ability to do anything

When the Quran describes absolute ability, it points to the immediate execution of a divine decree: a single command of "Be," and the thing exists (2:117). This power is inseparable from the physical ownership of the universe. Multiple verses repeat that control of the heavens and the earth belongs entirely to God, establishing a domain where life and death are exclusively in His hands (3:189, 57:2). Rather than presenting this as an abstract theological concept, the text grounds omnipotence in visible realities, moving from the vastness of the cosmos to the specific details of human conflict and natural phenomena.

How does creation manifest this capability? The mechanics of this absolute power require no drawn-out process or exertion. As the Originator of the heavens and the earth, whenever God wills a matter to happen, the only action taken is the utterance of the word "Be," and it materializes immediately (16:40). This instantaneous decree applies fundamentally to the acts of giving life and causing death (40:68). The Quran illustrates this total creative control through the generation of human families, noting that God creates whatever He wills by specifically granting female offspring to whomever He chooses, and male offspring to whomever He chooses (42:49). Because He alone holds this control over the heavens and the earth, and alone gives life and death, humans are reminded that they have no actual ally or helper other than Him (9:116).

What visible proofs does the text offer? To demonstrate that He has power over all things, the Quran directs the reader's attention to the barren ground. It presents a visible sign in nature: the earth lying desolate until water is sent down upon it, causing the soil to stir and grow (41:39). This physical, vegetative revival serves as a direct parallel and an undeniable proof of resurrection. The text states that the exact same force that gives life to the dead soil will certainly give life to the dead humans (41:39). This cycle of life reinforces the inevitable reality that it is to God that all people will ultimately return, backed by the fact that He has power over everything (11:4).

How does this control shape human affairs? Beyond cosmic creation and future resurrection, the Quran anchors divine power in the unfolding of earthly events and legislative decrees. When verses of revelation are superseded or forgotten, it is by this same absolute capability that God replaces them with something better or similar, asking the Prophet directly, "Do you [Prophet] not know that God has power over everything?" (2:106).

This control also governs the harsh realities of conflict. Regarding the "day of the decision" when two opposing forces met in battle, the Quran outlines the strict distribution of one-fifth of the battle gains. These are allocated to God, the Messenger, close relatives, orphans, the needy, and travelers. This exact financial ruling is framed by the condition of believing in God and the revelation sent down, bracketed by the reminder that God has power over all things (8:41).

Yet this overarching omnipotence does not absolve individuals of their own choices. The text highlights a moment when believers suffered a heavy blow and questioned a calamity that befell them, even after they had inflicted twice as much damage on their enemy. When they asked, "How did this happen?", the divine response placed the cause squarely on their own actions. The Prophet was instructed to tell them, "You brought it upon yourselves"—a stark accountability delivered right before the declaration that God has power over everything (3:165).