As a Muslim biologist, I believe that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) is the Creator of everything. Thus, the more I know about what He created I develop bigger and deeper faith in Him and admiration to Him. In this section, I explain how what I know from the Quran helps me as a biologist to put everything in the right perspective.
Certainly There is a Creator
Anyone looks at any aspect in the universe feels and sees clearly that there should be a Creator behind it. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated in the Quran that He will show mankind signs telling them that there is a Creator and that He is the Creator: "And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty. And also in your ownselves. Will you not then see?" (Quran 51: 20-21). In another verse Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) said: "We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their ownselves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Quran) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?" (Quran 41: 53). The organization of galaxies tells undoubtedly that there is a Creator. The laws of every science known to man tell that there is a Creator. The overwhelming structure and function of the cells and cell organelles tell loudly that there is a Creator. The amazing structure and function of the nucleic acids tell explicitly that there is a Creator, and the list goes on and on. Moreover, the uniqueness, the eternal challenge, and the scientific aspects of the Quran are all clear signs indicating that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) is the Creator of the entire universe.
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) is the One and Only Creator
In the Quran, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated that everything was created by Him and that He is the One and Only Creator and God. He has neither a son nor partners. He is unique and incomparable, and no one has the right to be worshiped but Him alone:
“Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And none is like Him” (Quran 112: 1-4).
“Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both would have been ruined …” (Quran 21: 22);
“No son (or offspring or children) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilah (god) along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him!” (Quran 23: 91).
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) mentions in the Quran that no one can match what He creates: “This is Allah's creation, but show Me what those besides Him have created. Nay, the unjust are in manifest error!” (Quran 31: 11). Also, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) mentions that the ones who claim to be creators cannot create even a fly: “O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): Verily! Those on whom you call besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatched away a thing from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought” (Quran 22: 73).
Some people may think that the attributes of the Creator as mentioned in all the divine religions, which believe in creationism, including Islam, are the same. In fact, this is wrong. The following points are some attributes of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) according to the Quran:
1. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) has no son(s): “And say: All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has not begotten a son (or offspring), and Who has no partner in (His) Dominion, nor He is low to have a Wali (helper, protector or supporter). And magnify Him with all magnificence” (Quran 17: 111); “No son (or offspring) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilah (god) along with Him...” (Quran 23: 91).
2. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) does not get tired and thus He did not need to rest before or after creating the universe: “And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us” (Quran 50: 38); “Do they not see that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things” (Quran 46: 33).
3. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) does not have a human-like image: accordingly humans are not created in His image: “… There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer” (Quran 42: 11).
4. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) does not forget: “… and your Lord is never forgetful” (Quran 19: 64).
5. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) does not sleep: “Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep …” (Quran 2: 255).
6. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) does not die: "Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists" (Quran 3: 2).
Every Creation Occurs by Allah’s Power
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated in the Quran that He is able to do all things: “To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein, and He is Able to do all things” (Quran 5: 120). Based on the Quran, there is a factor in the creation process that is not materialistic, which is Allah's power. This power cannot be explained in a laboratory based on humans’ earthly knowledge, which normally relies on the natural laws of the sciences: “The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it Be and it is” (Quran 2: 117). It should be noted that saying that something is created by Allah’s power is not an indirect way to stop the scientific thinking. Moreover, it is not a call for humanity to return to the dark ages of the human history, when scientists were oppressed by some religious authorities. In my understanding, saying that something was created by Allah’s power is simply an acknowledgment that all things are created by Him and that the human knowledge has limits. Many people look at the cause and how it leads to the effect, but they often forget who created the cause in the first place and who put the plan for that cause to produces the right effect. In the Quran, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) tells us that He creates things directly by His power and also creates things by means of causes that are created by Him. For example the creation of the soul, which gives the life to the human body cannot be explained by any cause, and the only explanation for its creation is the power of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). However, the creation of the rain, for example, can be explained by the water cycle, which is of course also created by Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). The Quran is rich in verses that ask mankind to think and discover the creation and the causes of the creation; these verses encourage searching and studying. The following are examples of such verses:
“Do they not look at the Camels, how they are created? And at the Sky, how it is raised high? And at the Mountains, how they are fixed firm? And at the Earth, how it is spread out?” (Quran 88: 17).
