How Do I Know that Allah Most High Exists and is Actively Maintaining Creation?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz A. Khan
Question: Science is affecting my faith, so my questions are:
(1) How do I know that Allah Most High exists?
(2) How do I know the Qur’an is in fact revelation and truly miraculous?
(3) How do I know that He is Active, i.e., He did not just create the world and stepped back?
Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,
I pray this finds you in the best of health and states.
The Existence of Allah Most High
With respect to the existence of Allah Most High, the signs are far too numerous and overwhelming to even attempt to delineate in an answer such as this. Revelation itself is the greatest proof for humanity, and indeed each verse of the Qur’an is called a ‘sign’ (aya), as it indicates that it is none other than divine speech.
I would like to, however, point out two other dimensions of ‘divine signs’ that might be of interest to you: (a) the cosmos, and (b) your own self, both of which — even if analyzed from a purely scientific perspective — are replete with innumerable wonders, that direct the mind towards a very real awareness of the one Creator.
With respect to the greater cosmos, you can read for example “The Privileged Planet”, a detailed exposition of how our planet is perfectly designed to support life, and moreover precisely positioned for us to marvel over the universe.
And to appreciate how the human body is itself a universe, filled with the most wondrous engineering and design, you can read for example “Signature in the Cell”, referring to the biochemical and genetic complexity of the very building blocks of human life.
Keep in mind that these authors are scientists and are engaged in scientific discourse. They are simply presenting evidence for their theories, and they themselves may not believe in the Creator. Yet for those whose minds are not limited to a scientific paradigm, but can simply reflect as human beings, such books provide detailed information of clear design and specification, which intuitively leads to recognition of the Designer and Specifier.
The Qur’an: True Revelation
As for the truthfulness and miraculous nature of the Qur’an — revelation from the Creator and Designer of all things — please see this related answer:
The Truth of Islam, the Qur’an, & the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him)
Allah’s Constant Maintaining of Creation
The proof of this reality — that Allah the Creator is active and constantly maintains creation in existence, creating every moment as well as everything that exists in each moment — is based on His own statements revealed to us.
In more than one verse, Allah Most High describes Himself as “Creator of everything” (13:16, 39:62, 40:62), and indeed, every moment is a “thing”, as well as every substance, quality, cause and effect that exists in that moment.
Allah Most High also states about Himself, “Every day, He is engaged in a matter” (55:29). “Day” in this context simply refers to a unit of time, as the great exegete Imam Baydawi comments, “That is, in every moment, He creates persons and recreates states and situations, based on His pre-eternal determination.” [Anwar al-Tanzil wa Asrar al-Ta’wil]
Surely, creation is always on the verge of winking back into nonexistence. Were it not for Allah’s constant ‘activity’, it would all disappear.
And Allah knows best.
wassalam
Faraz
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani
