And He—glorified be He—while telling us that He restores creation, gives life to bones when they have crumbled, and brings people forth from the earth once again, also tells us that what is restored is the very thing originally created. As the Most High says:

“It is He who originates creation, then restores it.”

He also tells us that the second creation is like the first, as the Most High says:

“They say, ‘When we have become bones and crumbled remains, will we really be raised as a new creation?’”

“Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth, is able to create their like, and has appointed for them a term about which there is no doubt?”

And the Most High says:

“They say, ‘When we have become bones and crumbled remains, will we really be raised as a new creation?’”

“Say, ‘Be stones or iron,

or any creation you deem harder still to bring to life.’ Then they will ask, ‘Who will restore us?’ Say, ‘The One who created you the first time.’ Then they will shake their heads at you and ask, ‘When will that be?’ Say, ‘Perhaps it will be soon.’”

“On the Day He calls you, you will respond with His praise, and you will think you had remained only a little while.”

And the Most High says:

“Is He who created the heavens and the earth not able to create their like? Yes indeed! He is the All-Knowing Creator.”

And the Most High says:

“Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth and was not wearied by creating them, is able to give life to the dead? Yes indeed! He has power over all things.”

And He says:

“Have you considered the semen you emit?”

“Is it you who create it, or are We the Creator?”

“We have ordained death among you, and We cannot be prevented

from replacing you with others like you and bringing you into being in forms you do not know.”

“You already know the first creation, so why do you not take heed?”

What is meant by His ability to create their like is His ability to restore them, as He has stated