Topic: Created With Purpose
View Aspects
إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ
2:165; 3:28; 45:4-6.
2:165; 3:28; 45:4-6.
The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must needs be followed by one of sunshine and happiness.
2:165; 3:28; 45:6.
Commentary:
The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must be followed by one of sunshine and happiness. For further explanation of this verse see next verse.
d
2:165; 3:28; 45:4-6.
b
2:165; 3:28; 45:6.
473
Commentary:
The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must be followed by one of sunshine and happiness. For further explanation of this verse see next verse.
c
2:165; 3:28; 45:4-6.
546
The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must needs be followed by one of sunshine and happiness.
ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَٰطِلًا سُبْحَٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
38:28.
如果没有明确的目的, 前节经文所提及的宏大体系当然不能存在。由于创造整个宇宙是为人效劳, 所以人本身的创造就必须具有宏大的目的。当人在思考创造宇宙这一自然现象含有精神方面的意思以及支配这种自然现象的完美的秩序时, 他深为创造者的智慧所感动, 并从内心深处惊叹: “我们的养主啊！你没有徒劳无益地创造了天地。”
38:28.
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
The grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man himself must have a great purpose. When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of the universe and the consummate order that pervades it, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this universe in vain.
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
38:28.
Important Words:
باطلا (in vain) is derived from بطل meaning, it was or became false or vain, or void or futile or devoid of virtue or of no account. They say ذھب دمه باطلا meaning his blood went for nothing, i.e. went unretaliated. بطل فی حدیثه means, he jested or was not serious in his discourse. باطل therefore, means: false, spurious, vain, useless, void and of no account (Lane).
Commentary:
Such a grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The phenomenon of day and night referred to in the preceding verse affords an illustration of how this purpose is served. With the rising of the sun the whole world is illuminated, and men begin to work. Then night falls and the light of the sun is hidden from our view and men go to sleep, but even then some heavenly bodies are busy doing their allotted task. Thus both during day and night heavenly bodies perform their appointed functions and loyally serve man. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man must also have a great purpose. Of men, some are bright in themselves like the sun, and there are others who possess no intrinsic light of their own but borrow it from others. Such men as place themselves in right relation to the Sun of the spiritual realm become enlightened, while those that keep away from it are left in the dark.
When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of heavens and earth, the alteration of day, and night and the consummate order that pervades the universe, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain. Then apprehension takes hold of him lest he should become deprived of the light of the spiritual Sun and he cries out: Save us from the punishment of Fire, which is nothing but being overtaken by spiritual darkness and moral degradation.
e
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
f
38:28.
301
如果没有明确的目的, 前节经文所提及的宏大体系当然不能存在。由于创造整个宇宙是为人效劳, 所以人本身的创造就必须具有宏大的目的。当人在思考创造宇宙这一自然现象含有精神方面的意思以及支配这种自然现象的完美的秩序时, 他深为创造者的智慧所感动, 并从内心深处惊叹: “我们的养主啊！你没有徒劳无益地创造了天地。”
c
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
d
38:28.
474
Important Words:
باطلا (in vain) is derived from بطل meaning, it was or became false or vain, or void or futile or devoid of virtue or of no account. They say ذھب دمه باطلا meaning his blood went for nothing, i.e. went unretaliated. بطل فی حدیثه means, he jested or was not serious in his discourse. باطل therefore, means: false, spurious, vain, useless, void and of no account (Lane).
Commentary:
Such a grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The phenomenon of day and night referred to in the preceding verse affords an illustration of how this purpose is served. With the rising of the sun the whole world is illuminated, and men begin to work. Then night falls and the light of the sun is hidden from our view and men go to sleep, but even then some heavenly bodies are busy doing their allotted task. Thus both during day and night heavenly bodies perform their appointed functions and loyally serve man. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man must also have a great purpose. Of men, some are bright in themselves like the sun, and there are others who possess no intrinsic light of their own but borrow it from others. Such men as place themselves in right relation to the Sun of the spiritual realm become enlightened, while those that keep away from it are left in the dark.
When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of heavens and earth, the alteration of day, and night and the consummate order that pervades the universe, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain. Then apprehension takes hold of him lest he should become deprived of the light of the spiritual Sun and he cries out: Save us from the punishment of Fire, which is nothing but being overtaken by spiritual darkness and moral degradation.
a
38:28.
d
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
547
The grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man himself must have a great purpose. When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of the universe and the consummate order that pervades it, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this universe in vain.
وَمَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ لَءَاتِيَةٌ ۖ فَٱصْفَحِ ٱلصَّفْحَ ٱلْجَمِيلَ
3:192; 16:4; 38:28.
20:16; 40:60.
The creation of the universe and the wonderful design and order that pervade it surely lead to the one inescapable inference that human life is not limited to the temporary and short existence on this earth, and that a great purpose underlies it and man has not been created just to eat, drink and be merry for a while and then die an eternal death.
3:192; 16:4; 38:28.
20:16; 40:60.
Important Words:
فاصفح (So turn away) is derived from صفح (safaha). صفح عنه means, he turned away from and left him. This expression also means, he turned away from his sins or faults i.e. he forgave him. صفح الناس means, he watched and looked into the affairs and conditions of the people. صفح (safhun) is the infinitive noun from it, meaning also the side of a thing. (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The word ساعة (Hour) is used to signify both the post-mortal Day of Judgement and the time fixed in this life for the punishment of the enemies of truth and the triumph of believers. The verse means to say that a careful study of the creation or the universe and its working leads to the conclusion that a great purpose underlies it. It not only proves that there is inevitably going to be a day of ultimate reckoning after death, but that even in this world truth ultimately triumphs and falsehood comes to grief. If human life were really confined to a short and temporary existence on this earth, then the vast organization of the illimitable universe would be much too extravagant a provision. The creation of the universe and the wonderful design and purpose that pervades it surely leads to the one inescapable inference that human life is much more than the limited, temporary and short existence on this earth. It is an insult to human intelligence to think that man has been created just to eat, drink and be merry for a while and then die an eternal death. The wonderful creation of the universe strongly repudiates such an idea. Human existence has a grand purpose to fulfil and the fulfilment of that purpose presupposes that it should extend to a time when man should attain to that high spiritual state for which he is created. Study of the human mechanism shows that machinery of such infinite complexity could not have for its object only the preservation of the finite physical life.
Similarly, a study of the creation of this universe and its mighty and wonderful working leads to the conclusion that in this life truth must ultimately prevail against untruth. The verse points out that just as it is impossible for the earth to subsist for one single day without the physical heavens, similarly, there could be no spiritual life divorced from the heaven of spiritual truths. Just as the earth can discharge its proper functions only so long as it forms a part of the whole universe, even so can man save himself from destruction only by forming a part of the spiritual system around him. The verse, therefore, purports to warn opponents of the Holy Prophet that, as they have cut themselves off from the heaven of spiritual truths, their wealth and possessions would not avail them in the least and the time has now come for their destruction and for the success and prosperity of those who have believed.
It may be noted here that the verse emphatically speaks of the impending destruction of disbelievers. History bears witness to the fact that after the promulgation of this prophecy, the condition of the Meccan idolaters changed quickly from bad to worse until their power was completely broken and Islam reigned supreme in the land.
It may further be noted that the verse under comment lends support to the view that this Surah was revealed towards the close of the Meccan period. At any rate the present verses must have belonged to that period, because they clearly speak of the imminent destruction of the Meccans. The first few verses of the next Surah also deal with the same topic.
The words, So turn away from them in a comely manner, signify that now when the time of the punishment of the Meccans has come, the Holy Prophet should cease to hold religious discussions with them.
a
3:192; 16:4; 38:28.
b
20:16; 40:60.
a
3:192; 16:4; 38:28.
b
20:16; 40:60.
1789
Important Words:
فاصفح (So turn away) is derived from صفح (safaha). صفح عنه means, he turned away from and left him. This expression also means, he turned away from his sins or faults i.e. he forgave him. صفح الناس means, he watched and looked into the affairs and conditions of the people. صفح (safhun) is the infinitive noun from it, meaning also the side of a thing. (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The word ساعة (Hour) is used to signify both the post-mortal Day of Judgement and the time fixed in this life for the punishment of the enemies of truth and the triumph of believers. The verse means to say that a careful study of the creation or the universe and its working leads to the conclusion that a great purpose underlies it. It not only proves that there is inevitably going to be a day of ultimate reckoning after death, but that even in this world truth ultimately triumphs and falsehood comes to grief. If human life were really confined to a short and temporary existence on this earth, then the vast organization of the illimitable universe would be much too extravagant a provision. The creation of the universe and the wonderful design and purpose that pervades it surely leads to the one inescapable inference that human life is much more than the limited, temporary and short existence on this earth. It is an insult to human intelligence to think that man has been created just to eat, drink and be merry for a while and then die an eternal death. The wonderful creation of the universe strongly repudiates such an idea. Human existence has a grand purpose to fulfil and the fulfilment of that purpose presupposes that it should extend to a time when man should attain to that high spiritual state for which he is created. Study of the human mechanism shows that machinery of such infinite complexity could not have for its object only the preservation of the finite physical life.
