Abu Huraira told of hearing God’s messenger state that God most high says, “Who is more in the wrong than he who sets about creating things like what I have created ? Well, let such people create an atom, let them create a grain, or a grain of barley.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Exposition of the Divine Prohibition of Imitative Creation
This sacred tradition (hadith qudsi) from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) conveys the direct speech of Allah Almighty, addressing the grave sin of attempting to rival divine creation. The rhetorical question "Who is more in the wrong..." emphasizes the unparalleled transgression of those who dare to imitate Allah's creative power.
Scholarly Interpretation of the Divine Challenge
The classical scholars explain that this prohibition primarily addresses those who create images of animate beings, as this constitutes an infringement upon Allah's exclusive domain of giving life. The challenge to "create an atom, a grain, or a grain of barley" demonstrates the absolute inability of creation to match even the smallest of Allah's creations.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this hadith establishes the prohibition of image-making, particularly of beings possessing souls, as this represents the ultimate form of arrogance and competition with the Creator.
Practical Implications for Islamic Law
According to the majority of scholars, this tradition forms the basis for prohibiting the creation of images of humans and animals, especially when done in three-dimensional form or in manner that suggests rivalry with divine creation. The prohibition is most severe when such images are worshiped or venerated.
Al-Nawawi states in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that this hadith indicates the magnitude of this sin and serves as a warning against any attempt to imitate Allah's creative attributes, which belong exclusively to Him.
Contemporary Application and Wisdom
In modern times, this teaching reminds believers to maintain proper reverence for Allah's creative power, whether in artistic expression, technological innovation, or scientific pursuit. The underlying wisdom preserves tawhid (divine unity) and prevents the human soul from falling into the trap of arrogance and self-deification.
The specification of "atom, grain, and barley" in the divine challenge demonstrates that human incapacity extends to creating even the most minute and seemingly simple of Allah's creations, thus reinforcing complete dependence on the Creator.