“Be, and It Is”: Divine Creation and the Power of God’s Word
- Ziyad Bulbulia
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
One of the most profound questions human beings ask is how the universe came into existence. When we consider the scale of creation, our planet within a solar system, our solar system within a galaxy of billions of stars, and billions of galaxies beyond, the mind struggles to comprehend it. This vastness naturally leads to another question. How difficult would it have been for God to create such a universe?
Within Islamic thought, the answer is strikingly simple. The Quran teaches that when God wills something, He merely says to it “Be,” and it comes into existence. This concise expression, often summarized in Arabic as kun fa-yakun, captures a central idea in Islam. God’s creative power is absolute and effortless.
Creation by the Divine Command
The Quran emphasizes that the One who created the heavens and the earth can recreate them just as easily. Creation is not portrayed as a struggle or a process requiring assistance. Instead, it is an act of divine will. God’s knowledge and power are so complete that existence itself unfolds in response to His command.
This concept highlights two important principles. First, God’s power has no limits. Second, all creation depends entirely on His will. The universe, with all its complexity, therefore reflects divine sovereignty rather than divine effort.
Parallels in Other Scriptures
The idea that God creates through His word is not unique to Islam. In the Bible, the opening chapter of the Book of Genesis states that God said, “Let there be light,” and light came into existence. The Psalms similarly describe the heavens as made by the word of the Lord.
Later theological traditions explored how divine wisdom or reason relates to creation. The Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria spoke of the Logos, meaning the divine reason or word, as the means through which God created the world. This concept also appears in the Gospel of John, which describes the Word as present with God from the beginning.
These reflections show how different religious traditions have wrestled with the same question of how the transcendent Creator relates to the created world.
The Islamic Perspective on Divine Power
Islam presents a clear and direct formulation. God does not require an intermediary to create. His will alone is sufficient. The repeated Quranic phrase “Be, and it is” reinforces this message and affirms God’s authority over life, death, and resurrection.
For believers, this idea is not only theological but practical. It reminds Muslims that no situation is beyond God’s power. What seems impossible to human beings may be effortless for the Creator. This belief encourages hope, patience, and trust, especially in moments of hardship or uncertainty.
A Shared Foundation for Dialogue
Despite differences in doctrine, many religious traditions affirm that creation ultimately stems from God’s command or word. This shared belief offers a strong starting point for conversations across faiths. The idea of an all-powerful Creator who brings existence into being through His will resonates across scriptures, philosophies, and cultures.
Recognizing these shared ideas does not remove theological differences, but it opens space for deeper understanding. Reflecting on divine creation invites humility, wonder, and a renewed awareness of humanity’s place within a vast and purposeful universe.
Reflecting on Creation Today
Contemplating the universe can change how we view our own lives. If the Creator who formed galaxies also governs the smallest details of existence, then nothing is insignificant in His sight. Trust in divine power becomes a source of reassurance, and reflection on creation becomes an invitation to deeper faith.
The message behind “Be, and it is” is ultimately a message of hope. The same power that brought the universe into existence continues to sustain it and guide those who seek the Creator.
Learn More: Watch the second episode of our Ramadan series to explore this topic further.
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