Foul air, five individuals crammed into a confined space, pitch darkness broken only by a faint glimmer, and the stench of urine emanating from a vessel discarded in a corner. I believe this paints a vivid picture of our surroundings, does it not?
The door creaks open, and a heap – carried by two individuals – is unceremoniously dumped inside. Its nature remains unclear until a cough rings out, revealing a splatter of blood upon the figure's lips as they sit up. Human? Yes, or what remains of one. With a groan, he straightened himself and slump against the wall.
The figure casts a pained glance my way and asks, "Will this ever end?" Another voice responds, "Accept your fate, for they begrudge us even the air we breathe." The speaker is B 13-1. I anticipate the question of these peculiar names, but for the sake of brevity, I shall address them by their final number alone. The answer will come in due time.
You may wonder what is happening. We find ourselves in a cell, starved of light and air, as you have likely surmised. Why begin our tale here, you ask? This marks the beginning of the end – not the end of life, for as long as I write, I persist, but the end of something far greater. Patience, my friends, all will be revealed in due course.
One amongst us – not number 1, I must clarify – interjects, "If they desired our demise, we would already be dead. We are but sacrifices! We will perish with no power to resist!" This is number 2, disgruntled, rebellious, and filled with animosity towards all that surrounds him.
Despite his harsh interruption, his words ring true. They have lost track of time, driven to madness by the endless cycle of days and nights. I, strangely, am immune to this affliction. As for the reason for our confinement, it remains a mystery. Each of us bears a unique burden. We are either subjects of human experimentation, sacrifices to appease some unknown deity, or simply prisoners left to rot. Ignorance is bliss, for why should one trapped in this living hell concern themselves with the manner of their demise?
Let us return to our gripping… or rather, tedious dialogue…
"Who says we would resist? Death offers a sweet release," utters number 5. Unable to contain myself, a dry chuckle escapes my lips, laced with despair and fatigue.
Number 1 responds, "Allah spoke through the tongue of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham – peace be upon them all – in his Holy Quran, saying, But Allah is the best guardian, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful' [1]. Why reject such a blessing?"
"Blessing?" Number 2 explodes in anger. "What blessing do you speak of? The blessing of unjust imprisonment? The blessing of suffocating darkness and stagnant air?"
"Perhaps you are right," I concedes. "But what was your life outside these walls? Did you feast until your belly was full? Did you indulge in intoxication and debauchery? Did you satiate every desire of your soul? Even if you were a king among men, a day will come when such pleasures offer no solace against death and torment!"
I may sound wise recounting these words, but truth be told, I was filled with anger and frustration. Number 2's negativity had reached its limit, and I rose to my feet in a fit of rage. The others, misinterpreting my actions, assumed I intended to strike him, though violence was never my way… at least not then.
Amidst this tension, the heavy door screeches open once more. The guards shove another figure inside before slamming it shut. It is evident they struggled to bring him here; this is number 7. He pounds on the door, screaming incoherently. Number 5 approaches him, attempting to calm him, but this only fuels the newcomer's rage. He grabs at his interlocutor's tattered clothes and nearly strikes him, ranting in a language that falls upon deaf ears.
Number 5 intervenes, engaging in a lengthy conversation, explaining our predicament and the futility of anger. Slowly, the newcomer begins to calm. Number 5 continues to speak, ensuring he understands the situation. We are now seven souls, each with their own beliefs and characteristics, confined within a six-square-meter cell for an unknown duration.
Two months have passed since that day, and I struggle to recall any significant event during this time. You expect excitement? Entertainment? This is not a tale for amusement; it is a final warning. Let that be clear.
Number 3, the injured one from the beginning, inquires, "How much time has passed?"
"Two months and four days… perhaps half of the fifth," I reply.
"Remarkable! How can you track time with such precision?" Number 7 expresses his astonishment.
"He has hyperthymesia, [2]" Number 4 explains, a condition granting superior autobiographical memory.
"What do you think is happening outside?" I pose the question.
Perhaps it seems odd, but allow me to explain. When confined within these walls, a natural curiosity arises, a yearning to understand what lies beyond. This is true for any ordinary person. However, for us, the guards inflicted daily torture upon one or two of our number. Yet, for the past two months, there has been no torment, not a single instance. Does this not ignite a spark of curiosity within you?
"It is for the best! Do you yearn for daily torture?" Number 2 retorts.
Number 3 remains silent for a moment, seemingly awaiting a response from the others, but silence reigns supreme. He then addresses Number 2, "Their absence, or rather, their preoccupation, implies something momentous is transpiring beyond these walls. Something truly momentous!"
His words pierce our hearts like an arrow, filling us with dread. We exchange silent glances, each hoping for a glimmer of hope from another in the same predicament.
I am weary… or rather, utterly exhausted by it all. Exhausted by the deafening silence, broken only by the occasional distant clatter. Exhausted by this confined space that offers no semblance of life or movement. Exhausted by the despair that gnaws at my mind day after day, hour after hour. And in that moment…
"How about a story?" I propose.
"A story? Now? In this situation?" another quickly retorts.
I meet his gaze and say, with a touch of pity, "Let your fear consume you. Let it tear your heart to shreds until you are nothing but an empty shell. Let your body become a rotting carcass if that is your desire. But consider me a storyteller, here to offer a reprieve. Allow me to share wisdom and cautionary tales. Let us find solace in stories. Let us… leave no room for sorrow or despair."
Number 1 chimes in, "I concur." He settles into a cross-legged position and continues, "Although my stories are based on true events, some may find them implausible. Therefore, treat them as passing tales, like those from The Thousand and One Nights."
"I am uncertain if this is a suitable solution to our plight," Number 5 responds.
"Yet, we have no other option… What will your stories be about?" Number 4 adds.
"It appears you have surrendered your minds to him!" Despite the crude accent, I recognize the speaker without turning my head. Who else could it be but the newcomer? He continues, "It is foolish to be led astray by such pointless fairytales. He is clearly the first to lose his sanity in this place. It seems you have spent far too long in confinement!" He lets out a loud, mocking laugh.
"Perhaps," I reply. "And why not? At least I have not succumbed to madness after a mere two months."
"Hmph! Do you consider yourself superior to us?"
I raise my head and look at him, he seated by the door, and his eyes filled with defiance.
"To believe yourself entirely rational, immune to madness, is the very first step towards it," I say.
"What?! What madness are you talking about?!"
"It matters little whether you are eternally optimistic or perpetually pessimistic. Humans are a tapestry woven from many threads: rationality and madness – though some argue madness is merely an excess of rationality – love and hate, joy and sorrow, happiness and misery. To be human is to embody all of these things. However, this does not grant you the freedom to commit sins and consider yourself righteous. There is no shame in human sins, but we must strive to minimize our transgressions and rectify our mistakes."
Why did I say this? I do not know. It felt like something that needed to be said. Strangely, a flush creeps up his neck and onto his cheeks. Or perhaps it was just my imagination? He retreats to a corner, remaining silent.
"Where shall we begin?" Number 3 asks, a valid question indeed…
"What about myths? Perhaps some lesser-known tales?" suggests Number 5.
"What about our history?" I counter.
Number 5 pauses for a moment before asking, "And what about it, Number 6?"
By now, you must have realized that Number 6 is myself… the remaining narrator of this tale.
"What are you getting at?" Number 4 inquires, finally joining the conversation.
"I have learned – in the hard way – that our mistakes are often repeated. Why not learn from our past to benefit our future? Besides, I do not believe in myths, so why should I listen to them?"
Number 1 smiles and says, "That suits me well, for I have many stories to share. Where would you like to begin?"
"How about the beginning of the universe?"
I sense a mischievous intent behind Number 4's suggestion, which he quickly confirms, "You say you dislike myths? Do you believe what your religion says?"
He quickly adds, "I mean no disrespect." Shifting slightly, he continues, "But it has been the source of much contention among many."
"So… what do you believe in this regard?" Number 1 asks Number 4.
"I believe in science… I believe in reason… I believe in what scientists have discovered. I believe there was a Big Bang billions of years ago, and our world took millions of years to form, not six days as your religion claim!"
I look at him in astonishment. Not because he has lumped us all together, but because this is the first time I have heard of the creation of the universe in six days!
"So… you do not believe in the existence of a God?" Number 1 asks cautiously.
"That is not what I am saying," Number 4 replies. "I believe in the power of the human mind, which has led us to incredible discoveries."
"Yet it is also the cause of our current predicament. Do not deny it," Number 7 interjects.
Number 4 coughs, as if something is stuck in his throat, and says, "I do not deny it… but we must focus on the positives."