Similarly, a study of the creation of this universe and its mighty and wonderful working leads to the conclusion that in this life truth must ultimately prevail against untruth. The verse points out that just as it is impossible for the earth to subsist for one single day without the physical heavens, similarly, there could be no spiritual life divorced from the heaven of spiritual truths. Just as the earth can discharge its proper functions only so long as it forms a part of the whole universe, even so can man save himself from destruction only by forming a part of the spiritual system around him. The verse, therefore, purports to warn opponents of the Holy Prophet that, as they have cut themselves off from the heaven of spiritual truths, their wealth and possessions would not avail them in the least and the time has now come for their destruction and for the success and prosperity of those who have believed.
It may be noted here that the verse emphatically speaks of the impending destruction of disbelievers. History bears witness to the fact that after the promulgation of this prophecy, the condition of the Meccan idolaters changed quickly from bad to worse until their power was completely broken and Islam reigned supreme in the land.
It may further be noted that the verse under comment lends support to the view that this Surah was revealed towards the close of the Meccan period. At any rate the present verses must have belonged to that period, because they clearly speak of the imminent destruction of the Meccans. The first few verses of the next Surah also deal with the same topic.
The words, So turn away from them in a comely manner, signify that now when the time of the punishment of the Meccans has come, the Holy Prophet should cease to hold religious discussions with them.
c
3:192; 16:4; 38:28.
d
20:16; 40:60.
1521A
The creation of the universe and the wonderful design and order that pervade it surely lead to the one inescapable inference that human life is not limited to the temporary and short existence on this earth, and that a great purpose underlies it and man has not been created just to eat, drink and be merry for a while and then die an eternal death.
خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚ تَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
3:192; 14:20; 15:86; 29:45; 39:6; 64:4.
3:192; 14:20; 15:86; 29:45; 39:6; 64:4.
The expression 'with the requirements of wisdom' may mean that heavens and earth have their allotted tasks in the spiritual regeneration of man so that both jointly produce the desired result. Or it may mean that God has created the heavens and the earth so that they may serve to turn man’s attention to God, and man may see that nothing is perfect by itself except Him. The heavens stand in need of earth for the performance of their work and likewise the earth is dependent on heavens and both are subject to the Will of God. So the purpose of the creation of the heavens and the earth is to demonstrate to man the fact that nothing is perfect in itself except God.
3:192; 14:20; 15:86; 29:45; 39:6; 64:4.
Commentary:
The expression بالحق (with the requirements of wisdom) may mean that heavens and earth have their allotted tasks in the spiritual regeneration of man so that both jointly produce the desired result. Or it may mean that God has created the heavens and the earth so that they may serve to turn man’s attention to God, and he may see that nothing is perfect by itself except God. The heavens stand in need of the earth for the performance of their work, and likewise the earth is dependent on heavens and both are subject to the will of God. So the purpose of the creation of the heavens and the earth is to demonstrate to man the fact that nothing is perfect in itself except God.
The words, Exalted is He above all that they associate with Him, mean to say that he who does not believe that the heavens and the earth have been created with a definite purpose will necessarily fall a victim to the sin of setting up equals with God. No wise man can say that God has created this universe without purpose. If it has been created by God, it must have a purpose. If it be supposed to have no purpose, it would mean that it has not been created by God but is self-existent, which is tantamount to saying that every atom in this universe is equal to God for it is deemed to be self-existent or co-existent with God.
Another meaning of the expression بالحق is that the matter of which the heavens and the earth were made was created by God and therefore He has the right of control and interference. The reference here is to the view wrongly held in some quarters that God is not the Creator of matter or of soul though He is the author of their combination. Read in this sense the verse would signify that God’s creation of the heavens and the earth was not an arbitrary act of power but something He had every right to perform, being the Creator of the primordial matter of which they were made.
c
3:192; 14:20; 15:86; 29:45; 39:6; 64:4.
a
3:192; 14:20; 15:86; 29:45; 39:6; 64:4.
1805
Commentary:
The expression بالحق (with the requirements of wisdom) may mean that heavens and earth have their allotted tasks in the spiritual regeneration of man so that both jointly produce the desired result. Or it may mean that God has created the heavens and the earth so that they may serve to turn man’s attention to God, and he may see that nothing is perfect by itself except God. The heavens stand in need of the earth for the performance of their work, and likewise the earth is dependent on heavens and both are subject to the will of God. So the purpose of the creation of the heavens and the earth is to demonstrate to man the fact that nothing is perfect in itself except God.
The words, Exalted is He above all that they associate with Him, mean to say that he who does not believe that the heavens and the earth have been created with a definite purpose will necessarily fall a victim to the sin of setting up equals with God. No wise man can say that God has created this universe without purpose. If it has been created by God, it must have a purpose. If it be supposed to have no purpose, it would mean that it has not been created by God but is self-existent, which is tantamount to saying that every atom in this universe is equal to God for it is deemed to be self-existent or co-existent with God.
Another meaning of the expression بالحق is that the matter of which the heavens and the earth were made was created by God and therefore He has the right of control and interference. The reference here is to the view wrongly held in some quarters that God is not the Creator of matter or of soul though He is the author of their combination. Read in this sense the verse would signify that God’s creation of the heavens and the earth was not an arbitrary act of power but something He had every right to perform, being the Creator of the primordial matter of which they were made.
c
3:192; 14:20; 15:86; 29:45; 39:6; 64:4.
1530
The expression 'with the requirements of wisdom' may mean that heavens and earth have their allotted tasks in the spiritual regeneration of man so that both jointly produce the desired result. Or it may mean that God has created the heavens and the earth so that they may serve to turn man’s attention to God, and man may see that nothing is perfect by itself except Him. The heavens stand in need of earth for the performance of their work and likewise the earth is dependent on heavens and both are subject to the Will of God. So the purpose of the creation of the heavens and the earth is to demonstrate to man the fact that nothing is perfect in itself except God.
وَمَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لَٰعِبِينَ
15:86; 38:28; 44:39.
15:86; 38:28; 44:39.
When the universe has not been created as a mere pastime and sport and a little reflection over its creation reveals the great wisdom underlying its creation, the creation of man, who is its axis and centre, must also have been designed to serve a grand and sublime object. The verse implies that man is God’s vicegerent on earth and that he has been created to serve as a mirror to reflect in his person the beautiful image of his Creator (2:31).
15:86; 38:28; 44:39.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that when the universe has not been created as a mere pastime and sport and a little reflection over its creation reveals the great wisdom underlying it, the creation of man who is its axis and centre must also have been designed to serve a grand and sublime object. At another place the Quran says that man is God’s vicegerent on earth and he has been created to serve as a mirror to reflect the beautiful image of his Creator (2:31).
a
15:86; 38:28; 44:39.
a
15:86; 38:28; 44:39.
2357
Commentary:
The verse means to say that when the universe has not been created as a mere pastime and sport and a little reflection over its creation reveals the great wisdom underlying it, the creation of man who is its axis and centre must also have been designed to serve a grand and sublime object. At another place the Quran says that man is God’s vicegerent on earth and he has been created to serve as a mirror to reflect the beautiful image of his Creator (2:31).
a
15:86; 38:28; 44:39.
1875A
When the universe has not been created as a mere pastime and sport and a little reflection over its creation reveals the great wisdom underlying its creation, the creation of man, who is its axis and centre, must also have been designed to serve a grand and sublime object. The verse implies that man is God’s vicegerent on earth and that he has been created to serve as a mirror to reflect in his person the beautiful image of his Creator (2:31).
وَمَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا بَٰطِلًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ظَنُّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ۚ فَوَيْلٌ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ
21:17; 44:39.
14:3; 19:38; 51:61.
Commentary:
With this verse the Surah reverts to its original theme dealt with in the opening verses. It purports to say that the heavens and the earth and all that is between them have not been created in vain. They serve a mighty purpose and point to the existence of an Infallible mind, an Almighty Being Who has created them. Divine Prophets come into the world to call men to their Creator and when they come, those to whom they address their Message become divided into two groups—believers and disbelievers.
a
21:17; 44:39.
b
14:3; 19:38; 51:61.
a
21:17; 44:39.
b
14:3; 19:38; 51:61.
