The Question of Cosmogenesis—The Cosmos as a Subject of Scientific Study

Abstract

Islamic thought has always considered the question of cosmogenesis to be religious and metaphysical, not merely extrapolation of the natural sciences. A constant feature of Islamic schools of thought has been the basic ontological dependence they accord the world vis-a-vis the Creator. In contrast to modern speculations on questions of cosmogenesis, absolute creative power and dominion are exclusively of God, Who is known in the Qurʾān as Khaliq, Fatir, Bāriʾ, Musawwir, etc. Creation thus must be regarded as a sign of His existence and wisdom.