"Ignoring the negatives will not set things right," Number 1 counters. "Allah created the heavens and the earths in six days; there is no debate."
"You believe in something you cannot see?" Number 4 challenges.
"Not everything is visible to the naked eye," Number 1 replies. "If we did not believe in such things, how could we consider this life a test?"
"What test? When we die, that is it. There is no resurrection. This is our one and only life!"
Number 1 lets out a soft chuckle, revealing a hint of his teeth. He recites, "Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded? * And they say, 'There is not but our worldly life; we die and live, and nothing destroys us except time.' And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming." [3]
"What is that supposed to mean? You do not believe me? Then why do I not see the dead rise again?"
"Number 6 speaks the truth about you," Number 1 says. "You echo the words of our captors' ancestors, 'This is not but our first death, and we will not be resurrected. * Then bring our forefathers [back to life], if you should be truthful.' [4]"
"If you possess knowledge, share it with us, that we may benefit…" Number 4 requests.
"What do you wish to know?" Number 1 asks.
"How all of this was created in six days!"
"Firstly, I said 'Allah created the heavens and the earths in six days'. Then, tell me, if you were to create something, how long would it take?" Number 1 counters.
"I don't understand your meaning," Number 4 replies.
"Let's say you have all the necessary tools to create a sheet of paper. How long would it take?"
"Perhaps an hour?"
"Then, Allah is the ultimate creator. He who possesses such power can accomplish anything and everything."
"But that does not prove your claim," Number 4 insists.
"Then what would constitute proof in your eyes?"
"How could such a vast heavens and earths be created in a mere six days?"
"What is a 'day' to you?" Number 1 asks.
"What…? What kind of question is that?"
"A day is the cycle of night and day, which we cannot perceive in this place devoid of sun and moon. So, how would you measure time?"
"… I do not know."
"Your answer lies with him, not with me."
"Me…?" All eyes turn to Number 5, who looks genuinely perplexed.
Number 1 clarifies, "Yes, you. But do not worry, I will guide you with a few questions. Could you provide us with a brief summary of what scientists say about the creation of the universe?"
Number 5 nods, seemingly sifting through the vast store of knowledge within his mind. After a short pause, he begins, "The origin of the universe is a complex and fascinating subject explored by countless studies and research in astronomy and physics. The widely accepted theory is that it all began with the Big Bang, a model proposing that the entire universe was initially concentrated into a single point of immense density and temperature. This point then exploded, and the universe began to expand."
"Good," Number 1 says. "And what is the scientists' estimate for the time that has passed since the Big Bang?"
"Approximately 13.8 billion years."
"And the formation of the sun?"
"Around 4.8 billion years ago."
Number 2 interjects, directing his question to Number 4, "And what evidence supports these claims?"
"There are several pieces of evidence and theories that support the Big Bang theory, including the distribution of galaxies in the universe and the presence of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, which is considered a remnant of the Big Bang."
"Continue," Number 1 urges.
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After the Big Bang, the materials in the universe entered a phase known as 'Early Universe Evolution'. In the moments following the Big Bang, the universe underwent a period of rapid and extreme expansion, with temperature and density at their peak. During this phase, fundamental particles such as protons and neutrons formed, and the conditions resembled those found within the nucleus of an atom.
Just seconds after the Big Bang, protons and neutrons began to fuse, forming atomic nuclei. In the first few minutes, hydrogen and helium were primarily created. Over time, as stars evolved, heavier elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron were generated.
Then, after hundreds of millions of years, large concentrations of gaseous matter in the universe began to attract each other, forming larger structures such as galaxies and galaxy clusters. These condensation and attraction processes led to the formation of the complex structures we observe in the visible universe.
Earth evolved over millions of years through complex geological and biological processes, resulting in the formation of the Earth's crust and the emergence of life.
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A silence descends upon the group, broken by Number 4, "But I still don't understand how this relates to the claim that the Heavens and earths were created in six days?"
Instead of responding directly, Number 1 directs the question to Number 5, "And how did they arrive at these calculations?"
"Through various methods," Number 5 explains. "There are measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, observations of stars and galaxies, computer simulations, the rate of the universe's expansion, the distribution of dark matter… the list goes on."
"So, have they accounted for all variables in their calculations?" Number 1 asks.
"… To the best of their knowledge," Number 5 replies.
