In Islam, the existence of Allah is believed to be evident through both rational arguments and empirical evidence. Muslims believe that Allah's existence can be deduced from observing the universe and its order, which is considered as evidence of a purposeful creation by a wise and powerful Creator.
The Quran also invites humans to observe the world around them, and reflect on the signs of Allah's existence and power, as it states:
"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], "Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (Quran 3:190-191)
This verse from the Quran states that the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, are signs of Allah's existence for those who are wise and understand. It encourages believers to reflect upon and appreciate the universe as evidence of Allah's power and purposeful creation. The verse also includes a prayer to Allah for protection from the punishment of the Fire.
Furthermore, Islam recognizes the value of rational arguments to prove the existence of God, such as the argument from contingency and the argument from design.
The argument from contingency
The argument from contingency asserts that everything in the universe is contingent and dependent on something else for its existence, and therefore there must be a necessary being that exists independently and is the cause of all other contingent beings. This necessary being is believed to be Allah in Islam.
The Quran references the concept of a necessary being in several verses, such as:
"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great." (Quran 2:255)
This verse highlights the concept of Allah being the sustainer of all existence, and being independent and self-sufficient. It also emphasizes the idea that no one can intercede with Allah except by His permission, indicating His ultimate sovereignty and power.
There are several hadiths that reference the concept of contingency and a necessary being. One example is:
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah said, 'I am the One Who is the Most Merciful. I have created creatures and I am a better Creator than they. If someone comes to Me with a piece of good deed, he will receive ten times the like thereof, or I will add more for him; if someone comes to Me with a piece of evil deed, he will receive the like thereof, or I will forgive him. If someone approaches Me by one span, I will approach him by one cubit; and if someone approaches Me by one cubit, I will approach him by one fathom, and if someone comes to Me walking, I will come to him running; and if someone meets Me with an earth-load of sins without associating any one with Me, I will meet him with forgiveness like that.'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari 7405)
This hadith emphasizes Allah's mercy and willingness to forgive those who seek Him, but it also highlights the idea that Allah is the ultimate Creator and sustainer of all beings, and that humans are dependent on Him for their existence and well-being. The concept of contingency and a necessary being can be inferred from this hadith, as well as from other Islamic sources that emphasize Allah's role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
The argument from design
The argument from design, on the other hand, suggests that the order and complexity of the universe and the laws of nature are evidence of an intelligent and purposeful creator, rather than a result of chance or natural processes.
The Quran also references the concept of the order and complexity of the universe as evidence of Allah's design and purpose, such as:
"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], "Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (Quran 3:190-191)
This verse highlights the idea that the universe and its alternating cycles are signs of Allah's existence, purpose and design. It encourages believers to reflect upon and appreciate the universe as evidence of Allah's power and purposeful creation, and to turn to Him in prayer and supplication.
There are several hadiths that reference the concept of the argument from design, one example is:
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "There are one hundred (parts of) mercy for Allah, and He has sent down out of these one part of mercy upon the jinn, human beings, animals and insects, and it is because of this (one part) that they love one another, show kindness to one another and even the beast treats its young with affection, and Allah has reserved ninety-nine parts of mercy with which He would treat His servants on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 7404)
This hadith highlights the order, harmony and mercy that exist in Allah's creation, including the interactions between different creatures and species. It suggests that these characteristics are evidence of Allah's design and purpose in creating the universe and its inhabitants. The hadith also emphasizes Allah's mercy and compassion towards His creations, which is another aspect of the argument from design in Islam.
Overall, Islam emphasizes the importance of rationality, observation, and reflection in recognizing the existence of Allah, and considers empirical evidence as one of the ways to understand and appreciate His power and wisdom.
No comments:
Post a Comment