Our journey of reflection continues.
In the previous discussion, we explored one of the greatest questions of human existence:
How was the universe created?
To understand this question, we will reflect upon four verses from the Qur’an.
And if we approach these verses with intellectual honesty, sincerity, and an open heart, they may transform the way we see ourselves and the universe around us.
In this vast universe, our Earth is not even comparable to a grain of sand.
And upon this Earth, our individual existence appears even smaller.
Yet when a human being begins to reflect upon the universe, something extraordinary happens.
We become unique.
Because the ability to question, analyze, and contemplate the mysteries of existence belongs uniquely to humanity.
This ability to reflect may become the most valuable moment of our lives.
As a great poet beautifully expressed:
"Look at the mountains, look at the stars,
Look at the hidden treasures of existence.
The greater your vision becomes,
The more you discover your own weakness."
This journey of reflection is exactly what the universe invites us toward.
The Question of Creation
To understand the creation of the universe, we must answer three fundamental questions:
- Was the universe created, or has it always existed?
- If it was created, what existed before it?
- How was the universe created?
Let us begin with the first question.
If you look at the sky through the eyes of an artist, it appears like a constantly changing masterpiece.
Every moment brings new patterns.
New colors.
New movements.
The beauty of creation naturally forces the thoughtful mind to ask:
Was all of this always here?
Or was it created?
A Universe With a Beginning
One of the greatest scientific thinkers of modern times was Stephen Hawking.
Despite severe physical limitations, he spent his life exploring the mysteries of the universe through the power of his intellect.
He studied black holes, cosmology, and the nature of time.
His work demonstrated something profound:
Human intelligence can reach beyond physical limitations and explore the deepest questions of existence.
In his famous lecture “The Beginning of Time”, Hawking discussed the idea that the universe was not eternal.
The discovery that the universe had a beginning became one of the most remarkable achievements of modern science.
But this brings us to an important point:
This idea — that the universe was created and had a beginning — is exactly the first reality mentioned in the Qur’anic verse we are reflecting upon.
The Qur’an presents the universe as a creation containing signs for those who think.
The question remains:
How could a scripture revealed 1400 years ago speak about a reality that modern cosmology only discovered after centuries of research?
Is it merely coincidence?
What Came Before the Universe?
Now we move to the second question:
If the universe was created, what existed before creation?
Modern science tells us that before the beginning of the universe as we understand it, the conditions we normally associate with space, time, and matter did not exist.
So the question becomes:
How did something begin when there was no previous physical material?
Stephen Hawking discussed this difficulty in his famous book A Brief History of Time.
He explained that understanding why the universe began in a particular way is extremely difficult.
The question of origin itself remains one of the deepest mysteries.
Interestingly, the Qur’an addresses this concept through the word “Badi‘”.
Allah says:
“The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it: ‘Be,’ and it is.”
(Qur’an 2:117)
The word Badi‘ carries a profound meaning.
The Meaning of Badi‘ — Creation Without a Previous Model
During my journey for knowledge, I wanted to understand the depth of this word.
During my pilgrimage in 2023, I discussed this concept with an Arabic speaker named Oday from Jordan.
He was not a scientist.
He was simply someone who understood the Arabic language naturally.
When asked about the meaning of Badi‘, he explained its meaning:
To bring something into existence in a completely unique way — without a previous example or existing material.
This concept is known as:
Creation ex nihilo
Meaning:
Creation from nothing.
Human beings create by using existing materials.
A chair requires wood.
A glass requires material.
A building requires bricks.
But the concept of divine creation is different.
It refers to bringing existence itself into being.
“Be — And It Is”
Now reflect upon the verse:
Allah says He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth.
When He wills something, He simply says:
“Be,” and it becomes.
(Qur’an 2:117)
This is a profound statement.
Fourteen centuries ago, the Qur’an described a universe that came into existence by Divine command.
Modern science continues to investigate the deepest questions surrounding the beginning of existence.
The question remains:
Is it simply coincidence that the Qur’an addresses these fundamental questions of creation?
Or is there a deeper message calling humanity toward reflection?
The Signs Hidden in Creation
The Qur’an mentions the phrase “Kun Fayakun” — “Be, and it is” — multiple times.
Each time it appears, it is connected to matters beyond ordinary human ability.
It invites us to recognize the limits of our knowledge and the greatness of the Creator.
The universe is not merely a collection of objects.
It is a sign.
Every star.
Every galaxy.
Every atom.
Every living creature.
Each points toward a deeper reality.
The Beginning of the Universe — A Question That Remains
Our journey of reflection continues.
This was only the beginning.
We have only examined the first of the four verses related to the creation of the universe.
In the coming episodes, we will explore the remaining verses and continue searching for the answers hidden within them.
Before we leave, let us reflect upon these words:
"Before the earth existed,
Before the heavens appeared,
Before the sun and moon were known,
Before anything was seen or named,
there was the One who brought everything into existence."
Until next time,
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.