The second is their assertion that such a thing lies beyond the reach of power.
The third is their claim that it is an act devoid of benefit; rather, (1) wisdom—so they contend—has only decreed that the human race should endure perpetually, generation after generation. Whenever one generation dies, another succeeds it. But for the entire human species to be brought to death and then revived afterwards, they see no wisdom in that at all.
Accordingly, the Qur’anic proofs for the Resurrection are constructed upon three foundations.
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Affirming the perfection of the Lord’s knowledge—glorified is He. In answer to him who said, “Who will revive the bones when they are dust?” He declared: “Say: He who produced them the first time will revive them, for He is, of every creation, All-Knowing” (36:78–79). He also said, “And the Hour is surely coming; so pardon with gracious forgiveness. Indeed, your Lord is the Ever-Creator, the All-Knowing” (15:85–86); and He said, “We certainly know what the earth diminishes of them” (50:4).
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Affirming the perfection of His power, as in His words, “Is not He who created the heavens and the earth able to create the likes of them?” (36:81); and His words, “Yes indeed, We are able even to fashion his very fingertips” (75:4); and His words, “That is because Allah is the Truth, He brings the dead to life, and He is powerful over everything” (22:6).
Allah, exalted is He, combines the two qualities in His statement: “Is not He who created the heavens and the earth able to create the likes of them? Yes indeed—and He is the All-Creator, the All-Knowing” (36:81).
- The perfection of His wisdom, as in His saying, “We did not create the heavens and the earth and whatever lies between them…”