Quran 41: 9-10:
Say to them, “Are you rejecting the One Who created the earth in two stages? Are you making others equals with Him? That’s the Lord of All the Worlds!” [9]
He placed well-rooted highlands upon (the earth) and (put many) blessings within them. Then He measured out every (physical and ecological system), so there would be sufficient resources (for all living things, a process that was accomplished) in four stages. (It’s a) balanced (system to provide for all those) who ask (for their needed resources to survive). [10]
Modern science had identified four distinct stages in the development of the earth. Stage one is called differentiation, a time in which heavier masses sunk to the core of the earth while lighter materials moved towards the surface. Stage two is called cratering, in which the earth was strong enough to withstand the constant bombardment of meteorites and comets. The third stage is known as the flooding stage, and it involved the free flowing of water and lava, along with the release of associated gases. Rain and the appearance of oceans occurred at this time. The final stage is called slow surface evolution, and it is currently in operation today. This is the phenomenon of gradation and uplift of the crust, continental drift and also plate tectonics. This is also the stage in which living organisms arose.
Emerick, Yahiya. The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an in Today’s English (p. 827). Unknown. Kindle Edition.
Lexical Meaning:
According to Abdullah Al Athari (as referenced by the Islamic Online University),
“The word ‘aqidah (belief) is derived from the word ‘aqd, which means tying, confirming, consolidation, affirmation, holding together, and making firm. It refers to certainty (yaqin) and being sure” (pg. 41)
Furthermore, commenting on Islamic ‘aqidah, he writes:
“Islamic ‘aqidah means certain belief in the Lordship and Divinity of Allah, in His names and attributes, in His angels, His books, His Messengers, the Last Day, the Divine decree both good and bad, and all the matters of the unseen and the basic principles that have been proven (in Islam), that on which there was consensus among the righteous salaf, complete submission to the commands and rulings of Allah, obedience to Him and following his Messenger (saw).” (pg. 42)
References:
Athari, Abdullah. Islamic Beliefs. Retrieved from: Islamic Online University
Quran 3:96:
The first house of worship established for people was the one in Bakka. It is blessed and a source of guidance to humanity.
Psalm 84:4-6 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs;
Kaskas, Safi. The Qur’an – with References to the Bible: A Contemporary Understanding . Bridges to Common Ground. Kindle Edition.
Quran 3:103:
And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.
The following excerpt is from “Maariful Quran” Vol. 2 pg. 130-141: