Tafsir of Al-`Ankabut 29:19

Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider): Verse 19

When [Allah] established the first principle, which is Monotheism (Tawhid), and pointed to the second principle, which is Prophethood, by saying: {And there is nothing upon the Messenger except to convey [the message] clearly} (29:18), He then proceeded to explain the third principle, which is the Resurrection (Hashr).

We have mentioned repeatedly that these three principles rarely appear in the Divine remembrance without one being connected to the others. Wherever two of them are mentioned, the third is also alluded to.

In this verse, there are several issues:

We say that what is meant here is clear knowledge, which is likened to sight. A rational person knows with certainty that the beginning [of creation] is from Allah, because the first creation cannot originate from a created being; otherwise, it would not be the first creation. Therefore, it must be from Allah.

This is if we interpret the verse as affirming the mere act of creation.

However, if we interpret "the beginning" (بدء) as the initial creation of Adam, and the "return" (إعادة) as the second creation (Resurrection), then we say: It is not hidden from the rational person that the creator of himself (i.e., the one who designs offspring) can only be an All-Powerful, Wise Being who forms children in the wombs and creates them from a mere drop of semen with utmost perfection and precision. Thus, the one who created [us] initially is a manifest and evident reality.

Therefore, the term "seeing" (رؤية) is used metaphorically for this clear knowledge. He said: {Or have they not seen}—meaning, have they not known with clear, evident knowledge—{how Allah begins the creation?} He creates from dust. Just as He created you, He will gather your particles from the dust and breathe the spirit into you. In fact, the latter is easier for you.

Consider this analogy: If someone carves stones and places one next to another, the separation of the parts is a difficult matter. Yet, when he places one stone next to another in this instance, it is easier for him because the stones are already carved. It is known that one piece of stone is suitable to be placed next to another. This is the meaning behind Allah’s statement: {And He is the easier} (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:27), and this is alluded to by His statement: {Indeed, that is easy for Allah}.

We say that this specific aspect of the manner is known: that He created something from nothing that was previously mentioned, and that He created it from a drop of semen, which originates from nourishment derived from water and earth. This much is sufficient to establish the possibility of the Return (Resurrection), as the Return is similar to the initial creation.

We say: Even though the proof for its ease has been established, He emphasized it by manifesting His Name. This manifestation necessitates knowledge regarding its ease. When a person hears the word "Allah" and understands its meaning—that He is the Ever-Living, the All-Powerful, possessing complete power, whom nothing can frustrate, possessing encompassing knowledge of every particle of every body, whose will is irresistible—he becomes certain of the permissibility of the Return.

{Say, "Travel through the earth and see how He began the creation. Then Allah will produce the final growth. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent."} (29:20)