“Have they not seen that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? And Allah decides; there is no adjuster of His decision. And He is swift in account” (Quran 13: 41).
“Have they not seen the earth, how much of every fruitful kind We make to grow therein?” (Quran 26: 7).
“Have they not seen how We have appointed the night that they may rest therein, and the day sight-giving? Lo! therein verily are portents for a people who believe” (Quran 27: 86).
“Have they not seen how We lead the water to the barren land and therewith bring forth crops whereof their cattle eat, and they themselves? Will they not then see?” (Quran 32: 27).
“Do they not see the birds above them, spreading out their wings and folding them in? None upholds them except the Most Beneficent (Allah). Verily, He is the All-Seer of everything” (Quran 67: 19).
“Have they not then observed the sky above them, how We have constructed it and beautified it, and how there are no rifts therein? And the earth have We spread out, and have flung firm hills therein, and have caused of every lovely kind to grow thereon” (Quran 50: 6-7).
We need to know that obeying the natural laws in living and non-living things is a temporary rule. All creatures, including mankind, live on earth based on the natural laws, which are created by Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). They need energy and thus there is a process of photosynthesis, which produces carbohydrates and oxygen. Carbohydrates are produced by producers such as plants. Plants are used by consumers such as herbivores as a source of energy and thus there are trophic levels, food chains, and food webs. Thus, on earth we cannot imagine the existence of life without having sunlight, oxygen, and producers. Also, we cannot imagine life without the existence of water. In short, life on earth depends on and obeys the natural laws, which are created by Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). However, there are two cases in which these laws are not needed or obeyed:
1. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stops the work and effects of the natural laws on earth in certain occasions to show His power in the form of miracles.
We know that there is matter in the universe. However, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) created this matter from the nothingness. This cannot be explained by any natural science. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) states in the Quran that He is the First and nothing is before Him: “He is the First (nothing is before Him) and the Last (nothing is after Him), the Most High (nothing is above Him) and the Most Near (nothing is nearer than Him). And He is the All-Knower of every thing” (Quran 75: 3).
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) created Adam (peace be upon him) from dust (earth’s soil) as a human being with living cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. This cannot be explained by any natural science. (More details on the creation of the first human are provided on page 7 of this website).
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) created Adam’s wife from one of the ribs of Adam (peace be upon him). This cannot be explained by any natural science. (More details are provided on page 8 of this website).
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) created the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) from a mother Maryam (Mary) without having a father. This creation cannot be explained by any natural science. This creation was stated in the Quran:
“And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah. He said, I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy. She said, How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste? He said, Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.' So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten. But he called her from below her, Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, 'Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.' Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented. O sister of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste. So she pointed to him. They said, How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child? [Jesus] said, Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and Zakah as long as I remain alive. And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive” (Quran 19: 16-33).
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) gave the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) miracles to show people that he is one of the Prophets of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). One of his miracles was that he molded soil in the form of a bird and he blew into it and it became true living bird by the power of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). Changing soil into a living bird cannot be explained by any natural science. One of the other miracles of the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) was bringing the dead back to life by the power of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). Again, this cannot be explained by any natural science. These miracles of the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) were mentioned in the Quran:
“And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah . And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah . And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers” (Quran 3: 49).
“[The Day] when Allah will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission …” (Quran 5: 110).
We know that fire burns the human body when it is exposed to it. More exposure leads to more damage, which can lead to death. However, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated in the Quran that He ordered the fire to cause no harm to His Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him): “They said: Burn him and help your aliha (gods), if you will be doing. We (Allah) said: O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim (Abraham)!" (Quran 21: 68-69). Here Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stopped the burning effect of fire and the associated natural laws to show a miracle to people.
