By: Saba Fida
The Sky: A Marvel of Nature, a Gift from God
For decades, we have witnessed the sky as an unwavering roof. Not a single pillar to support and not a single hole in this roof, that requires for any type of repair. What a prime example of craftsmanship is the artist who has placed this roof, that makes life possible on the earth.
Sun: Manifestation of God’s Artistry In Nature
Apart from the sky, the sun is a prominent feature in nature. It showcases incredible levels of discipline by never being early or late. Throughout human history, not a day has been reported where the sun has been early or late. Have you pondered about its source of discipline and unwavering performance? How does this diverse ball of energies remain cohesive and consistently fulfill its functions without any lapses?
Its dominance in our daily life has been unquestionable. We need the sun and life on earth is not possible without it.
The Sun: A Source of Life and Mystery
The heavy reliance of human existence on the sun is unquestionable. No wonder the human race has even witnessed some people in history who were left so impressed by the sun’s grandeur that they ended up worshiping it or at least made the sun a part of their belief system. This can be seen in ancient Egyptian religions, various tribes in Northern Nigeria, and specific tribes in East Africa. Yet, the questions persist: Who created the sun? How did it come into existence? Numerous theories attempt to provide answers, but mankind remains unsatisfied with the origins of this celestial body.
Some might even try to answer such questions by quoting the elements that make up the sun.
But have you ever wondered why this composition? Why not some other elements or energies in some other quantity or color? Only the Creator can answer such questions.
Coincidence or Caused by An Uncaused Cause?
Similar questions do arise when we try to reach the inception of nature and everything that it contains, from the moon to the stars, to the rivers, and the mountains. When exactly were they made? Who made them? Why are they made in the shapes, sizes, and nature which we know them with now, and why not in any other manner? And if there was any other possibility in which rivers, or mountains could have been created then what could have been those possibilities?
The human mind can rationally think of three possible ways to reach some answer to such questions. It could either be:
- Nature and its elements like the sun, rivers, etc appeared without any cause, out of nothing
- People created nature and its components, or
- Nature must have been created by someone
The Problem of Nothingness: Why Something Must Exist
Let’s take each possible option under discussion. Our daily life is a clear example which states that things cannot be without any cause. Or something cannot come out of nothing.
The initial inquiry that arises is how did the cake end up here? Who could have possibly brought it? Naturally, you would examine the doors and windows, searching for any evidence, such as footprints or signs, that could shed light on the cake’s presence in the room. Regrettably, no proof is found. Consequently, you might find yourself contemplating the notion that the cake simply materialized out of nothing and randomly appeared in your room.
The Improbability of the Universe’s Spontaneous Creation
Similarly, if I tell you that the sun, sky, moon, all the stars and rivers, and oceans just came in out of nowhere and took their positions on this earth on their own, how logical and reasonable does this statement sound?
If we reject the first option that the universe appeared without any cause or origin, we then consider the second option that suggests people created themselves or somehow played a role in the creation process. However, this argument seems rather foolish since it surpasses human capabilities to create celestial bodies such as stars, rivers, the moon, or the sun.
The Uncaused Cause: The Logic of the Argument for God’s Existence
This makes us move to the last option, that the universe must have been created by someone.
And that could only be God Himself because He alone could be the uncaused cause.
The following excerpt is taken from Ismail Latif Hacinebioglu’s book Does God Exist in which he has summarized the logic of the argument in the following steps:
- Everything in the universe that has a beginning must have a starting point
- The universe began to exist
- Consequently, the starting of the existence of the universe must have been caused by something
- The only such cause must be an uncaused cause or simply, God
This way of thinking is capable of answering how God Himself can only be the cause of nature and how nature is proof of God’s existence.
A Conscious Look at What We See Everyday
Think about this; a small seed is engraved under the earth, and it gradually develops into a plant, and then eventually into a tree, and that also of a particular type. Apples, mangoes, tomatoes, oranges, etc. all have their seeds as the starting point. But have you ever wondered about the origin of the seed? Who designed these seeds? Each seed gives you a different fruit with a different taste, color, smell, and texture! Aren’t these signs enough for mankind to understand that there is a higher authority who is not only running the entire nature but has His full attention on such microscopic details even?
The Oceans: A Window into God’s Creation
The oceans and the seas are also a great sign and act as evident proof of God’s existence. The amount of water, the different types of fish and species living in it, and the way these oceans and seas act as a source of resources to human beings make one wonder who came up with this idea of placing these oceans with such depths and volume on earth at different spots?!! All of these signs are signaling us towards the artist, the actual creator, who has sparkled nature around us so that those who want to know Him are easily guided.
The Quran quotes the story of Prophet Ibrahim, where he found God through nature.
The Quran says:
“We also showed Abraham the wonders of the heavens and the earth, so he would be sure in faith. When the night grew dark, he saw a star and said, “This is my Lord!” But when it set, he said, “I do not love things that set.” Then when he saw the moon rising, he said, “This one is my Lord!” But when it disappeared, he said, “If my Lord does not guide me, I will certainly be one of the misguided people.” Then when he saw the sun shining, he said, “This must be my Lord—it is the greatest!” But again when it set, he declared, “O my people! I totally reject whatever you associate ˹with Allah in worship˺. I have turned my face towards the One Who has originated the heavens and the earth—being upright—and I am not one of the polytheists.”
The story clearly tells us that if someone truly wants to reach God through his signs, he will reach Him. As the Arabs say; “one who who truly seeks, will find” (man talab, faqad, wajad).
Hence the creator has left signs for us to trace and ponder upon. So that we reach Him with sincerity.
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