3398
Commentary:
With this verse the Surah reverts to its original theme dealt with in the opening verses. It purports to say that the heavens and the earth and all that is between them have not been created in vain. They serve a mighty purpose and point to the existence of an Infallible mind, an Almighty Being Who has created them. Divine Prophets come into the world to call men to their Creator and when they come, those to whom they address their Message become divided into two groups—believers and disbelievers.
a
21:17; 44:39.
b
14:3; 19:38; 51:61.
وَمَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لَٰعِبِينَ
21:17; 38:28.
Human life has a grim purpose and a great mission. The great faculties and inborn powers of man are a sure indication that life is real and earnest. It is to this great principle that the creation of the heavens and the earth emphatically draws our attention.
21:17; 38:28.
Commentary:
Human life has a grim purpose and a great mission. The faculties and inborn powers of man are an indication that life is real and earnest. It is to this great principle that the creation of the heavens and the earth emphatically draws our attention.
a
21:17; 38:28.
1240
人生有一个严肃的目的, 一项伟大的使命。人的巨大才能和天赋机能明确地说明了人生是真实的、重要的。天地的创造突出地使我们注意到这一伟大的原则。
b
21:17; 38:28.
3718
Commentary:
Human life has a grim purpose and a great mission. The faculties and inborn powers of man are an indication that life is real and earnest. It is to this great principle that the creation of the heavens and the earth emphatically draws our attention.
a
21:17; 38:28.
2701
Human life has a grim purpose and a great mission. The great faculties and inborn powers of man are a sure indication that life is real and earnest. It is to this great principle that the creation of the heavens and the earth emphatically draws our attention.
مَا خَلَقْنَٰهُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
مَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ عَمَّآ أُنذِرُوا۟ مُعْرِضُونَ
21:17; 38:28; 44:39.
The universe had a beginning and will also have an end. 'All that is on it will pass away. And there will remain only the Person of thy Lord, Master of Glory and Honour' (55:27, 28).
21:17; 38:28; 44:39.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the creation of heavens and the earth is intended to serve an eternal purpose which is to serve man who is, God’s noblest handiwork, and the aim and object of whose life is to develop in himself Divine attributes. For the attainment by man of this grand and sublime object, God raised His Messengers in all times and among all peoples. To these Messengers He revealed Himself, and to them He gave His teaching. The greatest and noblest of these Divine Messengers was the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and the last and most complete and perfect code of Divine laws is the Quran.
The creation of the heavens and the earth also establishes the eternal truth that there is only One Designer, Creator and Controller of the universe. It constitutes an unassailable argument against idolatry.
The words "for an appointed time" signify that the universe had a beginning and will also have an end. It is to this great truth that the verses, "All that is on it will pass away. And there will remain only the Person of thy Lord, Master of Glory and Honour" (55:27-28), refer.
d
21:17; 38:28; 44:39.
1250
宇宙有开端, 也有尽头。 “宇宙万物都将消逝。惟有你们的养主, 光荣、可敬的主宰永存不朽” (55:27-28)。
d
21:17; 38:28; 44:39.
3760
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the creation of heavens and the earth is intended to serve an eternal purpose which is to serve man who is, God’s noblest handiwork, and the aim and object of whose life is to develop in himself Divine attributes. For the attainment by man of this grand and sublime object, God raised His Messengers in all times and among all peoples. To these Messengers He revealed Himself, and to them He gave His teaching. The greatest and noblest of these Divine Messengers was the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and the last and most complete and perfect code of Divine laws is the Quran.
The creation of the heavens and the earth also establishes the eternal truth that there is only One Designer, Creator and Controller of the universe. It constitutes an unassailable argument against idolatry.
The words "for an appointed time" signify that the universe had a beginning and will also have an end. It is to this great truth that the verses, "All that is on it will pass away. And there will remain only the Person of thy Lord, Master of Glory and Honour" (55:27-28), refer.
d
21:17; 38:28; 44:39.
2717
The universe had a beginning and will also have an end. 'All that is on it will pass away. And there will remain only the Person of thy Lord, Master of Glory and Honour' (55:27, 28).