We know that a human being cannot travel the distance from Palestine to Saudi Arabia on foot or on an animal in one night. However, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated in the Quran that He enabled His Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alay-hi wa-sallam) of travelling that long distance in one night: “Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) Who took His slave (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighborhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer” (Quran 17: 1). Here Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stopped the effect of distance, time, speed, and the associated natural laws to show a miracle to people.
We know that when a human being or an animal die they do not come back to life in this earthly life (this is different from reseruction on the Day of Judgement). Also, we know that food goes bad over time when it is left unpreserved. Moreover, we know that the formation of the body of a donkey takes months (during pregnancy). However, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated in the Quran that He brought a dead man back to life, preserved his food and drink for one hundred years, and brought his donkey back to life too: “Or [consider such an example] as the one who passed by a township which had fallen into ruin. He said, How will Allah bring this to life after its death? So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years; then He revived him. He said, How long have you remained? The man said, I have remained a day or part of a day. He said, Rather, you have remained one hundred years. Look at your food and your drink; it has not changed with time. And look at your donkey; and We will make you a sign for the people. And look at the bones [of this donkey] - how We raise them and then We cover them with flesh. And when it became clear to him, he said, I know that Allah is over all things competent” (Quran 2: 259). Here Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stopped the effect of time, decomposition, embryology and the associated natural laws to show a miracle to people.
We know that when we slaughter an animal and cut its body (carcass) into pieces it does not come back to life. However, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated in the Quran that He enabled His Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to call dead birds back to life: “And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead. He (Allah) said: Do you not believe? He [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in Faith. He said: Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise" (Quran 2: 260). Here Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stopped the effect of death, severe tissue and organ damage, and severe bleeding to show a miracle to people.
2. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) cancels the work and effects of the natural laws in the life after death (on the Day of Judgment and in the life in the hereafter). In this life nothing will be done according to the natural laws. This is a very important point because it show the ultimate power of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) as the One and Only Creator. The Creator who is able to provide and sustain life without any need or dependence on the natural laws and means. This shows that He is able to do all things.
In the life after death there will be no sunlight or light from any other star because Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) will cause them to vanish: “When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness]. And when the stars shall fall (Quran 81: 1-2). However, light will be available by the power of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu), the creator of everything, and not by the effect of the natural laws: “And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord (Allah, when He will come to judge among men) and the Book will be placed (open) and the Prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward, and it will be judged between them with truth, and they will not be wronged” (Quran 39: 69).
In the life after death the human beings will not suffer aging or death, but they will have eternal life: “They will never taste death therein except the first death (of this world), and He will save them from the torment of the blazing Fire” (Quran 44: 56). “But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever. For them therein are purified spouses, and We will admit them to deepening shade” (Quran 4: 57). So, people will live forever not by improving cell viability, but by the power of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu), the Creator of life and death.
In conclusion, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) made all living creatures (living things including mankind) in this earthly life need earthly means (food, water, oxygen, just to name a few) to live on earth. Also, they do need the natural laws that are associated with these earthly means. However, in the life after death Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) will show His supreme power as the One and Only Creator by giving and sustaining life without any need to the natural laws.
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) Created Everything From Nothingness
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) mentions in the Quran that He is the originator of the heavens and the earth: “The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it Be and it is” (Quran 2: 117). The verse in Arabic uses the word "Badee’ah", which is translated into English as “the Originator.” This is to say that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) caused everything to exist from no previous model or a predecessor (i.e., He created original creation). In the Quran Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) states that He is the Creator of all living and nonliving things: “Allah is the Creator of every thing and He has charge over every thing” (Quran 39: 62). The Quran clearly states that Allah is the Only Creator. He is the first, so nothing is before Him, and as a result, everything in the universe is a creature made by Him: “He is the First (nothing is before Him) and the Last (nothing is after Him) and the Most Near (nothing is nearer than Him). And He is the All-Knowing of every thing” (Quran 57: 3). This verse shows that the matter of the universe and the laws governing it are created by Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) from nothingness.
