Scientific Analysis of Objections to the Chronological Order of Creation in the Qur'an
✍ Written by: Mirza Ahmad Waseem Baig
Mr. Ayaz Nizami claimed that there is contradiction in the Holy Qur'an, citing Surah Fussilat (verses 9–12) and Surah An-Nazi‘at (verses 27–30) as evidence. His position is that the order of creation of the earth and the heavens is described differently in these verses, which he regards as a clear contradiction. This article presents an analysis of his objections, responses to them, and a summary of the overall discussion.
Ayaz Nizami stated:
He concluded that since these two sequences contradict each other, there is inconsistency in the Qur'an.
"Say, do you indeed disbelieve in the One Who created the earth in two days, and you ascribe to Him equals? He is the Lord of the worlds (9). And He placed firmly set mountains on it from above, and He blessed it and determined therein its sustenance in four days—equal for all who ask (10). Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, 'Come willingly or unwillingly.' They said, 'We come willingly' (11). So He completed them as seven heavens in 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 Almighty, the All-Knowing (12)."
"Are you a more difficult creation or is the heaven? He constructed it (27). He raised its ceiling and proportioned it (28). And He darkened its night and extracted its brightness (29). And the earth, after that, He spread it out (30)."
Ayaz Nizami perceived a contradiction in the sequence of the creation of the earth and the heavens. However, the reality is that different stages of creation are described in these verses.
① Ratq and Fatq: The heavens and the earth were initially joined, then separated. (Surah Al-Anbiya: 30)
② Khalq (Creation): The basic formation of the heavens and the earth.
③ Dahw (Spreading): The earth was spread out and made livable—such as the creation of water, vegetation, and mountains.
❖ Conclusion: Khalq (creation) and dahw (spreading) are two distinct phases, and any difference in their timing does not constitute a contradiction but rather clarifies the natural sequence of creation.
Response:
In Arabic lexicon, dahw means "to spread out" and "to prepare the earth for habitation"—not creation. The Qur'an itself clarifies the meaning of dahw:
"And the earth, after that, He spread it. From it He brought forth its water and pasture" (Verses 30–31)
Response:
Additionally:
✔ The Arabic particle "wa" (وَ) is not necessarily used for chronological sequencing—it also serves to merely join statements.
✔ The term "thumma" (ثُمَّ) is also used in Arabic for narrative sequence, not necessarily chronological sequence.
Response:
The narration was only presented for supporting reference, not as a primary argument. The main argument of this discussion is based on the analysis of Qur'anic verses and their terminology.
Response:
A difference in timing between tasks does not amount to contradiction. For instance:
❖ A room may be constructed first, and then its ceiling is installed.
This difference in sequence is not a contradiction, but rather a clarification of different phases.
✔ Misinterpretation of Ratq and Fatq:
Ratq means "joined" and fatq means "separated." Ayaz Nizami disregarded these lexical meanings and presented an imaginary interpretation.
✔ Misuse of “thumma” and “ba‘da dhalika”:
Ayaz insisted that “thumma” and “ba‘da dhalika” always indicate chronological order. However, in Arabic, these terms are also frequently used for narrative order.
◈ Surah Fussilat and Surah An-Nazi‘at describe different stages of the creation process, and there is no contradiction between them.
◈ Creation (khalq) and spreading (dahw) are distinct phases, and the difference in their timings represents natural progression, not conflict.
◈ Ayaz Nizami's objections are based on lexical errors, disregard of context, and self-fabricated interpretations.
✍ Written by: Mirza Ahmad Waseem Baig
❖ Introduction
Mr. Ayaz Nizami claimed that there is contradiction in the Holy Qur'an, citing Surah Fussilat (verses 9–12) and Surah An-Nazi‘at (verses 27–30) as evidence. His position is that the order of creation of the earth and the heavens is described differently in these verses, which he regards as a clear contradiction. This article presents an analysis of his objections, responses to them, and a summary of the overall discussion.
❖ Objection: Contradiction in the Order of Creation of the Earth and the Heavens
Ayaz Nizami stated:
- According to Surah Fussilat, the earth was created first, then the heavens were created and structured.
