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wa-huwa lladhī khalaqa s-samāwāti wa-l-ʾarḍa fī sittati ʾayyāmin wa-kāna ʿarshuhū ʿalā l-māʾi li-yabluwakum ʾayyukum ʾaḥsanu ʿamalan wa-la-ʾin qulta ʾinnakum mabʿūthūna min baʿdi l-mawti la-yaqūlanna lladhīna kafarū ʾin hādhā ʾillā siḥrun mubīnun
It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days—and His Throne was [then] upon the waters—that He may test you [to see] which of you is best in conduct. Yet if you say, ‘You will indeed be raised up after death,’ the faithless will surely say, ‘This is nothing but plain magic.’
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Hud – Verse 7
7. “And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth within Six Days (periods), and His Throne was over the water so that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. And, if you were to say to them: ‘Verily you shall be raised up after death’, the unbelievers would surely say: ‘This is (not) but a manifest sorcery’.”
There are three principal issues discussed in this noble verse: First, the creation of the world of existence which represents a display of Allah’s Omnipotence, specially the initiation of creation which signifies His Power, as well as the reasons for His glory. The verse says:
“And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth within Six Days (periods)...”
The word ‘Days’ here means epochs, whether long or short. Then it adds:
“…and His Throne was over the Water...”
Some of the scientists believe that at very early time of creation, the world of existence was in the form of some molten materials, (or some extra ordinary pressed gases which had the form of some liquid materials). Then, some great bursts happened inside this very liquid substance and parts of its outside surface were continuously separated off which, finally, formed the stars and germs of the systems in the sky. Therefore, the world of existence, maybe, at first was located on this great material, the liquid like.
The second issue hinted at in this verse, is the objective of the creation of the cosmos, the main aim of which refers to the supreme fruit of the process of creation, namely man. Man who must be subjected to educational processes, thus evolving and approaching the Almighty even further. It says:
“…so that He might try you which of you is best in conduct...”
Imam Sadiq (as) says:
“Good conduct refers to that kind of conduct which is coupled with knowledge, sincerity and virtue, not a mere action which is practiced in abundance. Therefore, the heavens and the earth have been created for good deeds and not for the sake of happiness, pleasure-seeking, and negligence.”
Definitely, those who deny the Day of Resurrection have no reasoning for their claim and they only take recourse to accusations of sorcery and hallucinations. The verse says:
“…And, if you were to say to them: ‘Verily you shall be raised up after death’, the unbelievers would surely say: ‘This is (not) but a manifest sorcery’.”