Book Summary

 I will begin with you the story of creation, based on and summarizing the book "Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya" by Ibn Kathir, may God have mercy on him.

The Beginning and the End

A Modern English Summary of Ibn Kathir’s Masterpiece

Chapter 1

Before Creation: The Eternal Creator

Before the universe existed, there was only Allah—the One God, eternal and everlasting. He alone existed before all creation, and everything that exists owes its existence to Him. He is the Creator of all things, while all creation depends entirely on His wisdom, power, and will.

Allah possesses perfect knowledge, absolute wisdom, and unlimited power. Every event that has ever happened or will happen is known to Him. Time itself is part of His creation, and He is not limited by it.

According to Islamic tradition, one of the earliest creations was the Pen. Allah commanded it to write everything that would occur until the end of time. Every human life, every nation, every blessing, and every trial was recorded by Allah’s command. This demonstrates His complete knowledge and sovereignty over creation.

The Throne (‘Arsh) existed before the heavens and the earth. It represents the majesty and greatness of Allah’s kingdom, though its true nature is known only to Him. Beneath it was the water, as mentioned in the Qur’an, before the creation of the universe in its present form.

Allah then created the angels from light. They are noble servants who never disobey Him. They worship Him continuously, carry out His commands, record human deeds, protect believers by His permission, and manage responsibilities assigned to them.

The jinn were also created before humanity. Unlike angels, they possess free will. They were created from smokeless fire and can choose obedience or rebellion. Among them was Iblis, who became arrogant and later refused Allah’s command to honor Adam. His story marks the beginning of mankind’s greatest test.

Nothing in creation came into existence by chance. Every star, every mountain, every ocean, and every living creature was created according to Allah’s perfect wisdom. The universe is not random; it is filled with signs pointing toward its Creator.

The Qur’an repeatedly invites people to reflect on the heavens and the earth. Their order, balance, and beauty reveal divine wisdom and power. For believers, creation is not merely a scientific reality but also evidence of Allah’s mercy and greatness.

This understanding forms the foundation of Islamic belief. Before learning about the prophets, humanity, or history, one must first recognize the Creator. Everything that follows in history begins with Him and ultimately returns to Him.

Reflection

History is more than a sequence of events. It is the story of Allah’s guidance to humanity. Understanding the Creator is the first step toward understanding the purpose of creation, the mission of the prophets, and the destiny of every human being.

……. to be continued