Who provides for you from heaven and earth (better than your so-called gods)? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Say, “Bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful.}(An-Naml:59-64)
Allah has freed man from being enslaved to things and material objects. He made everything in this universe and in the heavens and the earth subjugated and subservient to man, as a favor to him and out of His Generosity, for the aim of establishing life on this earth and making it flourish and for man to be worthy of being Allah’s representative on it, and what is even more important is for His creatures to worship Him perfectly on it. This subservience is for two reasons: subservience in order for us to know the Supreme Creator, Allah, His Generosity, favors and Sublimity, and subservience in order to honor man and lift him above other subservient subjects. Allah says: {And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him.}(Al-Jâthiya:13)
Allah (Glorified be He) also says: {32. Allâh is He Who has created the heavens and the earth and sends down water (rain) from the sky, and thereby brought forth fruits as provision for you; and He has made the ships to be of service to you, that they may sail through the sea by His Command; and He has made rivers (also) to be of service to you. 33. And He has made the sun and the moon, both constantly pursuing their courses, to be of service to you; and He has made the night and the day, to be of service to you. 34. And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you count the Blessings of Allâh, never will you be able to count them. Verily! Man is indeed an extreme wrong-doer, - a disbeliever (an extreme ingrate, denies Allâh’s Blessings by disbelief, and by worshipping others besides Allâh, and by disobeying Allâh and His Prophet Muhammad pbuh}(Ibrahîm:32-34)
There is a clear indication of the issue of the Resurrection in the creation of the heavens and the earth, as well as the creation of human beings. Is not re-creating easier and more effortless than creating the first time?! The Almighty says: {And He it is Who originates the creation, then will repeat it (after it has been perished), and this is easier for Him.}(Ar-Rûm:27)
Indeed, the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of man. Allah says: {The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind, yet most of mankind know not.{(Ghâfir:57)
The Exalted One also says: {Allâh is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then, He Istawâ (rose above) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He has subjected the sun and the moon (to continue going round)! Each running (its course) for a term appointed. He regulates all affairs, explaining the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord}(Ar-Ra’d:2)