Number 4 interjects, "And what difference would that make?"
"Let me ask you a question," Number 1 says, "one that your mind should readily grasp. Imagine a process, let's say a chemical reaction, that typically takes three days to yield results. Could you make it happen in just one hour?"
"… What?" Number 4 is confused.
Number 5 responds, "A catalyst! A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. The final amount of the catalyst remains the same, but it speeds up the reaction by providing an alternative pathway that requires less energy."
Number 4 ponders this for a moment. "So, you are suggesting there was some sort of catalyst that accelerated the formation of the universe?"
"In a way… but it is beyond your comprehension," Number 1 replies. [5]
"And why is that?" Number 4 challenges.
"Because it is the will of Allah, the Eternal and Everlasting. Our minds, despite their vast knowledge, cannot fathom such things. It is the power of the King who says 'Be,' and it is."
I did not fully grasp his meaning until later. He was implying that no matter how advanced our knowledge becomes, we will never understand anything beyond its scope. Just as artificial intelligence has failed to replace humanity.
Number 1 sighs, seemingly disappointed. He mutters something under his breath before saying, "Let us move on from this for now. You say you believe in science? Then there is something I desperately seek an answer to: what do you know about the soul?"
Silence. Perhaps due to the unexpected nature of the question…
"I cannot deny… our understanding of the soul remains limited…" Number 4 admits.
"If that is the case, how can you claim that your mind can comprehend the creation of the universe or the infusion of the soul?" Number 1 presses.
"I do not know… but we will discover it one day…"
"If the Earth survives that long," Number 7 interrupts. "If you are blind to it, allow me to tell you: the world is regressing, not progressing. Oil is running out, wars are erupting, and I doubt they will develop anything… except for more efficient ways to kill and terrorize."
"…But…" Number 4 struggles to find a response, eventually redirecting the conversation back to Number 1. "And what do you know about the soul?"
Number 1 recites, "And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul. Say, The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little." [6]
"And what is this 'little' that you have been given?" Number 4 inquires.
"That the soul is Allah's creation, and without it, we perish."
"That is all?"
"Well, there are many narrations on this matter, but I mentioned only the most reliable to know."
I finally interject, "So, what was the first thing your Lord created?"
"The Pen… The first thing Allah created was the Pen, and He commanded it to write destinies. It wrote down everything that is destined to occur from that moment until the Day of Judgement." [7]
"And then?"
"We cannot say 'then,' perhaps 'with' or 'immediately after.' I do not know. But it was the Preserved Slate."
"And what is that?" I ask, intrigued.
"It is the Slate upon which nothing is omitted, but rather, everything is encompassed." [8]
Number 4, with a subtle smirk, says, "So, you are saying that humans are bound by destiny? Where is the mercy in that?"
"Your statement reveals only one thing: your ignorance of your own faith. Allah is above all things, including time and space. In terms of space, He is at the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary, above the seventh heaven. As for time, a day with Allah is like a thousand years of those which you count. We only measure days by the Earth's rotation around itself and years by its rotation around the sun. Allah's power transcends time and space; the past, present, and future are all the same to Him. Allah is in heaven, but His knowledge is everywhere."
"Then explain what is happening to us. What is the purpose of our lives…?" Number 4 asks.
"A brief enjoyment, and then we return to Allah, where each person will be rewarded according to their deeds. Even the hornless sheep will receive its due from the horned sheep, even though there is no heaven or hell for them."
"And how can we be held accountable for something that is predetermined?"
"I will try to simplify it for you, but keep in mind that Allah's ways are beyond our comprehension. I will use an imperfect analogy to help you understand the magnitude of what you are asking. Let's say you have two children, and you reward each of them with ten coins. Can you tell me what they will do with those coins?"
"How could I possibly know?"
"What if you could read their minds like an open book, and you knew their deepest desires and intentions?"
Number 4 contemplates this for a moment. The answer is simple: "In that case, I would know what they would do."
"Allah is the ultimate knower. Do you now understand that your mind cannot grasp such matters because they are within Allah's realm of power?"
"Let us not stray from the topic," I interject. "You said that the first thing Allah created was the Pen, and then the Preserved Slate. What came next?"
"The Cloud."
"The Cloud?"
"A thin mist to pe accurate. And above him was air, and below him was air."
