1. 1. CREATION OF LIVING BEINGS ON EARTH AND ITS ORDER ACCORDING TO THE QURAN
2. 2. Basic needs that a religious scriptures must fulfill Define God and His attributes. Define creation of the world and the Universe. Creation of living beings on earth and their means of subsistance.
3. 3. Earlier religious scriptures of Jews, Christians and the Hindus tried to explain these three basic questions. The explanations given by these scriptures were acceptable till advancement of scientific theories regarding celestial bodies. After the advancement of scientific knowledge it was found that the explanations given by these scriptures did conform to the scientific findings.
4. 4. With the development of science and technology human being started exploring its origin on earth, together with the origin of other living beings. Human being also started exploring the origin of earth and the universe. Till now though science is not able to put forward a concrete theory regarding the origin of earth and the universe or origin of living beings on earth but it has confirmed that the explanations given by the religious scriptures mentioned above are not acceptable.
5. 5. In this presentation effort is made to collect Quranic Ayas related to the origin of earth and the universe and origin living being on earth. With the meanings of classical Arabic given by eminent Quranic Scholars, these are linked together to draw a conclusion and compared with the scientific findings.
6. 6. Creation of Universe and earth. He created the heavens and the earth in true [proportions]: He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon [to His law]: Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again? (39: 5) It is Allah Who sustains the heavens and the earth, lest they cease [to function]: and if they should fail, there is none - not one - can sustain them thereafter: Verily He is Most Forbearing, Oft- Forgiving.(35:41)
7. 7. He created the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; He set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and He scattered through it beasts of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky, and produce on the earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs (31:10) It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all [the celestial bodies] swim along, each in its rounded course. (21: 33).
8. 8. We have made the Night and the Day as two [of Our] Signs: the Sign of the Night have We obscured, while the Sign of the Day We have made to enlighten you; that ye may seek bounty from your Lord, and that ye may know the number and count of the years: all things have We explained in detail. (17: 12) He it is That hath made you the night that ye may rest therein, and the day to make things visible [to you]. Verily in this are signs for those who listen [to His Message](10:67)
9. 9. It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light [of beauty], and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count [of time]. Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. [Thus] doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand[10:005]
10. 10. It is Allah Who alternates the Night and the Day: verily in these things is an instructive example for those who have vision! (24: 44) And He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses; and the night and the day hath he [also] made subject to you. (14: 33)
11. 11. He it is that cleaveth the day-break [from the dark]: He makes the night for rest and tranquillity, and the sun and moon for the reckoning [of time]: Such is the judgment and ordering of [Him], the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient. [006:096] It is He Who maketh the stars [as beacons] for you, that ye may guide yourselves, with their help, through the dark spaces of land and sea: We detail. Our signs for people who know. [006:097]
12. 12. Blessed be He in Whose hands is Dominion; and He over all things hath Power;- He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving;- He Who created the seven heavens one above another: No want of proportion wilt thou see in the Creation of [Allah] Most Gracious. So turn thy vision again: seest thou any flaw? 4. Again turn thy vision a second time: [thy] vision will come back to thee dull and discomfited, in a state worn out.(67:1-4)
13. 13. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the soil. (20: 6) To Allah doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He who hath power over all things. (5:123)
14. 14. o Quran clearly mentions about the universe consisting of celestial bodies floating in rounded orbits. o . Allah is the creator and sole owner of everything on and inside earth, the sky and the space in between. o It also clearly mentions about the sun and moon and the stars which are at the service of mankind o He made the days and night for the convenience of mankind, the day for work and the night for rest .
15. 15. o He has the capacity to control everything by himself and does not need any assistance from others. o Unlike some other religious books which describe the world/universe as a flat surface confined to a particular region of earth and consider the sun, moon and the stars as deities. This particular region they call the universe and Gods activities are confined within this region.
16. 16. Creation of Human Being O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Haww (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allh through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allh is Ever an All-Watcher over you. [004:001]
17. 17. O mankind! We created you from a single [pair] of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other [not that ye may despise each other]. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is [he who is] the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted [with all things]. (49:13)
18. 18. O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, [consider] that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest [our power] to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes, then [foster you] that ye may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known [much], and [further], thou seest the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred [to life], it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth [in pairs].( 22:05).
