The question addresses the reason behind God's creation of the earth in six days instead of a single day or less, considering that God is capable of anything.
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In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Allah, the Almighty, says:
{Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then established Himself upon the Throne. He covers the night with the day, which is urgent in pursuit, and the sun, the moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command. Blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.} (1)
According to Sadr al-Muta'allihin:
"Know that one of the wonders of the lights of revelation and the secrets of interpretation is the understanding of this verse, which appears in several places in the Quran. The minds of observers and the understandings of interpreters have been perplexed by the reason for the world being created in six days, rather than in any other number."
There are many verses that discuss the truth that Allah created the heavens and the earth in six days.
It should first be noted that the term 'days' does not refer to the conventional meaning derived from the movement of the earth, but rather is used in a broader sense indicating a period or phase. Thus, the meaning is that Allah created the heavens and the earth in stages, each of which could span thousands of years when calculated in our conventional days.
As for the wisdom behind this, despite Allah's ability to create instantly (i.e., "Be, and it is"), several reasons can be considered:
First: Allah wants His servants to be patient and gentle in accomplishing matters.
Second: Immediate creation is more effective in demonstrating power, while gradual creation is more effective in demonstrating wisdom, and Allah intended to showcase His wisdom in this instance.
Third: Gradual creation is a manifestation of the greatness of creation.
The author of Tafsir al-Amtal states:
"... Another question arises: Why did Allah create the heavens and the earth in numerous and lengthy cycles, when He is capable of creating them in an instant? The answer to this question can be understood by focusing on one point: If creation were to occur in an instant, it would be less indicative of the greatness of the Creator, His power, and His knowledge. However, since the process of creation and formation occurred in various stages and forms, according to an organized and calculated program, it provides a clearer indication of the Creator's knowledge.
For example, if a human embryo were to transform into a complete newborn in an instant, it would not reflect the greatness of creation and formation. But when the newborn emerges over nine months, following a precise program and taking on a specific form each day and month, each of these stages can present a new sign of divine greatness and serve as further evidence of the Creator's power."
And praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Sources:
(1) Al-A'raf: 54.
(2) Tafsir al-Amtal by Sheikh Naser Makarem Shirazi - Vol. 5, p. 72