Signs Indicating the Presence of One God Only:
1) The Order of the Universe:
Another sign for believing in God is by pondering over the order of the universe using the following logic:
• Anything that is ordered indicates intelligence.
• Our solar system is highly ordered with intricate systems, laws & patterns.
• The order in our universe indicates the intelligence of the Creator!
Imagine walking along the beach and finding a watch in the sand. Would you believe that the watch came together by itself? You would not conclude that the watch just happened to emerge from the sand by random chance. All the intricate working parts could not simply develop from the materials that lay buried in the earth. The watch must have a manufacturer. And if the watch tells accurate time we expect the manufacturer must be intelligent. Natural coincidences cannot produce a working watch.
Consider the planet earth. It's timing is so strictly regulated around the sun that scientists can publish in advance the sunrise and sunset times. Just as a watch has an intelligent maker to keep accurate time, so too must the earth have an intelligent maker to keep accurate time around the sun. Could this occur by itself?
In the same way, when we see the order, precise laws and systems within ourselves and throughout the entire universe, is it not rational that the universe has an organiser? This "organiser" is best explained by the existence of God - the one who brought about the order in the universe.
Many features in the universe clearly indicate it to be specially designed to support life. If these measurements were slightly different to what they currently are, life could not exist. Examples include:
• Ozone Layer.
• Thickness of earth's crust.
• Oxygen % in the air.
• Distance from sun.
• Relative size of sun, earth & moon.
Could a large complex universe form by coincidence, without supervision? It should be noted that Islam encourages scientific research and reflection. The role of science helps us describe the many observed patterns that God places in His creation and appreciate the extent of His power and wisdom.
2) The Beginning of the Universe:
The first sign that indicates the presence of one God is the way in which this universe began. Reflecting upon the beginning of the universe leads one to believe in Allah as the only God and Creator of this world.
Let us reflect upon this together. How did the universe come to exist?
✖ Did it come from nothing? From nothing, comes nothing. So, obviously not.
✖ Did it create itself? No, this is irrational. It is like saying a mother gave birth to herself.
✖ Has it always existed? No, modern science concludes that the universe is not eternal and had a beginning.
✔ Was it created? Yes. Muslims believe something beyond the universe created it - The Creator.
Now that we have established that a Creator must exist. Let us contemplate the following question: Are there more than one Creator?
The harmony observed between the different elements of the universe and the minute details of life indicate the work of one Creator alone: Allah. If multiple “gods” or “creators” were to exist, naturally, conflict will occur between them. This would lead to numerous conflicts and inconsistencies in the creation; however, this is clearly not the case! Thus, the harmony and coherence observed clearly indicates the existence of one Creator alone.
A common question may cross your mind: But who created God?
God was not created. The Creator, is different to His creation. If He was the same as creation, He would also need a creator, leading to an infinite amount of creators, which is impossible. He is beyond time and the physical matter of this universe. Unlike the universe and the rest of creation, God is eternal, has always existed and has no beginning nor end. This is a core belief in Islam.
3) Revelation - Qur'an:
The Quran is the words of Allah revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Quran provides a strong argument for the existence of God and it is unmatched in it's style, wisdom, guidance, eloquence as well as its uniqueness in how it addresses the reader.
Facts about the Quran:
• Has no errors or contradictions.
• Contains the pure & clear descriptions of God.
• Pinnacle of Arabic linguistic beauty.
• Revealed via Prophet Muhammad who was illiterate.
• Preserved - no alterations in 1400 years.
• Contains deep insights into human behavior.
• Memorized by millions of people.
• Contains scientific facts not known at that time.
"On earth there are signs for those with sure faith; and in yourselves too, do you not see?" Quran 51:20,21.
Who is God?
One of the main beauties of Islam is that it acknowledges the complete perfection, greatness and uniqueness of God with absolutely no compromises. This is reflected in Islam's pure teachings of the attributes of God.
• God is One & Unique and has no rivals, partners or sons.
• God is Worthy of All Worship - directly & exclusively (no intermediaries).
• God is Perfect & Flawless - No limitations or weaknesses.
• God is the Most Merciful - He knows we are imperfect and commit sins; however, the key is to always acknowledge our mistakes and to sincerely ask for forgiveness.
• No part of God is present in His creation nor do others share in His divine attributes.
• God has full authority and power over all things.
• Everything is completely subservient and dependent on Him.
When trying to understand the concept of God in Islam, it is important to discuss the status of Jesus, given the widespread confusion and claims about his nature.
Islam acknowledges Jesus as an honorable Prophet and Messenger of God, but Muslims do not worship him - as worship is for God alone who created Jesus and everything that exists. As such, the belief of Jesus as God, or the son of God, or part of a trinity, clearly contradicts the pure teachings of Allah in Islam.
If Jesus was God, who would he be praying to?
There are many examples in Christian teachings of Jesus speaking and behaving as if God is a separate being to himself, e.g. Jesus prays to God.
How can God be both perfect and imperfect?
Jesus was born, ate, slept and had limited knowledge – all attributes not befitting God. God has attributes of perfection whereas Man is the opposite.
What does the term “son of God” really mean?
We find the term “son of God” is symbolically used in the earliest biblical languages for a “righteous person” for many people - not exclusively for Jesus. God is far removed from having a physical and literal son.
If God can do anything, why can't He become a man?
God always maintains attributes of perfection and does not do anything to compromise this perfection. By definition, God does not do ungodly acts. So, if God became man and took on human attributes, he would, necessarily, no longer be God.
In fact, Allah has sent many Prophets before the final Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These include Prophet Adam, Prophet Noah, Prophet Abraham, Prophet Moses, and other prophets, peace be upon them all.
The mission of these Prophets is to:
• Emphasize the concept of one God.
• Reject false gods and beliefs.
• Demonstrate how to worship God.
• Be an example of righteousness.
• Describe rewards for obedience (heaven).
• Warn of punishment for disobedience (hell).
God sent Prophets to every nation throughout time with the same essential message - to worship one true God. Although Muslims love and respect all Prophets, they do not worship them or attribute divinity to them, as this is reserved solely for God.
About the Purpose of Life:
God, the All Wise, did not create us to simply wander aimlessly or to only fulfil our basic instincts and desires. Rather, we have a higher purpose – to acknowledge and worship God alone, so that we live upon the guidance of our Creator. This guidance enables us to live a contented and successful life in all aspects.
It is part of God's infinite wisdom that He created us and gave us the opportunity to know Him and to experience our lives and make our own choices.
Islam is a complete and practical way of life that teaches Muslims to be balanced, decent and contributing members of society.
The concept of worship in Islam does not only include praying and supplicating to God. It is a broad definition that includes any action that God is pleased with. Some examples include:
• Earning an honest living, which is something encouraged in Islam.
• Opposing oppression.
• Taking care of orphans.
• Looking after the environment.
• Having patience & humility.
• Benefitting the community.
• Respecting parents.
• Standing up for justice.
• Kindness to neighbors.
• Having mindfulness of God.
• Providing for one's family.
• Speaking the truth.
Acts of worship require the sincere intention to please God and must be performed correctly according to Islamic guidelines.
In conclusion: The foundation of Islam is belief in the Oneness and Uniqueness of Almighty God, who is the Creator and Lord of all, perfect in all His attributes. He alone deserves all worship. Therein lies our success in this life and the next.
(There is none greater than the Creator).