Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Allah (swt)

Allah (swt) is most Gracious - The Dispenser of Grace

Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53

قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

Qul yaa - ‘Ibaadiyal-laziina ’asrafuu ‘alaaa ’anfusihim laa taq-natuu mir - Rahmatil-laah: ’in-nal-laaha yagh-firuz - zunuuba jamii - ‘aa. ’In-nahuu Huwal - Ghafuurur - Rahim.

53: “ Say (Thus speaks Allah (swt)): ‘O you servants of Mine who have transgressed against your own selves! Despair not of Allah’s mercy: behold, Allah forgives all sins - for, verily, He alone is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace!”

The first Holy Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a) says that there is no greater verse of God’s grace and His mercy than this verse in the whole of the Qur’an. It is Islam and no other religion in the world which introduces God to His creation, not as a mere merciless just judge whose decisions are based only on law and facts without any concern of any grace or mercy in it, but as the Independent - the Beneficent - the Oft-Pardoning - the most Gracious - the Dispenser of Grace, who deals with His creation as He pleases, and whose justice is ever tempered with mercy.

His infinite mercy is ever in the waiting to receive repentance from his offenders. He has made mercy incumbent on Himself (Surah al-An’aam, 6:12 and 6:54). He Himself enjoins upon the sinners to seek His pardon (Surah an-Nisaa, 4:106). He bestows His mercy on whomsoever He pleases, and also entitles him to rewards. He is such a merciful judge that He does not wait to punish but to pardon. Hence before the matter comes to be tried, He invites repentance and even encourages the sinners to make haste in seeking His pardon. He never wants any sinner to be dejected and go hopeless of His mercy. But, the pardon is granted only when it is asked in time.

It is said that ‘Wahshi’ the assassin of Hazrat Hamza (p) at the Battle of Ohad, got hopeless of being forgiven by God and hence did not embrace Islam but when he came to know of this verse, he joined the ranks of the faithful.

In Hadith al-Qudsi, Allah (swt) says:

“It were not for ‘Ruku’ (kneeling) of elders, suckling babies, grazing animals, humble youths, indeed I would have made the sky of steel, the earth of copper and the mud of pebbles. I would have not sent a single drop of water from the sky and grown a single grain from the earth. I would have poured on you My worst wrath.”

He also says:

“O Son of Adam! If people know what I know about you, not one of My creatures will say Salaam to you. If your brother just smells your sin, he will never sit beside you. Your sins are increasing everyday and your life is decreasing. Don’t waste your life in falsehood and carelessness. If you want more, then be in the company of the generous. Seek refuge from the worldly people and mix with the deprived.”

Allah (swt) is Omniscient (Knowing Everything)

Surah Yunus, 10:61

وَمَا تَكُونُ فِي شَأْنٍ وَمَا تَتْلُو مِنْهُ مِن قُرْآنٍ وَلاَ تَعْمَلُونَ مِنْ عَمَلٍ إِلاَّ كُنَّا عَلَيْكُمْ شُهُودًا إِذْ تُفِيضُونَ فِيهِ وَمَا يَعْزُبُ عَن رَّبِّكَ مِن مِّثْقَالِ ذَرَّةٍ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلاَ فِي السَّمَاء وَلاَ أَصْغَرَ مِن ذَلِكَ وَلا أَكْبَرَ إِلاَّ فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ

Wa maa takuunu fii sha’-ninw-wa maa tatluu minhu min Qur-’aaninw-wa laa ta’-maluuna min ‘amalin ’il-laa kun-naa ‘alay-kum Shuhuu-dan ’iz tufii-zuuna fiih. Wa maa ya‘-zubu ‘ar-Rab-bika mim-mith-qaali zar-ratin-fil ar-zi wa laa fis-sa-maaa-’i wa laa ’as-ghara min-zaa-lika wa laaa ’akbara ’il-laa fii kitaa-bim-Mubiin

61: “And in whatever condition thou mayest find thyself (O Prophet,) and whatever discourse of this (divine writ) thou mayest be reciting, and whatever work you (all, O men,) may do - (remember that) We are your witness (from the moment) when you enter upon it: for, not even an atom’s weight (of whatever there is) on earth or in heaven escapes thy Sustainer’s knowledge; and neither is there anything smaller than that, or larger, but is recorded in (His) clear decree.”

This verse makes it clearly understood that the Book of God mentioned here is not the one in any written or printed form but the Sacred Tablet (the Lauhe-Mahfooz) in which is secured the knowledge of everything in the Universe and the Will of the Lord.

Allah (swt) is Omnipotent and Omnipresent (Having infinite power and being present everywhere)

Surah Qaaf, 50:16

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ

Wa laqad khalaqnal-’insaa-na wa na‘-lamu maa tuwas-wisu bihii nafsuh. wa Nahnu ’aqra-bu ’ilayhi min hablil-wariid

16: Now, verily, it is We who have created man, and We know what his innermost self whispers within him: for we are closer to him than his jugular vein.