19. 19. Man We did create from a quintessence [of clay]; Then We placed him as [a drop of] sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed; Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a [foetus] lump; then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create! (23:12-14).
20. 20. Among His Signs in this, that He created you from dust; and then,- behold, ye are men scattered [far and wide]! (23:20) It is He Who has created you from dust then from a sperm-drop, then from a leech-like clot; then does he get you out [into the light] as a child: then lets you [grow and] reach your age of full strength; then lets you become old,-though of you there are some who die before;- and lets you reach a term appointed; in order that ye may learn wisdom.(40: 67)
21. 21. Now let man but think from what he is created! He is created from a drop emitted- Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs(86:5-7) [He is] the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves, and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you: there is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the One that hears and sees [all things]. (42: 11)
22. 22. Conclusions from above ayats: Allah created Human being, first Adam and then his wife Hawa(Eve).Wife of Adam (Hawa or Eve) was created from Adams rib that is, Hawa(Eve) was a clone of Adam. From these two, whole of human race was created. Each human passes through different phases in his lifetime. The Quran has described the phases before birth and after birth till the end of life. The process of multiplication is described in detail and the description is unique. No religious book has described the reproduction process in so detail and so scientifically.
23. 23. According to the Quran human being originated from a single pair. The number increased gradually through reproduction process as described and spread on earth as different tribes and nations. All living being and plants are also created in pairs but there is no mention that these were created from single pair. God has no comparison with any of the living being created so far.
24. 24. Creation of Animals. He Who has, made for you the earth like a carpet spread out; has enabled you to go about therein by roads (and channels); and has sent down water from the sky. With it have We produced diverse pairs of plants each separate from the others. Eat (for yourselves) and pasture your cattle: verily, in this are Signs for men endued with understanding. (79:30-33)
25. 25. And the earth We have spread out [like a carpet]; set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance. And We have provided therein means of subsistence,- for you and for those for whose sustenance ye are not responsible. And there is not a thing but its [sources and] treasures [inexhaustible] are with Us; but We only send down thereof in due and ascertainable measures. And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water [in abundance], though ye are not the guardians of its stores. And verily, it is We Who give life, and Who give death: it is We Who remain inheritors [after all else passes away]. 15:19-23.
26. 26. And cattle He has created for you [men]: from them ye derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their [meat] ye eat. And ye have a sense of pride and beauty in them as ye drive them home in the evening, and as ye lead them forth to pasture in the morning. And they carry your heavy loads to lands that ye could not [otherwise] reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful, And [He has created] horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show; and He has created [other] things of which ye have no knowledge. (16:5-8.)
27. 27. And Allah has created every animal from water: of them there are some that creep on their bellies; some that walk on two legs; and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills for verily Allah has power over all things.(24: 45) It is Allah Who made cattle for you, that ye may use some for riding and some for food; And there are [other] advantages in them for you [besides]; that ye may through them attain to any need [there may be] in your hearts; and on them and on ships ye are carried(40:79- 80)
28. 28. It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract there from ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek [thus] of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful.(16: 14) It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfilment of your life: small are the thanks that ye give!(7:10)
29. 29. Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah Sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they Trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;- [Here] indeed are Signs for a people that are wise.[2:164]
30. 30. And We split the earth in fragments, And produce therein corn, And Grapes and nutritious plants, And Olives and Dates, And enclosed Gardens, dense with lofty trees, And fruits and fodder,- For use and convenience to you and your cattle. (80:26-32)
31. 31. It is He Who has spread out the earth for [His] creatures: Therein is fruit and date- palms, producing spathes [enclosing dates]; Also corn, with [its] leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants. (55:10-12) It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.(2:29)
32. 32. And We send down from the sky rain charted with blessing, and We produce therewith gardens and Grain for harvests; And tall [and stately] palm-trees, with shoots of fruit-stalks, piled one over another;- As sustenance for [Allah's] Servants;- and We give [new] life therewith to land that is dead: Thus will be the Resurrection. (50:9-11)
33. 33. It is He Who sendeth down rain from the skies: with it We produce vegetation of all kinds: from some We produce green [crops], out of which We produce grain, heaped up [at harvest]; out of the date-palm and its sheaths [or spathes] [come] clusters of dates hanging low and near: and [then there are] gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each similar [in kind] yet different [in variety]: when they begin to bear fruit, feast your eyes with the fruit and the ripeness thereof. Behold! in these things there are signs for people who believe.[6: 99]
34. 34. And [have We not] created you in pairs, And made your sleep for rest, And made the night as a covering, And made the day as a means of subsistence? And [have We not] built over you the seven firmaments, And placed [therein] a Light of Splendour? And do We not send down from the clouds water in abundance, That We may produce therewith corn and vegetables, And gardens of luxurious growth?(78:8-16)
35. 35. He spread the earth like a carpet. Where all the living being can live. The mountains were placed to make the earth firm and stable. He created the rain, cloud, wind and made the earth live and fertile for vegetation. Allah created the animals and creatures of all kinds both aquatic and that living on surface and air and placed them at the service of mankind. He created the plant kingdom for subsistance of the living beings on earth including human being.
