Let There Be Light

In the silence of the boundless void, Allah, the Most High, willed to manifest His power and wisdom. With His majestic command, He said, "Be." A great light burst forth, illuminating the vast emptiness. The universe began to take shape. This light marked the beginning of life, movement, and time—something that had not existed before.

The Formation of the Heavens and the Earth

The heavens began to be created, one after another, each layer more magnificent than the one before. Hues of deep blue, golden yellow, and fiery red lights danced across the void, casting reflections that shimmered like jewels in the darkness. It was a breathtaking spectacle. The earth started to form amidst this expansive universe, its surface taking shape with mountains, valleys, and oceans, each feature crafted with precision and care. The universe expanded in a magnificent display of divine artistry, with celestial bodies of varying sizes and brightness scattered across the cosmic canvas. Allah said to the heavens and the earth, "Come willingly or by compulsion," and they both responded in unison, "We come willingly." Thus, the seven heavens were established in their places, and the earth was spread out to become the cradle for the life to come.

In these blessed moments, Allah created the Throne and established Himself above it. He created the Pen and then commanded it, "Write." The Pen asked, "What shall I write, O Lord?" Allah said, "Write everything that will happen until the Day of Judgment." The Pen then began to write everything—the events, destinies, and provisions. It recorded the rising and setting of the stars. The coming of prophets, the trials faced by nations, and the moments of triumph and downfall were all inscribed in meticulous detail. Each event was written with care, emphasizing the significance of every moment in the grand narrative of creation. Every detail, from the movement of the smallest leaf to the turning points in human history, was inscribed with precision and purpose. The movements of the stars, the rise and fall of empires, the birth and death of all creatures, and the interplay of good and evil—everything was recorded with precision and purpose.

As the universe adorned itself with stars, planets, and galaxies, Allah created the angels from light—pure and pristine beings who do not disobey Allah's commands and who carry out what they are commanded. The angels gathered in the presence of Allah, their hearts filled with reverence and curiosity, asking with awe, "Our Lord, is there wisdom in the creation of this vast universe?" They were overwhelmed by the grandeur of what they witnessed, yet they sought to understand the deeper purpose behind this magnificent creation. They marveled at the wonders unfolding before their eyes, the splendor of the newly formed stars, and the vast stretches of galaxies.

Allah answered them with wisdom, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know." This response hinted at the vastness of Allah's knowledge and the limitations of the angels' understanding, reminding them that His wisdom encompassed matters far beyond their comprehension. The angels understood that there was a great secret that would be revealed at the right time, so they praised their Lord and submitted to His wisdom. They sang hymns of praise, their voices echoing across the heavens, filled with awe and reverence at the greatness of the divine creation.

The Creation of the Jinn

In another part of creation, Allah created the jinn from smokeless fire—beings endowed with free will, inhabiting their own realms, unseen by humans and residing in places beyond the physical world. Their realms are said to overlap with ours, yet remain invisible, filled with their own communities, cultures, and responsibilities. The jinn were beings of energy, vibrant and restless, capable of both immense good and great harm. Among them was a creature named Iblis, a devout worshipper who had earned a high rank among the angels due to his devotion and obedience. His dedication had elevated him, allowing him to dwell among the ranks of the angels, though his origin was different.

It is narrated in some Isra'iliyyat (ancient narrations) that Allah looked upon a light from His own, and from it, He created the Preserved Tablet. Then He looked upon that Tablet and created the Pen, commanding it, "Write My knowledge regarding My creation until the Day of Judgment." The universe was filled with layers of knowledge, wisdom, and purpose, meticulously written and preserved as a testament to the Creator's boundless omniscience.

Meanwhile, the heavens were adorned with stars and galaxies, and the earth took shape with its layers, mountains, and seas. Rivers began to flow, and the earth's surface became adorned with fertile plains, towering mountains, and deep oceans. The universe, once a dark and formless void, now shone with brilliance, a masterpiece of divine artistry. Allah, the Exalted, said, _"And We made the sky a protected ceiling, but they, from its signs, are turning away"_ (Quran 21:32). The heavens were made as a protective barrier, sheltering the earth from harm and showcasing the divine signs to those who would ponder.