Man has been created by God. God knows everything, even the innermost, i.e. the most latent endowments of the feelings and thoughts of each individual. The life-vein i.e. the jugular vein which is the big trunk vein, running on each side of the neck which brings the blood back from the head to the heart, which is considered so near to the life of an individual is cited here just to illustrate that God is nearer to the very existence of the individual than the very vein on which his life depends.

Declaration of Allah’s (swt) Perfection and Absolute Oneness

Surah Ikhlas, 112:1-4

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

Qul Hu-wal-laahu ’Ahad;

Say: “He is the One God:

اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ

’Al-laahus-Samad;

God the Eternal, the Uncaused Cause of All Being.

لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ

Lam yalid, wa lam yuulad;

He begets not, and neither is He begotten;

وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

Walam yakul-la-Huu kufuwan ’ahad.

and there is nothing that could be compared with Him.”

This chapter with all its brevity is considered to contain the gist or the spirit of the Absolute Unity of God which is the fundamentals of the faith, Islam. It is considered that one third of the Qur’an is revealed as an explanation of this Synthesis. It is said that the Holy Prophet (p) was asked to give the idea of godhead that he preached and this Chapter was revealed.

Attributes of Allah (swt)

Surah al-Hashr, 59:22-24

هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ هُوَ الرَّحْمَنُ الرَّحِيمُ

Huwal-laa-hul-lazii Laaa-’i-laaha ’il-laa Huu; - ‘Aalimul-ghaybi wash-shahaa-dah; Huwar-Rahmaa-nur-Rahiim.

God is He save whom there is no deity: the One who knows all that is beyond the reach of a created being’s perception, as well as all that can be witnessed by a creature’s senses or mind: He, the Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace.

هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ

Huwal-laa-hul-lazil Laaa-’i-laaha ’il-la a Huu; - ’Al-Malikul-Qud-duusus-Salaamul - Mu‘-minul - Muhay-minul-‘Aziizul-Jab-baarul-Mutakab-bir: Sub-haanal-laahi ‘am-maa yushri-kuun.

God is He save whom there is no deity: the Sovereign Supreme, the Holy, the One with whom all salvation rests, the Giver of Faith, the One who determines what is true and false, the Almighty, the One who subdues wrong and restores right, the One to whom all greatness belongs!

Utterly remote is God, in His limitless glory, from anything to which men may ascribe a share in His divinity!

هُوَ اللَّهُ الْخَالِقُ الْبَارِئُ الْمُصَوِّرُ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاء الْحُسْنَى يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

Huwal-laahul Khaaliqul- Baari-’ul-Musaw-wiru lahul-’Asmaaa-’ul-Husnaa: yusab-bi-hu lahuu maa fis-samaa-waati wal-’arz: wa Huwal- ‘Aziizul-Hakiim.

He is God, the Creator, the Maker who shapes all forms and appearances!

His (alone) are the attributes of perfection. All that is in the heavens and on earth extols His limitless glory: for He alone is Almighty, truly wise!

These verses contain the most beautiful of God’s names using which in his supplication any sincere believer can invoke the infinite mercy of the Lord for the blessings desired by the adorer. None of the divine attributes of His, in any way or any extent resemble the qualities in any of His creatures. Thus He is the unique unit in all respects in the Absolute sense of the term.

Allah’s (swt) Justice (‘Adil)

Surah Ali `Imran, 3:182

ذَلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَأَنَّ اللّهَ لَيْسَ بِظَلاَّمٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ

Zaalika bimaa qad-damat ’y-diikum wa ’an-nallaaha laysa bi-zal-laamil-lil-’abiid.

In return for what your own hands have wrought - for never does God do the least wrong to His creatures!

Here the infidels are warned saying: ‘do not think that your evil deeds end here and have no echo in your life hereafter. God is All-Just every evil doer shall be duly punished.’

The following verses also make reference to Allah’s (swt) justice:

Surah Fussilat, 41:46

“Whoso does what is just and right, does so for his own good; and whoever does evil, does so to his own hurt: and never does God do the least wrong to His creatures.”

Surah az-Zalzal, 99:7-8

“And so, he who shall have done an atom’s weight of good, shall behold it; and he who shall have done an atom’s weight of evil, shall behold it.”

Surah an-Nisa, 4:40

إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةً يُضَاعِفْهَا وَيُؤْتِ مِن لَّدُنْهُ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

’In-nallaaha laa yazlimu misqaala zar-rah: wa ’in-taku hasanatan - yuzaa - ’ifhaa wa yu’-ti mil-la-dunhu ’ajran ‘a-ziimaa.

