Interesting Islam

 

The Nature and Existence of Allah

A/N: This Chapter focuses on several points: Who is Allah? The Authority of Allah in Islam, The three arguments agreed by some Abrahamic Religions as evidence for the existence of God, Big Bang Theory, Evolution by Natural Selection and the Nature of Allah shown through the Quran.

Who is Allah?

Allah’ is the word equivalent to God in English, and is the word, which Muslims use to address their ‘God’. Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, an expert on Comparative Religions, explains why ‘Allah’ is used instead of ‘God’ in his book ‘Concept of God in Major Religions:’

The Muslims prefer calling ‘Allah’, instead of the English word ‘God’. The Arabic word ‘Allah’ is… unique, unlike the English word ‘God,’ which can be played around with. If you add ‘s’ to the word God, it becomes ‘Gods’, that is the plural of God. Allah is one and singular, there is no plural of Allah. If you add ‘dess’ to the word ‘God,’ it becomes ‘Goddess’, that is a female God. There is nothing like male Allah or female Allah. Allah has no gender. If your pre-fix ‘tin’ before the word ‘God,’ it becomes ‘tin-God’, i.e. fake God. ‘Allah’ is a unique word, which does not conjure up any mental image nor can it be played around with.”

The Authority of Allah:

As Muslims believe that Allah is the Creator of mankind, Allah has the highest authority in Islam. Therefore, the Quran has the highest authority as Muslims believe it to be the word of God. If any human disobeys the commands in the Quran, they are directly disobeying Allah.

Three Arguments for Believing in the Existence of Allah/God:


The reason that I am including the word ‘God’ along with ‘Allah’ in this section is because not only Islam, but some Abrahamic Religions also use the arguments presented below to support Belief in Allah/God.

Causation Argument: a.k.a. the ‘Cosmological Argument’. (Also discusses the Big Bang Theory presented by Science).

Science agrees that it is impossible for matter to create itself. Everything has a cause. Man, the external agency, creates a pen. Global Warming is caused by pollution and the upset of the Greenhouse Effect. A person dies because of a cause. So if everything has a cause, there must have been a First Cause without a cause, which must be Allah/God.

Rene Descartes (1596-1650) gave an example of a black eye. If a person has a black eye, then people know that someone has hit you, and therefore there must have been a cause/reason for them hitting you. Even humans have a cause, which are our parents. There is no such thing as an accident. The sperm fertilized the egg to produce the offspring. Whether intentional or unintentional, the fact remains that there was still a cause.

Big Bang Theory: (Sources: GCSE Lonsdale Revision Guide (OCR) and ‘Who is the Monkey?’ published by Jaamiah Khaatamun Nabiyeen).

Science explains the Origin of the Universe through the ‘Big Bang’ Theory. This states that the whole Universe is expanding and that it all started billions of years ago, in one place, with a huge explosion. Evidence for the Big Bang Explosion has been obtained by the detection of Microwaves, which were produced as a by-product of the event, according to Science. Also, evidence for the expansion has been obtained by the measurement of ‘Red-Shift.’ If a source of Light moves away from us, the wavelengths of the light in its spectrum are longer than if the source was not moving. For light, this is known as ‘Red-Shift’, as the wavelengths are ‘shifted’ towards the red end of the spectrum.

However, Muslims do not believe in the Big Bang Theory concerning the ‘explosion’ that created the Universe, simply because there is not enough evidence and Science is unable to explain who provided the basic ingredients for it, or what triggered the explosion. For example, there are millions of fireworks, ammunition and bombs present in the world. But none of these go off spontaneously or without a detonating mechanism. The factors that have to be present are: Firstly, the correct ingredients in correct amounts in a suitable environment and Secondly, somebody to set off the explosion whether it be by the means of a matchstick, or the hammer of a pistol or by setting off some electric spark. Science explains none of these. It is possible that there was an explosion, but then who set it off or who created the Universe? Muslims believe it was Allah/God.

In fact, Science states that for any theory or scientific argument to have value, it must be reproducible – ‘testable, demonstrable’. If the Big Bang Theory was indeed the truth, then surely Scientists should be able to reproduce the same phenomenon in the laboratory? Some Scientists argue that the energy that was unleashed with the Big Bang was such that they do not have access to. However, if that is true, then where did the tremendous energy originate?

Evolution by Natural Selection: (Source: GCSE Lonsdale Revision Guide (OCR) and ‘Who is the Monkey?’ published by Jaamiah Khaatamun Nabiyeen).