Life began to stir across the universe, preparing for a greater creation yet to come. The angels and jinn watched eagerly, anticipating this grand event. They whispered among themselves, curious about what was to come. One of the angels asked, _"O Lord, will You create therein one who will spread corruption and shed blood?"_ Allah replied, _"Indeed, I know that which you do not know"_ (Quran 2:30). The angels were aware of the nature of the jinn, with their free will that had often led them astray, and they wondered if this new creation would follow a similar path.

The Beginning of the Human Story

Thus, the journey of creation began to manifest in its most splendid form, and secrets began to unfold, announcing the beginning of the story of humankind—who would become a vicegerent on earth and around whom great events and destined outcomes would revolve. The earth was prepared with all the resources needed for human life—water, food, shelter, and beauty. The mountains stood as guardians, and the rivers as lifelines, while the earth's resources were concealed beneath its surface, waiting to be discovered and utilized by humankind.

The creation of Adam was the culmination of this divine plan, a being formed from clay gathered from different parts of the earth—each with its unique color, texture, and scent, ranging from the rich, dark soil of fertile lands to the rough, grainy sands of desolate places—shaped by the hands of divine wisdom with care and precision. The clay was cool and moist, its earthy aroma filling the air, as it was molded into a form that would become the first human. When Allah breathed into him of His spirit, Adam came to life—a creation unlike any other. He stood tall, endowed with reason, intellect, and the capacity for both knowledge and error. The angels gathered around, witnessing the birth of this new creation, while Iblis watched from a distance, harboring thoughts that would soon lead him down a dark path.

Dialogue: The Anticipation of Creation

**Angel 1:** "What will be the purpose of this new creation, O Lord?"

**Angel 2:** "Will they be obedient like us, or will they have the freedom to choose their path?"

**Narrator:** The angels continued to wonder, and a sense of anticipation filled the heavens. They could not fathom the full extent of Allah's wisdom, but they knew that whatever He willed would be filled with purpose and beauty. They awaited the unfolding of a great plan, a plan that would bring forth a new being—one who would be tested, who would learn, and who would ultimately reflect the attributes of mercy, patience, and perseverance.

**Angel 3:** "Look at him—he is made of clay. What wisdom lies behind the creation of a being from the earth itself?"

**Angel 1:** "Perhaps he will be closer to it, more capable of nurturing and caring for what grows upon it."

**Iblis:** (to himself) "Why would Allah create another being? Have I not worshipped Him with utmost devotion? What role will they have that I do not fulfill?"

The angels bowed in submission, trusting in Allah's wisdom. Meanwhile, Iblis began to feel a stir of pride and doubt—seeds that would grow into something much greater, setting the stage for a conflict that would span all of human history. This contrast between the angels' humility and Iblis's pride foreshadowed the struggle between good and evil that would define the human journey, emphasizing the importance of this pivotal moment. Iblis's pride stemmed from his inability to accept a creation he deemed inferior, and this internal struggle led him down a path of envy and rebellion against the divine will. He could not understand why this being of clay was given such honor, and envy began to take root in his heart.

**Angel 2:** "It is said that this new creation will have the capacity to choose—both good and evil. Such freedom is unlike anything we possess."

**Angel 1:** "Freedom is a great responsibility. Perhaps that is why the trust is so significant."

Thus, the preparations for the coming of humankind were set in motion, and the universe stood ready for the creation of a being who would carry a trust unlike any other—a being who would navigate the struggles of good and evil, guided by the light of revelation and the mercy of the Creator. The heavens watched as Adam took his first breath, and with it, the story of humankind began—a story filled with triumph and failure, hope and despair, a journey that would ultimately lead back to the Creator, the source of all light and life.

The universe stood in silence, awaiting the unfolding of this grand tale, as the angels, the jinn, and all of creation bore witness to the birth of a being who would walk upon the earth, who would learn, err, and seek forgiveness, and who would ultimately reflect the mercy and wisdom of the One who had brought him into existence.