“Verily, God does not wrong (anyone) by as much as an atom’s weight; and if there be a good deed, He will multiply it, and will bestow out of His grace a mighty reward. (i.e. far in excess of what the doer of good may have merited)”

Surah an-Nisa, 4:49

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يُزَكُّونَ أَنفُسَهُمْ بَلِ اللّهُ يُزَكِّي مَن يَشَاء وَلاَ يُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلاً

’Alam tara ilal-lazina yu-zak-kuuna ’anfusahum? Balil-laahu yuzak-kii man-yashaaa-’u wa laa yuzlamuuna fatiilaa.

“Art thou not aware of those who consider themselves pure? Nay, but it is God who causes whomsoever He wills to grow in purity; and none shall be wronged by as much as a hair’s breadth.”

A Supplication for Allah’s (swt) Unlimited Mercy

Surah al-Baqarah, 2:286

لاَ يُكَلِّفُ اللّهُ نَفْسًا إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلاَ تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلاَ تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لاَ طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا أَنتَ مَوْلاَنَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ

Laa yukalli-fullaahunaf-san‘il-las wus-’ahaa. Lahaa maa kasabat wa ‘alay-haa mak-tasabat. Rab-banaa wa laa tuham-mil-naa maa laa taaqata lanaa bih. Wa’-fu ‘an-naa, waghfir lanaa, war-ham-naa. ‘Anta Mawlaa-naa fan-surnaa ‘alal-qaw-mil-kaafi-riin.

“ God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear: in his favour shall be whatever good he does, and against him whatever evil he does.”

“ O our Sustainer ! Take us not to task if we forget or unwittingly do wrong !”

“ O our Sustainer ! Lay not upon us a burden such as Thou didst lay upon those who lived before us !” 1

“ O our Sustainer ! Make us not bear burdens which we have no strength to bear !”

“And efface Thou our sins, and grant us forgiveness, and bestow Thy mercy upon us! Thou art our Lord Supreme: succour us, then, against people who deny the truth !”

The Innumerous Blessings of Allah (swt) Bestowed upon Mankind

Surah an-Nahl, 16:66-69

وَإِنَّ لَكُمْ فِي الأَنْعَامِ لَعِبْرَةً نُّسْقِيكُم مِّمَّا فِي بُطُونِهِ مِن بَيْنِ فَرْثٍ وَدَمٍ لَّبَنًا خَالِصًا سَآئِغًا لِلشَّارِبِينَ

Wa ’in-na lakum fil-an‘aami la-‘ibrah. Nus-qiikum-mim-maa fii butuu-nihii mimbayni far-thinw-wa damil-labanan khaalisan - saaa-’ighal-lish-shaa-ribiin.

And, behold, in the cattle (too) there is indeed a lesson for you: We give you to drink of that (fluid) which is (secreted from) within their bellies between that which is to be eliminated (from the animal’s body) and (its) life-blood: milk pure and pleasant to those who drink it.

وَمِن ثَمَرَاتِ النَّخِيلِ وَالأَعْنَابِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِنْهُ سَكَرًا وَرِزْقًا حَسَنًا إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ

Wa min - thama-raatin-na-khiili wal-’a‘-naabi tat-takhi-zuuna minhu sakaranw-wa rizqan hasanaa: ‘in-na fii zaalika la- ’Aaya-tal-liqaw-min ya‘-qi-luun.

And (We grant you nourishment) from the fruit of date-palms and vines: from it you derive intoxicants 2 as well as wholesome sustenance - in this, behold, there is a message indeed for people who use their reason!

وَأَوْحَى رَبُّكَ إِلَى النَّحْلِ أَنِ اتَّخِذِي مِنَ الْجِبَالِ بُيُوتًا وَمِنَ الشَّجَرِ وَمِمَّا يَعْرِشُونَ

Wa’awhaa Rab-buka ’ilan Nahli ’anit-ta-khizii minal-jibaali buyuu-tanw-wa minash-shajari wa mim-maa ya‘-ri-shuun;

And (consider how) thy Sustainer has inspired the bee: “Prepare for thyself dwellings in mountains and in trees, and in what (men) may build ( for thee by way of hives);

ثُمَّ كُلِي مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ فَاسْلُكِي سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلاً يَخْرُجُ مِن بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَانُهُ فِيهِ شِفَاء لِلنَّاسِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

Thum-ma kulii min kul-lis-thamaraati faslukiisubula Rab-biki zululaa. Yakhruju mim-butuu-nihaa sharaa-bum-mukh-talifun ’lwaa-nuhuu fiihi shifaaa-’ul-lin-naas: ’in-na fii zaa-lika la-’Aaya-tal-li-qawmin-ya-tafak-karuun.

and then eat of all manner of fruit, and follow humbly the paths ordained for thee by thy Sustainer.” (And lo!) there issues from within these (bees) a fluid of many hues, wherein there is health for man. In all this, behold, there is a message indeed for people who think!