Science believes in the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection, founded by Charles Darwin. He made four observations: 1) All living things produce far more offspring than actually survive to adulthood. 2) In spite of this, population sizes remain fairly constant, all things being equal. 3) There is variation in members of the same species. 4) Characteristics can be passed on from one generation to the next.

Charles Darwin used these observations to conclude that all organisms were involved in a struggle for survival in which only the best-adapted organisms would survive, reproduce and pass on their characteristics, thus ‘Evolution by Natural Selection.’

Natural Selection means that the species adapted to the changes in the environment by a change in form and structure, changes which they then passed on to succeeding generations, enabling them to survive: while those species which did not adapt, became extinct.

The classic example is that of the Dinosaurs, which could not compete with smaller, more agile animals, which had miraculously evolved, thus the bigger, more slower animals became extinct, whilst the smaller, nimbler animals survived. Also, during the course of evolution, what was redundant disappeared, like tails and claws, being replaced with tail-less species with hands, which could hold, the final result being Man.

However, there are no fossils to directly link the descent of man from the same ancestor as apes and there is a constant search for what is termed as the ‘Missing Link.’ Also, there are no fossils showing definite mid steps in the transition from ape to Man. Scientists have failed to produce any new species of life in their laboratory by controlling and changing the environment. Famous examples, are those of Richard Goldschmidt and experiments on fruit flies, which have remained unsuccessful.

There are many holes in the Theory of Evolution. For example, if the Theory of Evolution were true, the nipples of male human beings would have disappeared because of inactivity thousands of years ago. However, they still remain today.

Muslims believe that Allah first created the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad (s), and then created the first man on Earth: Adam (A.S.). Therefore, Muslims do not believe in man descending from the ancestors of apes.

2. Design Argument: a.k.a. the ‘Teleological Argument’



William Paley (1743-1805) said that a human should be impressed by their natural surroundings. It is all carefully and systematically designed. For example, every fingerprint is unique.

An example that was once given was of someone finding a watch in a desert and upon opening it, they marvel at the intricate wiring and design. There is never a suggestion of the watch coming into existence by ‘accident,’ therefore how could this intricate and complicated world be brought into existence by an ‘accident?’ A lot of care and attention would be required. Therefore, nothing, including the universe, is brought into existence by accident.

Several Examples used as Evidence:



Humans constantly try to change their appearance, whether it is through contact lenses, makeup, fake eyelashes or face lifts, the fact remains that underneath all of that, they still look the same. No one can change their appearance, even through surgery, as the individual cells and DNA of a human being cannot be altered to switch to another specific job. For example, humans can dye their hair another colour, such as blonde to brown, but the actual DNA cannot be altered to naturally create brown hair.

A plant cannot grow on its’ own. People give it food and water, but where does the food and water come from? They are both made on Earth but what makes them grow? Where do the nutrients and minerals required come from? Again and again, the source can be questioned. What makes the leaves green? Chlorophyll and sunlight. But where does the sunlight come from? The Sun. How did the Sun come into existence? The Big Bang Theory? What triggered the explosion? (See above).

Similarly, the Sun and Moon are kept at the correct distance from the Earth to let humans survive. What keeps them at that distance? Gravity? Who created Gravity? What causes the combustions on the surface of the Sun? Muslims believe that the Designer of everything is Allah, who is the creator and controller of the Universe.

Human beings are another example. We grow from just a blood clot into full adults with various characteristics. Proteins make us grow, but where do the proteins come from? What is the First Cause? Muslims believe this to be Allah. Also, humans breathe mechanically and automatically. If, even for a minute, we concentrated our breathing and tried to breathe, it would become difficult. Muslims believe Allah has made us this way.

3. Moral Argument



This argument looks at the ‘Categorical Imperative’ by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). It is considered the weakest of the three arguments, however it is a valid argument supporting the existence of Allah/God nonetheless. Kant points out that many times in our life, we think that ‘I ought to do this’ or ‘this is wrong.’ This is because of our conscience. Most of the time, we know what is right, yet we don’t do it. Muslims believe that all rights and wrongs come from one source: Allah. If we don’t follow those rights or wrongs, it is our choice and free will kicking in. Therefore, the presence of good and bad and of our conscience suggests that there is a higher power.

What is the Nature of Allah?

The Nature of Allah is very difficult to explain because Muslims believe that Allah is not an abstract concept but is indescribable and beyond words and human understanding. However, the Nature of Allah is explained in many Surahs/Chapters of the Quran, which is why I will be examining several sections of these Chapters. These are: Surah 1, Surah 2: Verses 115-117 and Surah 30: Verses 20-25.

