Six Days of Divine Creation
Islamic cosmology describes how Allah created the heavens and earth through His command "Kun!" (Be!). In six distinct periods or "days," all of existence came into being from absolute nothingness, culminating in the creation of humanity as khalifa (steward) of the Earth.
Primordial State - Before Creation
Before creation, there was only Allah—eternal, self-sufficient, existing in absolute perfection. No time, no space, no matter, no void. Creation was an act of divine will, not necessity. Allah was not incomplete before creation; He created not from need but from His abundant generosity and will to manifest His attributes.
"Indeed, His command when He intends a thing is only that He says to it, 'Be,' and it is." - Quran 36:82
"He is 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 First Creations
Before the creation of the heavens and earth, Allah created:
The Six Days of Creation
The Quran mentions creation occurring in six "days" (ayyam), though Islamic scholars note these are not literal 24-hour periods but rather stages or epochs. "Indeed, a day with your Lord is like a thousand years of those which you count" (Quran 22:47).
What was created: The physical Earth and its foundations
"Say: Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds." - Quran 41:9
Process: Allah laid out the earth as a foundation for life. The earth was initially formless and void, prepared to receive mountains, valleys, and oceans.
What was created: Mountains, rivers, vegetation, and provision
"And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its sustenance in four days without distinction—for those who ask." - Quran 41:10
Process: Mountains were set as anchors to stabilize the earth. Sustenance (rizq) was measured out and embedded in the earth—minerals, nutrients, potential for crops. This prepared the earth for life.
What was created: The seven heavens, celestial bodies, angels
"Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, 'Come willingly or by compulsion.' They said, 'We have come willingly.' And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing." - Quran 41:11-12
Process: The heavens were initially "smoke" (dukhan)—undifferentiated matter. Allah separated them into seven distinct layers, each with its own angels, function, and characteristics. Stars were placed in the lowest heaven as adornment and guidance.
Days 1-2: Earth created
Days 3-4: Earth sustained (mountains, rivers, provision)
Days 5-6: Seven heavens created and adorned
Total: Six days/periods of creation
The Seventh Day - Divine Rest?
Unlike the biblical tradition, Islamic theology explicitly rejects the notion that Allah rested after creation. The Quran states:
After completion, Allah "established Himself above the Throne" (istawa 'ala al-arsh), meaning He began exercising sovereignty and governance over creation. This is rulership, not rest from exhaustion.
The Creation of Humanity
Adam - The First Human
After creating the heavens and earth, Allah announced to the angels His intention to create a khalifa (steward/vicegerent) on Earth. The angels questioned this, wondering why Allah would create beings who would cause corruption and bloodshed. Allah responded: "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."
The Stages of Human Creation:
Allah gathered clay from all parts of the earth—red, white, black, and brown—explaining humanity's diverse colors and natures. This clay was from the surface of the earth.
The clay was mixed with water and molded into human form. It remained in this state, hardening like pottery.
Allah breathed into Adam from His Ruh (Spirit), and Adam became a living soul. This divine breath distinguishes humans from all other creatures, granting consciousness, will, and spiritual capacity.
Allah taught Adam the names of all things—knowledge that the angels did not possess. This demonstrated human capacity for knowledge, language, and abstract thought, justifying humanity's role as khalifa.
Allah commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam as a sign of honor and respect (not worship). All angels obeyed except Iblis (Satan), who refused out of arrogance, saying he was created from fire while Adam was from clay. This refusal led to Iblis's expulsion and eternal enmity with humanity.
The Creation of Hawwa (Eve)
From Adam, Allah created his mate Hawwa (Eve), so he would not be alone. The Quran states: "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate" (Quran 4:1). She was created from Adam's rib, during his sleep in Paradise.
Paradise and the First Test
Adam and Hawwa were placed in Paradise (Jannah) with permission to enjoy all of it except one tree. Iblis, seeking revenge, whispered to them that the forbidden tree would grant immortality and kingship. They ate from it, not out of malice but forgetfulness and weakness. Upon realization, they immediately repented with sincere regret.
Allah accepted their repentance—establishing the divine pattern of mercy preceding justice—and sent them to Earth as planned, now with knowledge of good and evil. Their stay in Paradise was always meant to be temporary; Earth was humanity's destined home from the beginning.
"They said, 'Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.'" - Quran 7:23
The Purpose of Creation
Islamic theology is clear about why creation exists:
"Worship" (ibadah) here means comprehensive devotion—not just ritual prayer, but living according to divine will in all aspects. Humanity serves as khalifa (steward) of Earth, tasked with maintaining balance, justice, and care for creation while recognizing Allah's sovereignty.
Humanity's Dual Nature
- Body from Earth: Physical, mortal, connected to material world
- Spirit from Allah: Transcendent, immortal, yearning for divine connection
- Free Will: Unlike angels (who obey) or animals (who follow instinct)
- Moral Responsibility: Accountable for choices, subject to judgment
- Potential for Excellence: Can surpass angels in spiritual rank through faith
Comparison with Other Creation Traditions
Jewish Creation (Genesis)
Similarities: Six-day creation, seventh day (Shabbat), Adam from dust, Eve from rib, forbidden tree
Differences: Islamic version rejects divine "rest," emphasizes Adam's immediate repentance and forgiveness
Christian Creation
Similarities: Shares Genesis account, creation ex nihilo, divine word
Differences: No concept of "original sin" inherited; each person responsible for own deeds. Adam's error forgiven, not transmitted.
Zoroastrian Creation
Similarities: Cosmic struggle between good and evil forces
Differences: Islam rejects dualism; Satan has no independent power, only permission to test. Evil is absence/corruption of good, not equal opposing force.
Hindu Creation
Similarities: Cosmic cycles, breath of God giving life
Differences: Islam teaches linear time with defined beginning and end, not cyclical rebirth of universes. One creation, one judgment.
Related Across the Mythos
Adam and Hawwa
First Khalifa
Stewards of Earth
Seven Heavens
Layered celestial realms
Kun Fayakun
"Be, and it is"