How to earn Allah’s (swt) Mercy

Surah An-Nur, 24:56

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

Wa ’aqiimus - Salaata wa ’aatuz - Zakaata wa ’atii-‘ur-Rasu-la la - ‘al-lakum turha-muun

Hence, (O believers,) be constant in prayers, and render the purifying dues, and pay heed unto the Apostle, so that you might be graced with Allah’s mercy.

Certain Knowledge is only with Allah (swt)

Surah Luqman, 31:34

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي الْأَرْحَامِ وَمَا تَدْرِي نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًا وَمَا تَدْرِي نَفْسٌ بِأَيِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

’In-nal-laaha ‘indahuu ‘il-mus-Saa-‘ah Wa yunaz-zilul-ghaythawaya‘-lamu maa fil - ’arhaam. Wa maa tadrii nafsum-maa-zaa taksibu ghadaa: wa maa tadrii nafsum-bi-’ay-yi ’arzin-tamuut. ’In-nal-laaha ‘Aliimun khabiir.

Verily, with God alone rests the knowledge of when the Last Hour will come; and He (it is who) sends down rain; and He (alone) knows what is in the wombs3 : whereas no one knows what he will reap tomorrow, and no one knows in what land he will die. Verily, God (alone) is all-knowing, all-aware.

Taking Refuge With The Almighty

Surah Al-Falaq, 113:1-5

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ

Qul ’a-‘uuzu bi-Rab-bil Falaq,

Say: “I seek refuge with the Sustainer of the rising dawn,

مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

Min-shar-ri maa khalaq;

from the evil of aught that He has created,

وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ

Wa min-shar-ri ghaa-siqin ’izaa waqab,

and from the evil of the black darkness whenever it descends,

وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ

Wa min-shar-rin Naf-faa-thaati fil-‘uqad,

and from the evil of all human beings bent on occult endeavours,

وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ

Wa min-shar-ri haasidin ’izaa hasad.

and from the evil of the envious when he envies.”

Surah An-Nas, 114:1-6

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ

Qul ’a-’uuzu bi Rab-bin-Naas.

Say: “ I seek refuge with the Sustainer of men,

مَلِكِ النَّاسِ

Malikin-Naas,

the Sovereign of men,

إِلَهِ النَّاسِ

’Ilaahin-Naas,

the God of men,

مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ

Min-shar-ril-Waswaasil-khan-Naas,

from the evil of the whispering, elusive tempter

الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ

’Al-lazii yu was-wisu fii su duu-rin-Naas

who whispers in the hearts of men

مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَ النَّاسِ

Minal-Jin-nati wan-Naas.

from all (temptation to evil by) invisible forces as well as men.”

Notes

1. A reference to the heavy burden of rituals imposed by the Law of Moses upon the children of Israel, as well as the world-renunciation recommended by Jesus to his followers.

2. Some commentators thought that this passage was revealed before the prohibition of intoxicating liquor but the passage has nothing to do with the permissibility or the prohibition of liquor. It states the various usage of the product of the fruits.

3. This relates not merely to the problem of the sex of the as yet unborn embryo, but also to the question of whether it will be born at all, and if so, what its natural endowments and its character will be, as well as what role it will be able to play in life.

Allah's (swt) Creations

Allah’s (swt) Creation

Surah Az - Zumar, 39:5-6

خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِالْحَقِّ يُكَوِّرُ اللَّيْلَ عَلَى النَّهَارِ وَيُكَوِّرُ النَّهَارَ عَلَى اللَّيْلِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى أَلَا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفَّارُ

Khalaqas-samaa-waati wal-’arza bil-haqq: yukaw-wirul-layla ‘alan-nahaari wa yukaw-wirun - nahaara ‘alai-layli wa sakh-kharash-shamsa wal-qa-mar. kul-lun-yajrii li-’ajalim-musam-maa. ’Alaa Huwal-‘Aziizul Ghaf-faar.

5. He it is who has created the heavens and the earth in accordance with (an inner) truth. He causes the night to flow into the day, and causes the day to flow into the night; and He has made the sun and the moon subservient (to the laws), each running its course for a term set (by Him). Is not He the Almighty, the All-Forgiving?

خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَأَنزَلَ لَكُم مِّنْ الْأَنْعَامِ ثَمَانِيَةَ أَزْوَاجٍ يَخْلُقُكُمْ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ خَلْقًا مِن بَعْدِ خَلْقٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ ثَلَاثٍ ذَلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ فَأَنَّى تُصْرَفُونَ

Khalaqakum-min - nafsinw-waahidatin-thum-ma ja-‘ala min-haa zawjahaa wa ’anzala la-kum-minal-’an-‘aami thamaa-niyata ’azwaaj: yakh-lu-qukum fii butuuni ’um-mahaa-tikum khal-qam-mim-ba‘-di khalqin fii zulumaatin thalaath. Zaaliku-mul-laahu Rab-bukum lahul-mulk. Laaa ’ilaaha ’il-laa Huu. Fa-’an-naatusra-fuun?

