ِCreation and Management of the Universe
The verse “Then He ascended into the sky and it was smoke” is part of Surah Faslat, verse 11. This verse emphasizes God's great creation and management of the universe and deals with one of the major miracles that occurred at the beginning of the creation of the heavens and the earth.
When Japanese Professor Yoshide Kozai heard this verse, he stood up in amazement and said that science and scientists did not reach this amazing fact until recently, after powerful satellite cameras captured vivid images and movies showing a star consisting of a large mass of dark, dense smoke. He went on to say that our previous knowledge before these live images and movies was based on erroneous theories that the sky was foggy.
He went on to say that our previous knowledge prior to these movies and live images was based on erroneous theories that the sky was fog.
With this, he said, we have added to the miracles of the Quran a new amazing miracle that confirms that the one who told it is God, who created the universe billions of years ago.
Interpretation of the verse:
The verse comes in the context of the creation of the heavens and the earth. In this verse, Allah describes how He ascended to the sky, and the sky at that time was smoke. Smoke here refers to the first state that the sky was in before it became a clear sky, a state of vapor or thick smoke that filled space and then turned into the tangible sky that we see today.
In the beginning, the entire universe was a state of scattered gases and smoke, but God Almighty began to organize this smoke into separate heavens and earths.
Meanings of leveling:
The word “level” in the Arabic language has several meanings, most notably: Stability or elevation. In this context, it can mean that God ascended to the sky or took charge of its creation and organization. Some commentators have added that “Istiwa” here refers to God's creation and completion of the sky after it was in a state of smoke.
Understanding smoke:
Smoke in the verse does not necessarily mean the smoke we see in everyday life, such as the smoke from a fire. Rather, it is a description of a state of gaseous dispersion or vapor that filled space, and in some ancient interpretations it was believed that this state was the initial stage of the creation of the heavens.
Scientific and Quranic context:
In the Qur'an, this verse is consistent with many of the facts that modern science has discovered about the origin of the universe. Recent astronomical research has shown that the universe in its beginning was a state of dense gas or smoke that then began to expand to take the shape of the known universe today. Scientists have referred to the phenomenon of the Big Bang, which resembles the state of the universe in its beginnings, an accelerated onset of density and heat.
Lessons learned:
The miracle of the creation of the universe: This verse reminds us of God's greatness in the creation and management of the universe, as the universe started from a state of smoke before it turned into what we see today, the sky and the earth. These miracles open the way for the believer to reflect on God's ability to create everything from nothing.
Consistency between science and religion: The Qur'an predates modern science in describing this state of the universe, reflecting a consistency between scientific and religious knowledge. Scientists have discovered that the universe in its beginning was in an evaporated gaseous state, and this fact is mentioned in the Qur'an more than fourteen centuries ago.
Reflect on God's creation: The verse reminds believers of the need to reflect on the universe and creation, and to recognize the greatness of God, who created the heavens and the earth and everything in between, and made them in a form suitable for human life.
Continuity in the management of things: “He ascended to the sky” reflects the state of continuity in God's management of the universe, as He did not stop managing and developing this universe after His creation, but His management is continuous and indicates His greatness.
Conclusion:
This verse reminds us of the majesty of divine creation and God's wisdom in managing the universe. Through this verse, believers are invited to reflect on God's greatness and His ability to create the universe from smoke, and to start creating the heavens and the earth from a gaseous state until they became what they are today. This verse remains an invitation for Muslims and thinkers to reflect on the universe and the secrets it contains, and how science and religion can complement each other in explaining cosmic phenomena.