- According to Surah An-Nazi‘at, the heavens were created first, and then the earth was spread out (dahw).
He concluded that since these two sequences contradict each other, there is inconsistency in the Qur'an.
❖ Surah Fussilat (Verses 9–12)
"Say, do you indeed disbelieve in the One Who created the earth in two days, and you ascribe to Him equals? He is the Lord of the worlds (9). And He placed firmly set mountains on it from above, and He blessed it and determined therein its sustenance in four days—equal for all who ask (10). Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, 'Come willingly or unwillingly.' They said, 'We come willingly' (11). So He completed them as seven heavens in 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 Almighty, the All-Knowing (12)."
❖ Surah An-Nazi‘at (Verses 27–30)
"Are you a more difficult creation or is the heaven? He constructed it (27). He raised its ceiling and proportioned it (28). And He darkened its night and extracted its brightness (29). And the earth, after that, He spread it out (30)."
❖ Analysis of the Objection
Ayaz Nizami perceived a contradiction in the sequence of the creation of the earth and the heavens. However, the reality is that different stages of creation are described in these verses.
❖ Three Stages of Creation in the Qur'an
① Ratq and Fatq: The heavens and the earth were initially joined, then separated. (Surah Al-Anbiya: 30)
② Khalq (Creation): The basic formation of the heavens and the earth.
③ Dahw (Spreading): The earth was spread out and made livable—such as the creation of water, vegetation, and mountains.
❖ Interconnection of the Verses
- Surah Fussilat mentions the creation (khalq) of the earth and its associated elements (mountains, blessings, sustenance).
- Surah An-Nazi‘at mentions the dahw (spreading and preparation) of the earth, which took place after the formation (taswiyah) of the heavens.
❖ Conclusion: Khalq (creation) and dahw (spreading) are two distinct phases, and any difference in their timing does not constitute a contradiction but rather clarifies the natural sequence of creation.
❖ Responses to Ayaz Nizami's Objections
Objection 1: Dahw Means Creation
Response:
In Arabic lexicon, dahw means "to spread out" and "to prepare the earth for habitation"—not creation. The Qur'an itself clarifies the meaning of dahw:
"And the earth, after that, He spread it. From it He brought forth its water and pasture" (Verses 30–31)
Objection 2: There is a Contradiction in Order
Response:
- Surah Fussilat mentions the creation of the earth and its components first, then the taswiyah (structuring) of the heavens.
- Surah An-Nazi‘at discusses the structuring of the heavens first, followed by the dahw of the earth.
Additionally:
✔ The Arabic particle "wa" (وَ) is not necessarily used for chronological sequencing—it also serves to merely join statements.
✔ The term "thumma" (ثُمَّ) is also used in Arabic for narrative sequence, not necessarily chronological sequence.
Objection 3: The Narration of Ibn Abbas
Response:
The narration was only presented for supporting reference, not as a primary argument. The main argument of this discussion is based on the analysis of Qur'anic verses and their terminology.
Objection 4: Contradiction Between the Verses
Response:
A difference in timing between tasks does not amount to contradiction. For instance:
❖ A room may be constructed first, and then its ceiling is installed.
This difference in sequence is not a contradiction, but rather a clarification of different phases.
❖ Rebuttal of Other Points by Ayaz Nizami
✔ Misinterpretation of Ratq and Fatq:
Ratq means "joined" and fatq means "separated." Ayaz Nizami disregarded these lexical meanings and presented an imaginary interpretation.
✔ Misuse of “thumma” and “ba‘da dhalika”:
Ayaz insisted that “thumma” and “ba‘da dhalika” always indicate chronological order. However, in Arabic, these terms are also frequently used for narrative order.
❖ Summary
◈ Surah Fussilat and Surah An-Nazi‘at describe different stages of the creation process, and there is no contradiction between them.
◈ Creation (khalq) and spreading (dahw) are distinct phases, and the difference in their timings represents natural progression, not conflict.
◈ Ayaz Nizami's objections are based on lexical errors, disregard of context, and self-fabricated interpretations.
