| |
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
The earth was barren, with no form of life; it was under a roaring ocean covered with darkness. But the Spirit of God was moving over the water.
God said, “I command the earth to produce all kinds of plants, including fruit trees and grain.” And that's what happened.
The earth produced all kinds of vegetation. God looked at what he had done, and it was good.
I command them to shine on the earth.” And that's what happened.
Then God put these lights in the sky to shine on the earth,
God said, “I command the ocean to be full of living creatures, and I command birds to fly above the earth.”
Then he gave the living creatures his blessing—he told the ocean creatures to increase and live everywhere in the ocean and the birds to increase everywhere on earth.
God said, “I command the earth to give life to all kinds of tame animals, wild animals, and reptiles.” And that's what happened.
So the heavens and the earth and everything else were created.
That's how God created the heavens and the earth. When the Lord God made the heavens and the earth,
But streams came up from the ground and watered the earth.
More and more people were born, until finally they spread all over the earth. Some of their daughters were so beautiful that supernatural beings came down and married the ones they wanted.
The children of the supernatural beings who had married these women became famous heroes and warriors. They were called Nephilim and lived on the earth at that time and even later.
The Lord saw how bad the people on earth were and that everything they thought and planned was evil.
and he said, “I'm going to destroy every person on earth! I'll even wipe out animals, birds, and reptiles. I'm sorry I ever made them.”
Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird with you. Do this so there will always be animals and birds on the earth.
Seven days later a flood began to cover the earth.
The water under the earth started gushing out everywhere, the sky opened like windows, and rain poured down for 40 days and nights. All this began on the seventeenth day of the second month of the year.
Not a bird, animal, reptile, or human was left alive anywhere on earth.
|
|
When it is said to them: ''Do not make mischief on the earth,'' they say: ''Why, we only want to make peace!''
Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then do not set up rivals unto Allah when you know (the truth).
Those who break Allah's Covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: these cause loss (only) to themselves.
It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth; moreover His design comprehends the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He has perfect knowledge.
Behold, your Lord said to the angels: ''I will create a vicegerent on earth.'' They said: ''Will You place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? - while we do celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?'' He said: ''I know what you do not know.''
He said: ''O Adam! tell them their natures.'' When he had told them, Allah said: ''Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?''
Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: ''Get you down, all (you people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood for a time.''
And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said: ''Strike the rock with your staff.'' Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evil nor mischief on the (face of the) earth.
And remember you said: ''O Moses! we cannot endure one kind of food (always); so beseech your Lord for us to produce for us of what the earth grows, - its pot-herbs, and cucumbers, its garlic, lentils, and onions.'' He said: ''Will you exchange the better for the worse? You go down to any town, and you shall find what you want!'' They were covered with humiliation and misery; they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. This because they went on rejecting the Signs of Allah and slaying His Messengers without just cause. This because they rebelled and went on transgressing.
Don't you know that to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him you have neither patron nor helper.
They say: ''Allah has begotten a son'': glory be to Him. - Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to Him.
To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: when He decrees a matter, He says to it: ''Be,'' and it is.
Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the Night and the Day; in the sailing of the ships through the Ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth; - (here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise.
O you people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the Evil One, for he is to you an avowed enemy.
When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah does not love mischief.
By Allah's will, they routed them; and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed. And did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief: but Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds.
Allah! There is no god but He, - the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what (appears to His creatures as) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they compass anything of His knowledge except as He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).
O you who believe! Give of the good things which you have (honorably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad, in order that out of it you may give away something, when you yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of all wants, and Worthy of all praise.
To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether you show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah calls you to account for it. He forgives whom He pleases, and punishes whom He pleases. For Allah has power over all things.
From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.
|