Number 5 exclaims, "Cloud…? Mist…? Nebula! It must be the nebula!"
"And what does that have to do with anything?" Number 4 asks.
"If I am correct, the next thing created was water!" Number 5 declares.
"You are right," Number 1 says with surprise. "Please explain." [9]
"A nebula is a state of cosmic or astronomical dust, containing oxygen, hydrogen, and other elements. This is where planets and stars originate, and to this state they return upon their demise. It is the beginning of the Formation of Large Structures. After the planet shapes, the water appears."
"The Pen, the Slate, the Cloud, water… what came next?" I ask.
"The Most Merciful [who is] above the Throne established. [10]"
"The Throne?"
"And how was it established?" Number 4 interjects.
Number 1 takes a deep breath, seemingly irritated by the question. He responds, "The establishment is known, the manner is unknown, belief in it is obligatory, and questioning it is an innovation." [11]
"Alright," I say. "Is there anything else?"
"Not to my knowledge." [12]
"Okay, let's return to the point where the debate began. You said that the Heavens and earths were created in six days. Can you elaborate on that?"
"It began on Sunday and Monday, when Allah created the Earth without spreading it out."
"What does that mean?" Number 4 asks.
"It means that the Earth was not yet suitable for habitation as we know it. It was not yet ready for humans to dwell upon it."
"So, you are saying the Earth was just a rock? And what about the sky?"
"The sky did not exist at that time. Allah created it from smoke on Thursday as a single sky, and then He split it into seven heavens over two days: Thursday and Friday, with the exception of the last three hours of Friday before sunset." [13]
"So, on Sunday and Monday, the Earth was created. And then? Please follow the order as you know it," I request.
"Well, then came Tuesday and Wednesday, during which Allah sent down iron [14] and formed the foundations of the mountains, and created within them benefits for us."
"Sent down?" Number 4 questions.
Number 1 replies, "And We sent down iron, wherein is great military might and benefits for the people. [15] This means that iron did not originate on Earth but descended from the heavens."
"And what is your proof?" Number 4 challenges.
Number 5 interjects, "He is correct. The origin of iron dates back to the very early stages of the universe. It was created in stars after hydrogen and helium. During the process of nuclear fusion within giant and medium-sized stars, iron is abundantly produced from lighter elements like hydrogen and helium."
"Could you please explain that more slowly? My mind is struggling to keep up," I request.
Number 5, embarrassed at having forgotten he is in a cell and not giving a scientific lecture, says, "To form iron, you need extremely high temperatures, ranging from 100 million to 500 million degrees. That is the temperature of an exploding star. Earth was never a star, so this means that during its formation, it attracted iron through gravity. The 5.6% of iron found in the Earth's crust may be from iron meteorites that were drawn in and fell to Earth. This may have contributed to the Earth's curvature and the formation of some mountains."
"That's new," I remark. Turning to Number 1, I say, "Please continue."
"Then came Wednesday, when Allah created trees and water on Earth."
"But didn't you say that God created water from the Cloud? Why didn't He send it down to Earth then?" Number 4 asks.
"The water that Allah created from the Cloud is the water of Paradise, of which a single sip will quench your thirst forever. As for the water on Earth…"
Number 5 interrupts, "May I explain this part?" Without waiting for a response, he continues, "Water vapor is a result of chemical reactions and heat."
Number 1 concedes, "Very well, you clearly know more about this than I do." [16]
"And then the heavens were created on Thursday and Friday, except for the last three hours. What was created during that time?" I ask.
"On Friday, along with the heavens, God created the angels, the sun and the moon, darkness and light. As for the final three hours: in the first hour, He created lifespans, determining who would live and who would die. In the second hour, He created affliction in all things, for as there are benefits in things, there can also be harm in their excess. And in the third hour, God created Adam and placed him in Paradise."
Number 5 sits in contemplation, seemingly trying to piece everything together. He then says, "Let me outline a timeline for the theory of the universe: According to Number 1, the Earth began as a nebula. Gravity drew its particles together, aided by the presence of iron and other factors such as pressure and temperature. This led to the familiar chemical reactions that shaped the Earth, with 'smoke' – as described by Number 1 – surrounding the barren rocks. Then, iron-rich meteorites descended, forming mountains. If I am correct, the 'smoke' consisted of carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, and trace amounts of oxygen. Then came the emergence of cyanobacteria, which fed on carbon dioxide and produced oxygen, increasing its levels to a point where trees could thrive. As oxygen levels rose, the ozone layer formed in the outer atmosphere, eventually becoming the sky that surrounds the Earth we know today, preparing it for our habitation." [17]
"Hold on," Number 1 interjects. "We are not in a lecture hall. While I couldn't grasp everything you said or connect all the dots, it sounds… quite complex."