Surah Ikhlas also explains the Nature of Allah concisely, however I have discussed this in a previous Chapter entitled ‘Belief in the Oneness of Allah’.

Please remember that the Quran was revealed in Arabic, but to explain it better, I have quoted English translations by Yusuf Ali, which may not be completely accurate, due to the fact that Arabic cannot be translated into English precisely.

NOTE: Every Surah/Chapter begins with Bismilla-hirrahma-nirraheem, meaning ‘In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful,’ except for Surah Tauba.

SURAH 1

Literal translation of Surah 1:

Title: Al-Fathihah (The Opening)

In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.”

Praise be to Allah, the cherisher and sustainer of the worlds.

Most gracious, most merciful, master of the Day of Judgement.

It is you that we worship and to you alone, do we turn for help.

Show us the straight way.

The way of those to whom you have shown your grace.

Those that have not made you angry and do not go astray.’

Surah Al-Fathihah sums up the core beliefs of Islam. These are as follows:

-: Muslims believe that Allah is the One God who gave them life and only Allah should be worshipped.

-: Muslims see the wonders of the natural world as the work of Allah, the Creator.

-: They believe that Allah will judge all the people after they die. Every deed is recorded. If you do good, you will be rewarded with Paradise in the Hereafter, and if you do bad, you will be punished with Hell.

-: Muslims believe that Allah is merciful and compassionate.

-: Muslims believe that Allah has provided guidance for humankind.

SURAH 2: Verses 115-117

Literal translation of Surah 2: Verses 115-117:

115: ‘To Allah belong the East and the West: whithersoever ye turn; there is Allah’s face. For Allah is all-embracing, all-knowing.’

116: ‘They say: “Allah hath begotten a son.” Glory be to Him – Nay, to Him belongs all that is in Heavens and on Earth. When he decreeth a matter, he saith to it: “Be,” and it is.’

This Surah shows that:

-: Allah is the Creator of the Universe.

-: Allah is omnipresent (he is everywhere and can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants.) Everything belongs to him.

-: Allah is omniscient (all knowing).

-: Allah is self-sufficient.

-: Muslims ask him for help and always rely on him whereas He relies on no one.

-: Allah is alone, and has no family. We all follow his commands.

-: Everything that happens, Allah has commanded it.

-: Allah is everywhere and even then, he is close to us.

-: Everything belongs to Allah.

-: We are dependant on Allah, he is independent.

-: Allah provides for his servants, yet we cannot provide anything for Allah.

-: Allah is eternal.

SURAH 30: Verses 20-25

Literal translation of Surah 30: Verses 20-25:

20. ‘Among His Signs is this,

That He created you

From dust; and then-

Behold, ye are human beings

Scattered (far and wide)!’

21. ‘And among His Signs

Is this, that He created

For you mates from among

Yourselves, that ye may

Dwell in tranquility with them,

And He has put love

And mercy between your (hearts):

Verily in that are Signs

For those who reflect.’

22. ‘And among His Signs

Is the creation of the heavens

And the earth, and the variations

In your languages

And your colours: verily

In that are Signs

For those who know.

23. ‘And among His Signs

Is the sleep that ye take

By night and by day,

And the quest that ye

(Make for livelihood)

Out of his bounty: verily

In that are Signs

For those who are hearken.

24. ‘And among His Signs,

He shows you the lightning,

By way both of fear

And of hope, and He sends

Down rain from the sky

And with it gives life to

The earth after it is dead:

Verily in that are Signs

For those who are wise.

25. ‘And among His Signs is this,

That heaven and earth

Stand by His Command:

Then when He calls you,

By a single call, from the earth,

Behold, ye (straightway) come forth.’

The Nature of Allah as shown in this Surah is:

-: Allah is the sustainer of everything.

-: Allah created the world. He has made, for example, some fruits, which are similar in appearance but unique in their flavour.

-: Allah knows the cycle for every human’s life and everything else.

-: We all have a temporary life in this world. Our real destination is the Hereafter.

-: Allah has made the world in such a way that nights are for sleep and the day is for work.

-: Allah knows the outcome for everything He created and He alone knows what He is going to do with it.

-: There is a reason behind everything Allah creates (whether it is a being or a situation).

-: Allah is the Designer and He is unique – nothing is comparable to Him.

-: Everyone is united because they have the same ancestor: Adam (a.s.).

-: Everything and everyone is unique in their own way. This shows the Power of Allah.