36. 36. The seas were created for aquatic animals and for sailing. Both for benefit of mankind. The origin of everything on earth is clearly described by the above ayats. Since everything on earth is created for human being, both the plant kingdom and all living creatures were created before creation of mankind. He created everything in pairs, not only the living creatures but also the plants.
37. 37. We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape; And the Jinn race, We had created before, from the fire of a scorching wind. Behold! thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man, from sounding clay from mud moulded into shape;[15:26-28]
38. 38. And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam," and they prostrated themselves, except Ibls (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrated themselves. [007:011]
39. 39. And surely, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones. [007:179]
40. 40. Adam(Human being) was created from clay. A mixture of materials(Elements) from which earth is made of . Quran has mentioned about two kinds of creatures superior to the other living beings including cattle, human being and jinns. Jinns were created from a different kind of material, the smokeless flame (ionised gaseous state of matter). Whether all invisible creatures that are known to men are jinns, is not mentioned.
41. 41. Human beings were made superior to the Jinns, for which Iblis(a Jinn) who claimed himself superior to Adam refused to prostrate Adam . Iblis refused Gods order to prostrate Adam . Jinns as well as Human beings were given free will. During their life time they can live a life of their own, but they will get rewards as per their deeds on the day of judgement.
42. 42. Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth. They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy [name]?" He said: "I know what ye know not.(2:30) And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down.Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith. (2:34)
43. 43. God created Adam in order to place it as vicegerent on earth, the angels and Jinns were asked to honour Adam by prostrating him. The angels prostrated but a Jinn (Iblish) refused. This ayat clearly indicates that human being was last of all creations on earth. From the Ayats the order creation on earths can be guessed as follows.
44. 44. The angels are agents of God. There is no mention about their creation. They do only their assigned duties. God first created, The universe and earth. Then an environment for vegetation and then vegetation. Then all animals and living beings. Then Jinns and at last human beings. Human beings were placed as vicegerent on earth.
45. 45. The differences in religious texts. There are differences in opinion in religious scriptures regarding origin of the universe and living beings on earth. The religious scriptures were the necessities of time. God taught human being through revelations in different ways. Human perceptions of the facts can also be considered to be a kind of revelation.
46. 46. The human society developed gradually through a wide span of time and human knowledge increased gradually to the present level through the religious scriptures. What the different religious scriptures taught was the maximum that can be taught at that time. All religious texts can be considered to be a part of the same book of knowledge which is meant for mankind.
47. 47. The present differences among the followers of different faiths arise due to the claim of superiority of religious scriptures by the followers of each faith. If we consider the scriptures as parts of a course of study to be given to mankind for completion of the learning process, certainly we can reduce the differences among the followers of different faiths. Let us change our ways of thinking and let us try to eliminate the differences among us so that the earth becomes a place of peaceful leaving.
48. 48. A presentation by Dr Sanjan Ali Hazarika Professor of Physics(Retd) Jorhat Engineering College, Assam, India. For your feedback please use hazarikasanjan17@gmail.com