6. He has created you (all) out of one living entity, and out of it fashioned its mate; and he has bestowed upon you four kinds of cattle of either sex; (and) He creates you in your mother’s wombs, one act of creation after another, in threefold depths of darkness. Thus is God, your Sustainer: unto Him belongs all dominion: there is no deity save Him: how, then, can you lose sight of the truth?

Surah Ash - Shura, 42:49-50

لِلَّهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاء يَهَبُ لِمَنْ يَشَاء إِنَاثًا وَيَهَبُ لِمَن يَشَاء الذُّكُورَ

lil-laahi mulkus-samawaati wal ’arz. Yakhluqu maa yashaaa. Yahabu limay-yashaaa inaa-thaanw-wa bahabu limay-yashaaa-u zukuur.

49. God’s alone is the dominion over the heavens and the earth. He creates whatever He wills: He bestows the gift of female off-spring on whomsoever He wills, and the gift of male off-spring of whomsoever He wills;

أَوْ يُزَوِّجُهُمْ ذُكْرَانًا وَإِنَاثًا وَيَجْعَلُ مَن يَشَاء عَقِيمًا إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ قَدِيرٌ

’Aw yuzawwijuhum zukraananwwa ’inaasaa; wa yaj ‘alu many-yashaaa-’u ‘aqiimaa: ’innahuu ‘Aliimun - Qadiir

50. or He gives both male and female (to whomsoever He wills), and causes to be barren whomsoever He wills: for, verily, He is all-knowing, infinite in His power.

Creation of the Universe

Surah Fussilat, 41:9-12

قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُ أَندَادًا ذَلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Qul ’a-’in-nakum latakfuruu-na bil-lazil khalaqal - ’arza fii Yawmayni wa taj-a ‘luuna la-huuu ’andaadaa? ZaalikaRab-bul-‘Aalamiin.

9. Say: “Would you indeed deny Him who has created the earth in two aeons? And do you claim that there is any power that could rival Him, the Sustainer of all the worlds?”

وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِن فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَاء لِّلسَّائِلِينَ

Wa ja-‘ala fiihaa rawaasiya min - fawqihaa wa baaraka fii-haa wa qad-dara fiihaaa ’aq-waatahaa fiii ’arba -’ati ’Ay-yaam. sawaaa-’al-lis-saaa-’iliin

10. For He (it is who, after creating the earth,) placed firm mountains on it, (towering) above its surface, and bestowed (so many) blessings on it, and equitably apportioned its means of subsistence to all who would seek it: (and all this He created) in four aeons.

ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى إِلَى السَّمَاء وَهِيَ دُخَانٌ فَقَالَ لَهَا وَلِلْأَرْضِ اِئْتِيَا طَوْعًا أَوْ كَرْهًا قَالَتَا أَتَيْنَا طَائِعِينَ

Thum-mas-tawaaa ‘ilas- sa-maaa-’i wa hiya dukhaanun-faqaala laha wa lil-’arzi‘-tiyaa taw-‘an ’wa karhaa. Qaalataaa ’ataynaa taaa-i-‘iin

11. And He (it is who) applied His design to the skies, which were (yet but) smoke1 ; and He (it is who) said to them and to the earth, “Come (into being), both of you, willingly or unwillingly!” - to which both responded, “We do come in obedience”

فَقَضَاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَأَوْحَى فِي كُلِّ سَمَاء أَمْرَهَا وَزَيَّنَّا السَّمَاء الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَحِفْظًا ذَلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

Faqazaahun-na sab-‘a samaa-waatin fii Yawmayni wa ’awhaa fii kul-li samaaa-’in ’amrahaa. Wa zay-yan-nas-samaaa-’ad-dunyaa bimasaaa-biiha wa hifzaa. Zaalika Taqdiirul- ‘Aziizil-‘Aliim.

12. And He (it is who) decreed that they become seven heavens in two aeons, and imparted unto each heaven its function. And We adorned the skies nearest to the earth with light, and made them secure: such is the ordaining of the Almighty, the All-knowing.

The Creator’s Way of Creating Anything

Surah An - Nahl, 16:40

إِنَّمَا قَوْلُنَا لِشَيْءٍ إِذَا أَرَدْنَاهُ أَن نَّقُولَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ

’In-namaa qaw-lunaa-li-shay-’in ’izaaa ’arad-naahu ’an-naquu-la lahuu Kun-Faya-kuun’.