The Two Creations: The First Creation and The Re-Creation
The Quran describes two creations. The first one started when Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) created the first thing in the universe, and it will continue until the end of life on earth. This creation is called by Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) the first creation: "And (remember) the Day when We shall roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books, as We began the first creation, We shall repeat it, (it is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it" (Quran 21: 104); "Were We then tired with the first creation? Nay, They are in confused doubt about a new creation (i.e., Resurrection)?" (Quran 50: 15). The second creation will occur on the Day of Judgment, when human beings, Jinns, and animals will be resurrected to be judged for what they have done in their earthly lives. The second creation is described in the Quran as a re-creation: "And He it is Who originates the creation, then will repeat it (after it has been perished), and this is easier for Him. His is the highest description (i.e., none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise" (Quran 30: 27). The Quran confirms in many verses that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) will resurrect the dead for judgment and accountability: "And surely, the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it, and certainly, Allah will resurrect those who are in the graves" (Quran 22-7); "Then, (again), surely, you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection" (Quran 23-16); "On the Day when Allah will resurrect them all together (i.e., the Day of Resurrection) and inform them of what they did. Allah has kept account of it, while they have forgotten it. And Allah is Witness over all things" (Quran 58-6); "And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We as Reckoners" (Quran 21-47).
Creation Has a Beginning and an End
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) states in the Quran that everything on earth will come to an end: “Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish” (Quran 55: 26). Accordingly, human beings and all living things will die at some point in time. In fact, the Quran states that all life on earth will perish by the will of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) on a date not known to anyone except Him, which is the Day of Judgment: "And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on" (Quran 39: 68); "And the Horn will be blown; and at once from the graves to their Lord they will hasten" (Quran 36: 51). Additionally, the Quran states that on the Day of Judgment even the heavens will be rolled up together with their content of astronomical objects and galaxies to form one single piece in the same way they were created: “And (remember) the Day when We shall roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books, as We began the first creation, We shall repeat it, (it is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it” (Quran 21: 104). One of the miracles of the Quran is that it mentioned 1400 years ago that earth will be beautified, and humans will have all powers of disposal over it: “Verily, the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky; so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat: until when the earth is clad in its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect” (Quran 10: 24). These verses were revealed in the seventh century in the Arabian Peninsula, a hostile environment with harsh weather, yet the Quran tells its readers that one day in the future, the earth will be beautified and clad with its ornaments. Moreover, the verse states that human beings will have all powers of disposal over the earth and will be masters of it. Today, we can see how humans beautify the earth and control its resources.
Believing that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) is the Creator of everything and that He has the knowledge of everything has a major psychological effect on human beings. Such a belief makes a person very mindful of his/her actions and, of course, of the consequences of these actions because they are known to Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu): "They may hide (their crimes) from men, but they cannot hide (them) from Allah, for He is with them (by His Knowledge), when they plot by night in words that He does not approve, And Allah ever encompasses what they do" (Quran 4: 108). "Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)" (Quran 50: 18). "Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private counsel? (Yes We do) and Our Messengers (appointed angels in charge of mankind) are by them, to record" (Quran 43: 80). Thus, believing in Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) as the Creator is very important because this tells the human being that he/she is accountable in his/her second life for what he/she does in the first one.
Similarities Among Living Things
In the Quran, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) draws the attention of mankind to a very important aspect found in living things, which is the levels of similarity among some of them. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) mentions in the Quran the similarity among living things: “And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [Zakah] on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess” (Quran 6: 141). In addition, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) mentioned a high level of similarity in living things and used the Arabic word "Sinwan", which is the plural of the word "Sino" meaning “alike”. In the case of date palm trees the word "Sinwan" describes the offshoots of one tree, which emerge from one point: “And in the Earth are neighbouring tracts, vineyards and ploughed lands, and date-palms, like ("Sinwan") and unlike (not "Sinwan"), which are watered with one water. And we have made some of them to excel others in fruit. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who have sense” (Quran 13: 4). The aforementioned verse states that the same water is used in irrigating different plants and that some of these plants are identical, as in the case of the offshoots of one date palm tree, whereas some of them are different, as in the case of separate individual date palm trees. Additionally, the Quran tells us that diversity is not only found in plants but also exists among mankind and animals: “See you not that Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, and We produce therewith fruits of varying colors, and among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colors and (others) very black. And of men and Ad-Dawab (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and cattle, in like manner of various colors. It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. Verily, Allah is all-mighty, oft-forgiving” (Quran 35: 27-28).
