The tafsir sources do not specify whether the "six days" (سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ) mentioned in 11:7 refer to earthly days. Ibn Kathir states that Allah created the heavens and the earth in "six days," but does not elaborate on the nature or duration of these "days."

Linguistically, the Arabic word "يَوْم" (yawm) can denote a literal day (24-hour period) or a longer, undefined period or epoch. The Quran itself uses "yawm" in both senses (e.g., "a day whose measure is a thousand years of what you count" (32:5) and "a day whose measure is fifty thousand years" (70:4)).

The primary focus of the tafsir regarding this phrase is Allah's power and wisdom in creation. The pre-existence of Allah's Throne over water before creation is emphasized through prophetic traditions (Hadith from `Imran bin Husayn and `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As), highlighting Allah's absolute sovereignty and pre-eternity. The purpose of this creation, including the six-day period, is explicitly stated as "لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا" (that He might test you as to which of you is best in deed), underscoring the teleological aspect of creation as a trial for humanity.

📚 Sources: Classical tafsir (multi-source)