40. Whenever We will anything to be, We but say unto it Our word “BE” - and it is.

Magnificence of Allah’s (swt) Creation

Surah Ar - Ra’d, 13:2-4

اللّهُ الَّذِي رَفَعَ السَّمَاوَاتِ بِغَيْرِ عَمَدٍ تَرَوْنَهَا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَسَخَّرَ

الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى يُدَبِّرُ الأَمْرَ يُفَصِّلُ الآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُم بِلِقَاء رَبِّكُمْ تُوقِنُونَ

‘Al-laa-hul-lazii rafa-‘as-sa-maa-waati bi-ghyri ‘amadin-ta-raw-nahaa thum-mas-tawaa ‘alal-’Arshi wa sakh-kharash-sham-sa wal-qamar! Kul-lu-yajrii li-’ajalim-musam-maa. Yudabiruk-’amra yufas silul-’Aayaa-ti la-‘al-la-kumbi-liqaaa-’i Rab-bi-kum tuuqi-nuun.

2. It is God who has raised the heavens without any supports2 that you could see, and is established on the throne of His Almightiness; and He (it is who) has made the sun and the moon subservient (to His laws), each running its course for a term set (by Him). He governs all that exists. Clearly does He spell out these messages, so that you might be certain in your innermost that you are destined to meet your Sustainer (on Judgement Day).

وَهُوَ الَّذِي مَدَّ الأَرْضَ وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنْهَارًا وَمِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ جَعَلَ فِيهَا زَوْجَيْنِ اثْنَيْنِ يُغْشِي اللَّيْلَ النَّهَارَ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

Wa Huwal-lazii mad-dal-’ar-za wa ja-‘ala fiihaa rawaasi wa an haar; wa min kul-lith-thamaraati ja‘ala fiiha zaw-jay-nith-nayni yugh-shil-lay-lan-nahaar. ’In-na fii zaalika la-’Aayaa-til-li-qaw-minya‘-qiluun!

3. And it is He who has spread the earth wide and placed on it firm mountains and running waters, and created thereon two sexes of every (kind of) plant; (and it is He who) causes the night to cover the day,

Verily, in all this there are messages indeed for people who think!

وَفِي الأَرْضِ قِطَعٌ مُّتَجَاوِرَاتٌ وَجَنَّاتٌ مِّنْ أَعْنَابٍ وَزَرْعٌ وَنَخِيلٌ صِنْوَانٌ وَغَيْرُ صِنْوَانٍ يُسْقَى بِمَاء وَاحِدٍ وَنُفَضِّلُ بَعْضَهَا عَلَى بَعْضٍ فِي الأُكُلِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ

Wa fil-’arzi qita ‘um-muta-jaa-wiraa - tunw-wa jan-jaatum-min’a’ -naabinw-wa nakhiilun sin-waanunw-wa ghay-ru sin-waanin-yusqaa bimaaa-‘inw -waahid. Wa nufaz -zilu ba‘-zahaa ‘alaa ba‘-zin-fil-’ukul. ’In-na fii zaalika la-’Aayaa-til-li-qaw-minya‘-qiluun!

4. And there are on earth (many) tracts of land close by one another (and yet widely differing from one another); and (there are on it) vineyards, and fields of grain, and date-palms growing in clusters from one root or standing alone, (all) watered with the same water: and yet, some of them have We favoured above others by way of the food (which they provide for man and beast).

Verily, in all this there are messages indeed for people who use their reason!

How Man & Jinn have been Created

Surah Al-Hijr, 15:26-27

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ

Wa laqad khalaqnal-’Insaa-na min-sal-saalim-min hama’im-masnuun;

26. And, indeed, We have created man out of sounding clay, out of dark slime transmuted

وَالْجَآنَّ خَلَقْنَاهُ مِن قَبْلُ مِن نَّارِ السَّمُومِ

Wal-jaaan-na khalaq-naahu min-qablu min-naaris-samuum.

27. whereas the invisible beings We had created, (long) before that, out of the fire of scorching winds.

Purpose of Creation

Surah Al-Ahqaf, 46:3

مَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا عَمَّا أُنذِرُوا مُعْرِضُونَ

Maa khalaq-nas-samaa-waati wal-’arza wa maa baynahu-maaa ‘il-laa bil-haq-qi wa ’ajalim-musam-maa: wal-laziina kafaruu ‘am-maaa ’unziruu mu‘-rizuun.

03. We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them otherwise than in accordance with (an inner) truth, and for a term set (by Us): and yet, they who are bent on denying the truth turn aside from the warning which has been conveyed unto them.

Everything created by God the All-Wise Lord of the Universe, must naturally have a purpose which shall be fulfilled. Thus everything has a fixed age to exist. Nothing is permanent and shall pass away with the fulfilment of the purpose of the Creator. As the Universe had a beginning, there shall be an end of it. But the disbelievers turn aside from what they are warned of.

In Hadith al Qudsi, Allah (swt) says:

“Oh children of Adam! I did not create you so as to increase Myself out of poverty through you, or to seek companionship through you after being lonely, or for the sake of a benefit or for warding off harms. But I created you so you can worship Me constantly and thank Me a lot, and praise Me day and night. ‘Indeed, Allah is self-sufficient above any need of the worlds.’” (Surah al-Imraan, 3:97)

Purpose of Allah’s (swt) Creation of Man & Jinn

Surah Adh-Dhariya,t 51:56

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

Wa maa khalaqtul-Jin-na wal-’insa ’il-laa liya‘-buduun.