Similarity among living things can be beneficial. Organisms that have high degree of genetic similarity with mankind can serve as model organisms and test organisms in different branches of science. Without organisms that share some levels of DNA similarity with the human genome, the knowledge of human beings on biological sciences would have never advanced. A bacterium with its single cell and single chromosome is an excellent tool for studying and understanding cell biology and genetics. Based on the Quran, all of the biodiversity seen on earth was created for the welfare of mankind. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) mentioned in the Quran that He subjected all that is on the earth to serve the needs of mankind: “See you not that Allah has subjected to you (mankind) all that is on the earth …” (Quran 22: 65); “And the cattle, He has created them for you; in them there is warmth (warm clothing), and numerous benefits, and of them you eat” (Quran 16: 5); “And (He has created) horses, mules and donkeys, for you to ride and as an adornment” (Quran 16: 8). There are many verses in the Quran that discus how Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) provided mankind with countless bounties in many organisms.
Water and Life
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) states in the Quran that there is a link between water and the creation of every living thing: “… and We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Quran 21: 30). We can see that all organisms have water in their bodies and need water.
“Allah has created every moving (living) creature from water. Of them there are some that creep on their bellies, and some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills. Verily Allah is Able to do all things” (Quran 24: 45). In Arabic Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) used the word "Dab'ba" in this verse of the Quran, which is translated here as moving living creatures. This word in the Arabic language refers to an animal and the plural is "Dawab".
Perfection of Creation
One of the major characteristics of Allah's creation is perfection. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) mentions in many verses of the Quran that He creates perfect creation: “... The Work of Allah, Who perfected all things, verily! He is Well-Acquainted with what you do” (Quran 27: 88); “Who made everything He has created good ...” (Quran 32: 7); “He has created the heavens and the earth with truth, and He shaped you and made good your shapes, and to Him is the final Return” (Quran 64: 3); “Have they not looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it?” (Quran 50: 6); “Who has created the seven heavens one above another, you can see no fault in the creations of the Most Beneficent. Then, look again: Can you see any rifts?" (Quran 67: 3). One facet of perfection is manifested by creating things in due and exact proportions as well as creating infinite levels of balance within and between the living and nonliving things on earth: “And the earth We spread out, and placed therein firm mountains, and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due proportion” (Quran 15: 19). In this regard, homeostasis in the biological world is a vivid example of the perfection of Allah’s creation. Also there is perfection in the creation of nonliving things. The movement of planets in their orbits is another example of perfection in creation: “It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit” (Quran 36: 40).
The Creation is a Complete System for a Happy Life
Believing in creation as described in the Quran does not only mean believing that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) created the universe, but also is a way of life and a complete system for achieving happiness and success. This is because the Quran not only provides the details on creation, but also serves as a complete practical guidebook for all human beings in their lives. Metaphorically speaking, the Quran is the manual for life that is provided by the creator of life. Everyone knows that the maker of a device writes the best manual for its best use and function. Therefore, the information provided in the Quran is in perfect harmony with all of the needs of mankind. Consequently, a person who believes in Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) as the creator of everything always proceeds smoothly in his/her life toward the clear purpose set by Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu), using the Quran as a guidebook (for more details see the section entitled the purpose of creating mankind on this website). This guidebook provides information about the creation of the biological world and covers every aspect of life, including how to greet other people (for more details see the section entitled summary about the Quran on this website). The following are some verses illustrating this meaning:
“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant” (Quran 4: 86);
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small" (Quran 17: 23-24);
“And in their properties there was the right of the beggar, and the Mahrum (the poor who does not ask the others)" (Quran 51: 19);
"And come not near to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allah, This He commands you, that you may remember” (Quran 6: 152);
“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-Ansab, and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful" (Quran 5: 90).
