Proving the Existence of the Creator; Evidence of Creation
Selections from the Book The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him …
Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...
Episode (8)
The essence of this proof is that all of creation, with everything in it, bears witness to the existence of its exalted and powerful Creator, glorified be He. Allah Almighty says: {Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]? (35) Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Rather, they are not certain. (36)} [At-Tur: 35-36]. He is telling them: You exist, and this is an undeniable fact, as are the heavens and the earth. It is an established fact in the mind that whatever exists must have a cause for its existence. This is something even a camel herder understands when he says: "Droppings indicate the presence of a camel, and tracks indicate someone’s journey". So, what about a sky full of stars, an earth with wide paths, and seas with waves? Do these not indicate the presence of the All-Knowing, All-Aware? This is also understood by great scientists who study life and living beings. One of them said: "The eternal, great God, who knows everything and is capable of everything, has manifested Himself to me through the wonders of His creation, leaving me amazed and bewildered. What power, what wisdom, and what creativity He has placed in the works of His hands, both small and great?!"
And what is referred to in the verse is what scholars know as the "Law of Causality". This law states that nothing from the realm of possibilities happens by itself without a cause, because it does not inherently contain the sufficient reason for its existence. It cannot independently bring anything into existence, as it cannot give to another what it does not possess itself.
With this proof, Islamic scholars have confronted and continue to confront deniers. For instance, Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him, was approached by some atheists who denied the Creator. He asked them: ‘’What do you say about a man who tells you that he saw a ship loaded with goods, filled with valuable cargo, surrounded by turbulent waves in the middle of the sea, with winds blowing in different directions, yet the ship sailed smoothly without a captain to steer it and without anyone to guide it? Is this reasonable to the mind?’’
They said: "This is something that the mind cannot accept."
Imam Abu Hanifa replied: "Glory be to Allah! If it is unreasonable for a ship to sail smoothly in the sea without a captain or anyone guiding it, how can it be reasonable for this world, with all its varying conditions, changing activities, vast extent, and diverse features, to exist without a Creator or Sustainer?" They all wept and said: "You have spoken the truth," and they repented.
This principle, which the intellects accept and follow, is what the noble verse refers to: {Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]?} [At-Tur: 35]. It is a proof that compels rational people to concede that there is a Creator to be worshipped. The verse presents this principle in a profound and impactful manner, so that when it reaches the ears, it almost shakes the soul and stirs it deeply.
The Holy Qur'an addresses the issue of creation and management in a unique manner, emphasizing the importance of directing the intellect to contemplate the horizons of the universe and the many signs of Allah. It calls upon the mind to awaken from its slumber to reflect on the dominion of the heavens and the earth and the signs embedded within them. The Holy Qur'an repeats this message in various ways, so that humans may see and hear in the expanses of the universe what leads them to believe in their Creator, glorified and exalted be He, and understand that this universe is the creation of Allah, the Creator and Sustainer, who alone deserves to be worshipped without any partners.
Episode references:
- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him, pp. 78-81.
- With Allah, Hassan Ayoub, p. 67.
- Belief in Allah, Al-Ashqar, previous reference, p. 69-70.
- Protecting the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the protection of monotheism, Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, Deanship of Scientific Research at the Islamic University, Medina, p. 216.
For further information and review of the sources for the article, see:
The Book of The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him on the official website of Sheikh Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi:
