The Initial Stage of Creation

The science of modern cosmology, observational and theoretical, clearly indicates that, the whole universe at its initial stages was nothing but a cloud of ‘smoke’ (an opaque highly dense and hot gaseous composition). This is one of the undisputed principles of standard modern cosmology.  Scientists now can observe new stars forming out of the remnants of that ‘smoke’.

The illuminating stars we see at night were, just as was the whole universe, in that ‘smoke’ material. Scientists today are able to observe the formation of stars from a hot gas cloud. Formation from a warm mass of gas also applies to the creation of the universe. The creation of the universe as described in the Qur'an confirms this scientific discovery in the following verse: 

Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, "Come [into being], willingly or bycompulsion." They said, "We have come willingly." (41:11)

The Arabic word for "smoke" in the above verse is "Dukhanun," which describes the hot, cosmic smoke in question. This word in the Qur'an, describes this smoke very accurately for it is a warm body of gas containing mobile particles connected to solid substances. Here, the Qur'an has employed the most appropriate word from the Arabic language for describing the appearance of this phase of the universe. 

Dr. Loretta Dunne from Cardiff University, who led a team of UK astronomers, says: "Cosmic dust consists of tiny particles of solid material floating around in the space between the stars. It is not the same as house dust but more akin to cigarette smoke."

Recently astronomers agree with the meaning of this verse of The Glorious Quran about the Dukhanun which dominated the early sky. Cosmic dust is an important component of galaxies, stars, planets, and even life. However the word dust does not represent the true meaning of the Quranic word Dukhanun. Dust does not raise to the rank word "Dukhanun" mentioned in the verse.

The fact that such information about the creation of the universe is given in the Qur'an is nothing short of a miracle of the Qur'an.

The Formation of Stars

Allah says in the Quran:

And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing. (41:12)

In the last verse of cited verses God Says, “… and We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps (illuminators) and for security …” Therefore, the lamps (illuminators) that adorn the lowest heaven must be visible from the earth. As we all know, the illuminators that make the night sky so beautiful are the stars. In fact, when we look at the sky, we are looking at the lowest heaven. From this we understand that soon after the creation of the heavens from “Smoke” God created the stars from this same “smoke”

The word “lamps” or “illuminators” is used to describe the stars. Lamps or illuminators emit light due to fire or heat. In these few words, Allah gave us the definition of a star:

The star is a celestial object that emits light due to extreme heat generated within. Generation of the tremendous amount of heat within the star could not be achieved unless the star is formed of gas. 

Previously we have learned that water existed before the creation of the Heavens and the Earth. Creation of the Heavens and the Earth began when Allah forcibly disintegrated a massive entity. Such disintegration produced tremendous amount of heat (radiation), solid fragments and huge clouds of dust. The heat caused the water to be transformed to its gaseous elements, hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen and oxygen mixed with the clouds of dust. The forcible disintegration resulted also in the form ation of giant eddies and turbulence within these clouds. The extreme heat produced by the forcible disintegration caused the hydrogen atoms to go through a process known as “atomic fusion”. The fusion process transforms the hydrogen to helium and releases tremendous energy in the form of heat. The stars are believed to be formed from the swirling motion of the hydrogen concentrated clouds and the triggering of the fusion process.

Conclusion

The Holy Quran and Islam are filled with scientific statements and notions.  These are statements of Allah Almighty describing how He created things on earth and in the Universe.  What's most amazing is that all of these scientific statements and notions had been proven to be in perfect agreement with science and our modern-day scientific discoveries.  Allah Almighty made the Noble Quran be Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) Everlasting Divine Miracle and proof for Prophethood. The Holy Book certainly stood the test of time 1,500 years ago with Its Claims, Prophecies and Miraculous language eloquence, and it does again and again in our day today with Its overwhelming agreement with science and discoveries that were not known to man 1,500 years ago. 

Allah Almighty Said: 

We will show them our signs in the Universe and inside their selves, until it will become quite clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient as regards your Lord that He is a witness over all things?  (41:53)