One of the most important features of the Quran is that it is an eternal and change-proof holy book. Therefore, what is mentioned in it in the seventh century will remain unchanged until the end of time.
Besides giving the Quran as the last holy book to mankind, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) taught the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alay-hi wa-sallam) how to live the teachings of the Quran and how to serve as a human role model. Both the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alay-hi wa-sallam) complement and integrate each other and the result is happy and successful life for mankind. Thus, it will always be the "manual" for a happy and successful life.
No Randomness in Creation
We often read in scientific research that something happens randomly or that something is distributed randomly. Of course, we must know that the idea of randomness is the convenient answer for the human mind when it fails to discover or understand one of the aspects in the universe. Based on the Quran, there is nothing random in the universe because Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) created everything by exact amounts and accurate creation. In addition, to say that something is happening in the universe randomly is a recognition of our inability to know the law governing this aspect of the universe. Therefore, it is more accurate not to use the term "randomness" in science and instead to say that something occurs according to a law that is not yet discovered. The bottom-line is that there is no randomness in any aspect of the creation that is created by Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). In short, our inability to discover or understand one of the laws governing one of the aspects of the universe does not mean that this law does not exist and therefore accepting randomness as the solution to the problem.
The Knowledge of Mankind Has Limits
While encouraging humans to think, the Quran mentions that human knowledge has limits when compared to the knowledge of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu). His knowledge is absolute and no single point in the universe is out of His knowledge: “Verily, Allah knows the unseen of the heavens and the earth. And Allah is the All-Seer of what you do” (Quran 49: 18). Human beings can discover many things about the creation of living and nonliving things, but their knowledge has its own limits.
In the Quran there is a term called Al-Ghaib (Al-Ghayb) which basically means the unseen or unknown in reference to the exclusive knowledge of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) of certain matters that are not known to his creatures. Scholars divide Al-Ghaib into two types:
Absolute Al-Ghaib: Only Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) knows this type of Al-Ghaib. The following verse includes matters of this type of Al-Ghaib: “Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” (Quran 31: 34).
Relative Al-Ghaib: This type of Al-Ghaib is known to some of the creatures of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) but is unknown to others. For example what is in a class room is known to the teacher and his/her students but is unknown to people outside the school. Human beings discover new information in all branches of science and by doing this they gain knowledge of what was unknown (Al-Ghaib in its relative sense) and make it known. Microscopes enabled human beings of seeing living cells and cell organelles. Telescopes enabled human beings of discovering planets and stars which were not seen by the naked eye. So Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) allowed mankind to encompass the knowledge of certain things in the universe: “Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills …” (Quran 2: 255).
According to the above-mentioned information, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated in the Quran that the nature of the soul is not part of our knowledge as human beings; it is exclusively His knowledge: “And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul. Say, The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little” (Quran 17: 85). Similarly, no living thing knows the place, date, or time of its death: “Verily, Allah! With Him (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is All-Knower, All-Aware (of things)” (Quran 31: 34). The word “Hour” in the previous verse means the Day of Judgment or the Day of Resurrection. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) also tells us that no living thing, including human beings, can avoid death: “Everyone shall taste the death. Then, unto Us you shall be returned” (Quran 29: 57). In the same way, the date and time at which all life on earth will end is not part of human knowledge: “They ask you about the Hour (Day of Resurrection): When will be its appointed time? Say: The knowledge thereof is with my Lord (Alone). None can reveal its time but He. Heavy is its burden through the heavens and the earth. It shall not come upon you except all of a sudden. They ask you as if you have a good knowledge of it. Say: The knowledge thereof is with Allah (Alone) but most of mankind know not” (Quran 7: 187).
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Reference of verse translations:
Qur’an. Available online: http://quran.com/
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