THE INITIAL EXPLOSION
OF THE UNIVERSE

Here is an example of divine reasoning. In chapter 21 of the Quran, a cosmic event is mentioned. The verse is translated as: “Do not those who deny the truth see that the heavens and the earth were joined together and that We then split them asunder? And that We have made every living thing out of water? Will they still not believe?” (21:30)

This verse uses the words ratq and fatq. Ratq refers to a combined or fused state, describing the original matter of the universe, which initially existed in a tightly unified form. Fatq, on the other hand, signifies the parting of these elements—an event in which an explosion occurred within this original mass, after which its components dispersed throughout the vast expanse of space. Following a long process, the present universe came into being. Earlier commentators of the Quran interpreted this verse based on its straightforward, literal meaning. Even with its simple wording, the verse holds great spiritual value for believers. But in modern times, scientific research has uncovered details behind this general statement of the Quran—details that lead to certainty and deeper understanding. Modern astronomy tells us that about twenty billion years ago, there was a super-atom in space. Suddenly, it exploded. Its elements dispersed across the vast universe, eventually forming the structure of the universe we observe today. All celestial bodies—including our own Earth—originated from this event.

There are two kinds of explosions: one that is carefully planned and another that occurs spontaneously, without any planning. Experience shows a clear difference between these two types. Unplanned explosions only result in destruction. For example, when a bomb or a stockpile of explosives accidentally detonates, the outcome is always damage and ruin. The second type is a planned explosion, performed with a specific goal. For instance, blasting through rock in a mountain to build a tunnel. This kind of explosion produces useful and constructive results. As scientific research indicates, the universe started with an explosion—the Big Bang.

This event led to highly beneficial and meaningful outcomes. This clearly indicates that the explosion was intentional and carefully planned. A conscious Creator, following a specific blueprint, deliberately caused this explosion. As a result, it produced exactly the outcomes that were intended in the plan. With this modern understanding, the verse in the Quran—“Do not those who deny the truth see that the heavens and the earth were joined together and that We then split them asunder?” (21:30)—becomes deeply meaningful.

This scientifically established beginning of the universe, even from a purely human perspective, proves that the universe has a Creator. He created it with a meaningful and well-thought-out plan. Once this truth is clear, it naturally follows that the creation of both human beings and the universe cannot be without purpose. As the Quran states elsewhere: “Lord, You have not created all this without purpose.” (3:191)

Despite this obvious truth, those who deny the meaning and purpose of the universe have no solid basis for their denial. Divine reflection (Rabbani ta‘aqqul) does not mean proving that every scientific concept is already mentioned in the Quran, or that all scientific knowledge has been directly taken from it. Such a belief reflects a misunderstanding of both Islam and science. In fact, this approach does not represent a sound interpretation of the Quran—it is merely an empty attempt to exploit the Quran to boost national or cultural pride. It holds little intellectual or spiritual value.

True divine reflection means this: when the Quran alludes to something, and modern scientific discoveries shed new light on it, we are encouraged to understand those Quranic hints in the light of such discoveries.

This is exactly what is meant in the hadith: “Its wonders will never cease.”(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2906) In other words, the wonders of the Quran will never end. This hadith predicts that in the future, scientific discoveries will continue to reveal the deeper meanings of the Quran. In this way, the excellence of the Quran will continue to be revealed, right up to the Day of Judgment.