The concept of God and the nature of time are complex and can be approached from various philosophical and theological perspectives. Different religious traditions and philosophical frameworks offer diverse explanations and understandings regarding the nature of God's existence and the concept of time.
In many religious traditions, God is often considered eternal, existing outside the constraints of time. This perspective suggests that God transcends the linear flow of time and is not bound by its limitations. From this viewpoint, the question of the duration before God's decision to create the universe becomes somewhat incongruous, as it assumes a temporal sequence that may not apply to an eternal being.
In such frameworks, the idea of "before" and "after" may not have the same meaning as it does within our temporal framework. Instead, God's decision to create the universe is seen as an expression of God's timeless will rather than a sequential event.
It's important to note that these concepts are rooted in theological and philosophical speculation, and there are various interpretations and beliefs across different religious and philosophical traditions. Ultimately, the nature of God and the relationship between God and time are profound and complex questions that continue to be explored and debated by scholars, theologians, and philosophers.