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Cosmic creation theory according to the Qur'an and Sunnah
International Islamic University Malaysia
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, IIUM
This study investigates and analyzes critically the Islamic creation narrative according to the Qur'an and ḥadīth. It then compares and contrasts that narrative with current discoveries and contemporary theories in the field of cosmology, physics, geology and planetology. The Islamic creation narrative consists of four major threads: the time taken for creation to take place, the order of creation, the nature of seven heavens and the nature of seven earths. The Qur'an clearly mentions that the creation of the heavens and Earth took place in six days. This dissertation argues that the denotation of the word day to the days of the week is erroneous since it is based on ḥadīths with problematic chains of narration. The meaning of the word day can be understood as long and regular periods of time that are in agreement with the latest discoveries in planetology and cosmology. This work supports the notion that multiple heavens were created before Earth. After two days of cosmic creation, the heavens were reduced to seven. It argues that the notion of cosmic breakup and the collapse of several regions of the primordial universe are in agreement with the Multiverse theory. Hence, the seven heavens share many similar traits. The study proposes that a fresh perspective pertaining to cosmic creation in the Islamic narrative must be considered. Findings also prove that the Islamic narrative does not contradict contemporary science
"A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy."--On t.p.
Thesis (Ph.D)--International islamic University Malaysia, 2012.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 232-237).