56. And (tell them that) I have not created the invisible beings and men to any end other than that they may (know and) worship Me.

Thus, the innermost purpose of the creation of all rational beings is their cognition (Marifah) of the existence of God and, hence, their conscious willingness to conform their own existence to whatever they may perceive of His Will and plan: and it is this two fold concept of cognition and willingness that gives the deepest meaning to what the Qur’an describes as “worship” (ibadah).

It is to be noted too that this spiritual call does not arise from any supposed “need” on the part of the Creator, who is self-sufficient and infinite in His power, but is designed as an instrument for the inner development of the worshipper, who, by the act of his conscious self-surrender to the all-pervading Creative Will, may hope to come closer to an understanding of that Will and, thus, closer to Allah (swt) Himself. This is therefore the object of creation, in the Holy Book, to act according to the Will and command of the Creator, the absolute submission to His Will i.e. Islam.

Allah’s (swt) Manifold Creation

Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:1-30

الرَّحْمَنُ

’Ar-Rahmaanu

1. The most Gracious

عَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ

‘Al-lamal-Qur-’aan.

2. has imparted this Qur’an (unto man).

خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ

Khalaqal-’insaana

3. He has created man:

عَلَّمَهُ الْبَيَانَ

‘Al-lamahul-bayaan.

4. He has imparted unto him articulate thought and speech.

الشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ

’Ash-shamsu wal-qamaru bi-husbaan;

5. (At His behest) the sun and the moon run their appointed courses;

وَالنَّجْمُ وَالشَّجَرُ يَسْجُدَانِ

Wan-najmu wash-shajaru yas-judaan.

6. (before Him) prostrate themselves the stars and the trees.

وَالسَّمَاء رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ الْمِيزَانَ

Was-Samaa-’a rafa-‘ahaa wa waza-‘al-Miizaana.

7. And the skies has He raised high, and has devised (for all things) a measure,

أَلَّا تَطْغَوْا فِي الْمِيزَانِ

’Al-laa tat-ghaw fil-miizaan

8. so that you (too, O men,) might never transgress the measure (of what is right):

وَأَقِيمُوا الْوَزْنَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا تُخْسِرُوا الْمِيزَانَ

Wa ’aqiimul-wazna bil-qisti wa laa tukh-sirul-miizaan.

9. weigh, therefore, (your deeds) with equity, and cut not the measure short!

وَالْأَرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلْأَنَامِ

Wal-’arza waza-‘ahaa lil-’anaam:

10. And the earth has He spread out for all living beings

فِيهَا فَاكِهَةٌ وَالنَّخْلُ ذَاتُ الْأَكْمَامِ

Fiihaa faakiha-tunw-wannakhlu zaatul-’akmaam;

11. with fruit thereon, and palm trees with sheathed clusters (of dates),

وَالْحَبُّ ذُو الْعَصْفِ وَالرَّيْحَانُ

Wal-hab-bu zul-’as-fi war-rayhaan.

12. and grain growing tall on its stalks, and sweet-smelling plants.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-’ay-yi ’aalaaa-’i Rab-bikumaa-tukaz-zibaan?

13. Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?

خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ كَالْفَخَّارِ

Khalaqal - ’insaana min salsaalin-kal-fakh-khaar,

14. He has created man out of sounding clay, like pottery,

وَخَلَقَ الْجَانَّ مِن مَّارِجٍ مِّن نَّارٍ

Wa khalaqal-Jaan-na mim-maarijim-min-Naar:

15. whereas the invisible beings He has created out of a confusing flame of fire.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-’ay-yi ’aalaaa-’i Rab-bikumaa-tukaz-zibaan?

16. Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?

رَبُّ الْمَشْرِقَيْنِ وَرَبُّ الْمَغْرِبَيْنِ

Rab-bul mash-ri-qay-ni wa Rab-bul-Magh-ribayn:

17. (He is) the Sustainer of the two farthest points of sunrise, and the Sustainer of the two farthest points of sunset.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-’ay-yi ’aalaaa-’i Rab-bikumaa-tukaz-zibaan?

18. Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?

مَرَجَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ يَلْتَقِيَانِ

Marajal - bah - rayni yal-taqiyaan

19. He has given freedom to the two great bodies of water, so that they might meet:

بَيْنَهُمَا بَرْزَخٌ لَّا يَبْغِيَانِ

Bayna-humaa Barza-khul laa yabghi-yaan:

20. (yet) between them is a barrier which they may not transgress.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-’ay-yi ’aalaaa-’i Rab-bikumaa-tukaz-zibaan?

21. Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?

يَخْرُجُ مِنْهُمَا اللُّؤْلُؤُ وَالْمَرْجَانُ

Yakh-ruju min-humal-Lu’-lu-’u wal-Marjaan:

22. Out of these two (bodies of water) come forth pearls, both great and small

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-’ay-yi ’aalaaa-’i Rab-bikumaa-tukaz-zibaan?

23. Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?

وَلَهُ الْجَوَارِ الْمُنشَآتُ فِي الْبَحْرِ كَالْأَعْلَامِ

Wa lahul - Jawaaril-mun-sha-’aatu fil-bahri kal-’a‘-laam:

24. And His are the lofty ships that sail like (floating) mountains through the seas.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-’ay-yi ’aalaaa-’i Rab-bikumaa-tukaz-zibaan?

25. Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?

كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍ

Kul-lu man ‘alay-haa faan:

26. All that lives on earth or in the heavens is bound to pass away

وَيَبْقَى وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ

Wa yabqaa wajhu Rab-bika Zul-Jalaali wal-’Ikraam.

27. but forever will abide thy Sustainer’s Self, full of majesty and glory

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-’ay-yi ’aalaaa-’i Rab-bikumaa-tukaz-zibaan?

28. Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?

يَسْأَلُهُ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِي شَأْنٍ

Yas-’aluhuu man-fis-samaawaati wal-arz: kul-la Yawmin Huwa fii sha’-n!

29. On Him depend all creatures in the heavens and on earth; (and) every day He manifests Himself in yet another (wondrous) way.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-’ay-yi ’aalaaa-’i Rab-bikumaa-tukaz-zibaan?

30. Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?

Allah’s (swt) Manifold Creations of Nature

Surah Qaf, 50 :5-11

بَلْ كَذَّبُوا بِالْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاءهُمْ فَهُمْ فِي أَمْرٍ مَّرِيجٍ

Bal kaz-zabuu bil-Haq-qii lam-maa jaaa-’ahum fahum fiii ’amrim-mariij.

5. Nay, but they (who refuse to believe in resurrection) have been wont to give the lie to this truth whenever it was proffered to them; and so they are in a state of confusion

.

أَفَلَمْ يَنظُرُوا إِلَى السَّمَاء فَوْقَهُمْ كَيْفَ بَنَيْنَاهَا وَزَيَّنَّاهَا وَمَا لَهَا مِن فُرُوجٍ

’afalam yanzuruu’ ilas-samaaa-’i fawqahum kayfa banay-naahaa wa zay-yan-naa haa wa maa lahaa min-furuuj?

6. Do they not look at the sky above them - how We have built it and made it beautiful and free of all fault?

وَالْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَاهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍ بَهِيجٍ

Wal-’arza madadnaahaa wa ’alqaynaa fiihaa rawaasiya wa ’ambatnaa fiihaa min-kul-li zaw-jim-bahiij,

7. And the earth - We have spread it wide, and set upon it mountains firm, and caused it to bring forth plants of all beauteous kinds,

تَبْصِرَةً وَذِكْرَى لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيبٍ

Tabsira-tanw-wa zikraa li-kul-li ‘abdim-muniib.

8. thus offering an insight and a reminder unto every human being who willingly turns unto God.

وَنَزَّلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء مُّبَارَكًا فَأَنبَتْنَا بِهِ جَنَّاتٍ وَحَبَّ الْحَصِيدِ

Wa naz-zalnaa minas-sa-maaa-’i maaa-’am-mubaarakan fa-’ambatnaa bihii jan-naatinw-wa hab-bal-hasiid;

9. And We send down from the skies water rich in blessings, and cause thereby gardens to grow, and fields of grain,

وَالنَّخْلَ بَاسِقَاتٍ لَّهَا طَلْعٌ نَّضِيدٌ

Wan-nakhla baa-siqaatil-lahaa tal-’un-nazid

10. and tall palm-trees with their thickly-clustered dates,

رِزْقًا لِّلْعِبَادِ وَأَحْيَيْنَا بِهِ بَلْدَةً مَّيْتًا كَذَلِكَ الْخُرُوجُ

Rizqal-lil-‘ibaadi wa ‘ah-yay-naa bihii baldata,-maytaa. Kazaa-likal-khuruuj.

11. as sustenance apportioned to men; and by (all) this We bring dead land to life: (and) even so will be (man’s) coming-forth from death.

The more and even more, man uses his brain and his own perfected scientific implements, it only increases his wonder about the heavens, and their heavenly wonders. The increase in knowledge, only increases the marvel about the objects, the heavens. This is the best and the most vivid illustration for every one who can reflect intelligently on the creation of the world around him. A wonderful description of the wonders of nature, proving the Omnipotence and Wisdom of its Author.

Notes

1. That is, a gas - evidently hydrogen gas, which physicists regard as the primal element from which all material particles of the universe have evolved and still evolve.

2. The unseen pillars could be a reference to the Law of Gravitation or Equation.