"But I feel like something is missing," I say.
"Like what?" Number 1 asks.
"There seems to be a discrepancy in the order of events. You said that the Pen wrote down all destinies, but then you said that lifespans were written on Friday. Something doesn't add up."
Number 1 smiles and explains, "When I mentioned the Pen, I was quoting a saying of the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him. However, I did not specify the order of events; rather, I described the order of creation as we understand it. Allah knows best."
"Is that so? Then tell us the order of events," I request.
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The first thing Allah created was the Pen. Then He created the Preserved Slate [18], followed by the Cloud from which water flowed. He then created the Throne and placed it upon the water. After that, He began the creation of the heavens, the Earth, and everything else in six days, as follows:
Sunday and Monday: He created the lands and formed Adam's body on Monday. [19]
Tuesday: Mountains and their benefits were created.
Wednesday: Water was created, and sustenance and resources were placed on Earth.
Thursday: He created the sky.
Friday: He split the sky into seven heavens and created darkness and light, separating them. He also created the sun and moon, along with the angels. This left three hours remaining on Friday.
In the first hour: He inspired the Pen, whose ink was made of light, to write down lifespans, recording everything on the Preserved Slate.
In the second hour: He created affliction in all things.
In the third hour: He created Adam and placed him in Paradise.
There are undoubtedly other things that Allah created that we are either unaware of or have limited knowledge of, such as the jinn. Whether they were created at the same time, before, or after, or in a different order, this is the extent of my understanding. As you know, Allah knows best.
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"And then what?" Number 7 asks.
"That is another story," Number 1 replies.
"That's not what I meant."
"Then what did you mean?"
"I meant, what did your 'Lord' do on Saturday?"
"And We did certainly create the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days, and there touched Us no weariness. [21]"
Silence descends once more. I must confess, I am bewildered by the turn of the conversation. Attempting to lighten the mood, I ask, "Let us return to our discussion. I have an important question. We know that other beings existed on Earth before humans. What have you known about this?"
"Well, I am not sure what you are referring to," Number 1 replies.
"Allow me to enlighten you," Number 7 says.
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Among the creatures that inhabited the Earth were the 'Binn'. They were the first creations, resembling primitive mutations. They began as giant worms, rapidly growing into semi-erect beings, then transforming into something akin to upright apes before aging, dying, and decomposing into the Earth.
The Binn began to disappear as algae formed and water expanded, leading to the emergence of the 'Hinn'. These creatures were woody in nature and fed on minerals from the Earth, becoming stronger than the Binn and eventually overpowering them.
The forms of the Hinn and Binn combined to create a new creature called the 'Khin'. The Khin were created from clay and bark. They fed on marine life, developing an animalistic shell, making them stronger than both the Binn and Hinn. They engaged in a struggle, ultimately wiping out the Hinn entirely. It is said that dinosaurs were the ones who eradicated the Khin.
They were succeeded by the Minn, creatures that evolved from the surviving Binn after the Khin's dominance. These creatures were massive and eyeless, with sensory organs on their faces that helped them adapt to dark caves.
The Minn either vanished or evolved into the 'Dinn', transitional creatures that walked on all fours. They diversified into various creatures in the sea, air, and land.
Finally, there were the 'Sinn' or 'Niss', which some paleobiologists believe to be the early ancestors of humans. [22]
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I don't know about your opinion, but these descriptions remind me of Lovecraftian monsters. But the strange thing is, we are talking about things that happened in the past. Is any of this true?
We wait for Number 1 to respond, but he remains silent. This prompts me to ask, "Is he right?"
"He is most likely mistaken," Number 1 finally says. "Some historians have mentioned the existence of 28 nations before humans [23], but they did not provide any details. The only beings confirmed to exist to this day are angels and 'jinn'. As for who they are and what transpired, that is the first story we shall tell."
꧁༺❀༻꧂꧁༺❀༻꧂꧁༺❀༻꧂
[1] Sura Yusuf, verse 64.
