Quranic Perspectives on the Creation of the Universe: A Textual and Theological Analysis

Abstract

The Quran, as the foundational scripture of Islam, offers multifaceted insights into the origin and creation of the universe. This article systematically examines the key Quranic verses related to cosmogenesis, exploring their linguistic, theological, and philosophical dimensions. Central to this study is the concept of Badi' (Originator), the debate surrounding creatio ex nihilo versus creation from pre-existing matter, and the Quranic model of a universe created through divine command (Kun Fayakun). Drawing on classical Quranic exegesis and the works of scholars such as Ibn Rushd (Averroes) and Jane Mcaullife, this paper argues that the Quranic text does not unequivocally support the doctrine of creation from absolute nothingness. Rather, it consistently depicts creation as a transformative divine act upon pre-existing metaphysical realities. The article further explores the cosmological significance of Quranic verses referring to primordial water, smoke, and divine throne, situating them within a broader Islamic cosmological framework. The implications of these findings for Islamic theology and the science-religion dialogue are discussed.

Keywords: Quran; cosmogenesis; creation; Badi'; creatio ex nihilo; Kun Fayakun; Islamic cosmology; divine command; metaphysical universe