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How Was the World Formed? A Reflection on Time, Creation, and Understanding

I sit here today wondering, how was this world really formed? How long did it take for human beings to even begin to understand the concept of the Earth, the universe, and everything beyond what we can see?

For centuries, humanity has questioned, explored, and theorized. Science has evolved, perspectives have shifted, and our understanding continues to grow. Yet, as I reflect, I realize something profound—these questions are not new. They were already addressed in a way that invites not just belief, but thinking.

The Quran is described as a book for those who seek knowledge. And so, I looked deeper. One of the most detailed descriptions of creation appears in Surah Fussilat (41:9–12). It does not present creation as random or chaotic. Instead, it describes a process: structured, measured, and intentional.

It begins with the formation of the Earth: “He created the earth in two days…”

Then, the Earth is not left as it is. It is developed: “He placed firm mountains upon it, blessed it, and measured its sustenance in four days…”

This includes everything necessary for life: resources, balance, and systems that sustain existence. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari clarify that the “four days” include the initial two. This shows continuity, not separation.

Then comes a shift in focus, from the earth to the heavens: “Then He turned to the heaven while it was smoke…”

This description is striking. The heavens are described in a state that is not solid, but formless, like smoke. A stage before structure. Then, the heavens are formed: “And He completed them as seven heavens in two days…”

Finally, the lowest heaven is adorned: “And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps (stars)…”

When you step back, the total comes to six stages (or ‘days’) of creation.

And this is where many misunderstand. The Quran consistently mentions creation in six days, not seven. For example:

  • Surah Al-A‘raf (7:54)
  • Surah Yunus (10:3)
  • Surah Hud (11:7)
  • Surah Al-Furqan (25:59)

All reinforce the same concept: creation occurred in six “days.” But these are not necessarily days as we know them, 24-hour periods. The Quran uses the word “ayyām”, which can mean phases, stages, or periods of time. Time itself is part of creation, so the process is described in a way that reflects sequence, not human clocks.

So where does the idea of “seven” come from? The Quran does speak about seven heavens: a concept repeated in multiple verses (e.g., 41:12, 67:3). But that refers to the structure of the universe, not the duration of creation.

As I reflect on this, something shifts in me. This is not just about how the world was formed. It is about how everything meaningful is formed. Nothing is instant. The earth itself went through stages: foundation, development, and refinement. Even the universe was not created in chaos, but in order. And if that is how creation unfolds, then what about us?

Growth is not immediate. Clarity does not come overnight. Understanding takes time, just like the universe itself.

Over the past five years, working with clients, I have seen this pattern repeat itself in people’s lives. Many come feeling stuck, wanting immediate answers, immediate change, and immediate relief. But real transformation does not happen instantly. It unfolds in stages, just like creation itself. There is a phase of breaking, a phase of understanding, and a phase of rebuilding. And often, people struggle the most in the middle, when things are not what they used to be, but not yet what they are meant to become. So if you find yourself there, in that in-between space, feeling like nothing is moving forward, know this: You are not behind. You are in a stage of formation.

The Quran does not just give answers, it invites reflection. It speaks to those who are willing to think, to question, and to seek. And maybe that is the point. The knowledge was always there. The patterns were always there. The question is, when do we pause long enough to truly see them? And more importantly, when do we trust the process enough to move through our own stages with faith?

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