[2] Hyperthymesia, also known as Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), is a rare condition characterized by the ability to recall every moment of one's life in vivid detail. Individuals with HSAM possess an extraordinary capacity for remembering past experiences, regardless of the passage of time. The number of diagnosed cases is estimated to be 60 or fewer.
[3] Sura Al-Jathiya, verses 23-24.
[4] Sura Ad-Dukhan, verses 35-36.
[5] Questioning the nature and extent of Allah's abilities is considered an act of innovation (bid'ah) in Islam, as belief in Allah and His power is a fundamental pillar of the faith. Number 1's attempt to answer Number 4's inquiry aims to impart the lesson that, despite our intellectual endeavors, we can never fully grasp the true extent of God's power.
[6] Sura Al-Isra, verse 85.
[7] Narrated by Imam Ahmad in "Al-Musnad" (37/378) and Abu Dawud (4700) from Ubadah ibn As-Samit, who said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: 'The first thing Allah created was the Pen, and He said to it: Write. It said: My Lord, what shall I write? He said: Write the destinies of all things until the Doom's hour comes.'
[8] Mentioned by Ibn Al-Athir in his book "Al-Kamil fi at-Tarikh". However, At-Tabari in "Tarikh al-Tabari" does not mention the Preserved Slate as the second creation. Scholars believe that At-Tabari omitted it as it refers to complementary things, implying that the Pen would require ink and a surface to write upon. Ibn Kathir in "Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah" does not concern himself with the order of creation, merely mentioning the things created.
[9} Number 1 does not know anything that number 5 says.
[10] Sura Ta-Ha, verse 5.
[11] This response is attributed to Imam Malik when he was asked the same question. It highlights the need for deeper knowledge and understanding of religious concepts to avoid falling into misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
[12] Number 1 responds based on his own knowledge and understanding.
[13] A small note: In Islam, the day begins at nightfall, at the time of Maghrib prayer, as God Almighty said: "And made its night opaque and extracted its brightness." [Sura An-Nazi'at: 29] This means darkness precedes light.
[14] Originally, the hadiths narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) state that God created the mountains and their benefits on Tuesday. The matter of iron is based on an opinion that will be mentioned later.
[15] Sura Al-Hadid, part of verse 25.
[16] Number 1 really do not know a thing about what Number 5 talking about.
[17] Number 5 attempts to formulate a theory based on his understanding and connections made with what he heard from Number 1, while Number 1 tries to understand the reasoning behind these connections.
[18] In Ibn Kathir's Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim, it is mentioned that the Preserved Tablet is in the possession of an angel named Israfil. This suggests that it may not have been the second creation. Allah knows best.
[19] His information based on this:
There are two narrations regarding this matter:
The first: Hannad bin As-Sari said: Abu Bakr bin Ayash narrated to us, from Abu Sa'd al-Baqqal, from Ikrimah, from Ibn Abbas, mentioning the creation of Adam on Friday and God placing him in Paradise. This is mentioned in Sahih Muslim from the hadith of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it, Adam was created, on it he was admitted to Paradise, and on it he was expelled from it." There is also a narration from Abu Hurayrah that states: "And Adam was created in the last hour of Friday." However, commentators have debated the length of the day, whether it was a day like our days or not.
The second: Al-Muthanna narrated to me, he said: Al-Hajjaj narrated to us, Hammad narrated to us, from Ata bin As-Sa'ib, from Ikrimah, mentioning the creation of Adam on Monday.
The source of both narrations is Tarikh al-Tabari, Volume 1, pages 19, 20, 22.
[20] Sura Qaf, verse 38. Number 1 has understood Number 7's intention. For those who haven't yet grasped the hidden meaning, it will be revealed later. But what you need to know is this: Number 7 speaks from a place of belief and faith.
[22] Scientists have discovered skulls with human-like features in Ethiopia, believed to be 4 million years old. The information presented by Number 7 is entirely unsubstantiated. His statements are derived from an article lacking any credible references and are most likely based on misleading or fabricated information.
[23] Al-Masudi, in his book "Akhbar az-Zaman" (The Meadows of Gold), and Shihab al-Din al-Abshihi in his book "Al-Mustatraf fi Kulli Fannin Mustazraf" (The Book of Curious and Entertaining Information), mention the existence of 28 nations that lived on Earth before humans. However, neither author provides any names or descriptions of these nations.