The Existence of God: A Quranic Perspective

 
Existence of God
Existence of God
A Quranic Perspective
A Quranic Perspective
 
Rafi Ahmed
Rafi Ahmed
June 6, 2018
June 6, 2018
 
Outline
Outline
Terminology
Terminology
Quranic claims
Quranic claims
Method of discourse
Method of discourse
Logical evidence
Logical evidence
Scientific evidence
Scientific evidence
Quranic evidence
Quranic evidence
Reasons for atheism
Reasons for atheism
Pascal’s wager
Pascal’s wager
 
2
 
Terminology
Terminology
 
Atheists
Atheists
 believe that God does not exist.
 believe that God does not exist.
Agnostics
Agnostics
 believe that we cannot know whether God exists or not.
 believe that we cannot know whether God exists or not.
Deists
Deists
 believe in a non-personal God and reject religion.
 believe in a non-personal God and reject religion.
Theists
Theists
 believe in God and religion.
 believe in God and religion.
Heavens
Heavens
 refers to the expanse of space surrounding the earth.
 refers to the expanse of space surrounding the earth.
 
3
 
 
 
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4
The Originator
The Originator
 
He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, the Designer. His are
He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, the Designer. His are
the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the
the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the
earth glorifies Him; and He is the Mighty, the Wise
earth glorifies Him; and He is the Mighty, the Wise
.
.
 
 
[59:25]
[59:25]
5
Creation
Creation
 Out of Nothing
 Out of Nothing
 
He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He
He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He
decrees a thing, He says to it ‘Be’, and it is. 
decrees a thing, He says to it ‘Be’, and it is. 
[2:118]
[2:118]
And man says, ‘Will I really be resurrected when I am dead?’.
And man says, ‘Will I really be resurrected when I am dead?’.
Does not man remember that We created him before when he
Does not man remember that We created him before when he
was nothing? 
was nothing? 
[19:67-68]
[19:67-68]
Were they created from nothing, or are they themselves the
Were they created from nothing, or are they themselves the
creators? 
creators? 
[52:35]
[52:35]
6
The Origin of the Universe
The Origin of the Universe
 
Do the unbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were a
Do the unbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were a
closed-up mass, then we clove them asunder? And We made
closed-up mass, then we clove them asunder? And We made
every living thing from water. Will  then they not believe?
every living thing from water. Will  then they not believe?
[21:31]
[21:31]
And the heavens We built with our own powers and indeed We
And the heavens We built with our own powers and indeed We
go on expanding it. 
go on expanding it. 
[51:48]
[51:48]
7
 
 
 
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8
Religion and 
Religion and 
Science
Science
 
“That is why God has sent me so that we demonstrate it
“That is why God has sent me so that we demonstrate it
to the world that there is nothing in (our) religion that
to the world that there is nothing in (our) religion that
contradicts true and proven facts of science.”
contradicts true and proven facts of science.”
           
           
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
AS
AS
‘Zikr-e-Habeeb’ 
‘Zikr-e-Habeeb’ 
by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq
by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq
9
Rationality Vs. Blind Faith
Rationality Vs. Blind Faith
 
The Quran is a book of reason and rationality … Thus to
The Quran is a book of reason and rationality … Thus to
interpret the verse 2:3-4 to indicate that it promotes blind
interpret the verse 2:3-4 to indicate that it promotes blind
faith by requiring man to believe in the ‘unseen’ (
faith by requiring man to believe in the ‘unseen’ (
ghaib
ghaib
) would
) would
stand counter to the Quranic emphasis. Quite to the contrary,
stand counter to the Quranic emphasis. Quite to the contrary,
to believe in the spurious without evidence and solid
to believe in the spurious without evidence and solid
justification is what the Quran attributes to the non-
justification is what the Quran attributes to the non-
believers.”
believers.”
[Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
[Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
RZ
RZ
, ‘
, ‘
Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth
Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth
’]
’]
10
Reason and Religion
Reason and Religion
 
In contrast to 250 verses which are legislative, some 750 verses
In contrast to 250 verses which are legislative, some 750 verses
of the Holy Quran exhort the believers to study Nature, to
of the Holy Quran exhort the believers to study Nature, to
reflect, to make the best use of reason and to make scientific
reflect, to make the best use of reason and to make scientific
enterprise an integral part of the community’s life. The Holy
enterprise an integral part of the community’s life. The Holy
Prophet of Islam (peace be on him) said that it was incumbent
Prophet of Islam (peace be on him) said that it was incumbent
upon every Muslim – man and woman – to acquire
upon every Muslim – man and woman – to acquire
knowledge.”
knowledge.”
     
     
[
[
Dr. Abdus Salam, Nobel Laureate
Dr. Abdus Salam, Nobel Laureate
, ‘Ideals and Realities
, ‘Ideals and Realities
’]
’]
11
The Ultimate Question
The Ultimate Question
 
If people believe in God on hearsay or declare a belief in
If people believe in God on hearsay or declare a belief in
God in order to avoid debate, then this will not
God in order to avoid debate, then this will not
guarantee their salvation. Therefore, it is of utmost
guarantee their salvation. Therefore, it is of utmost
importance that considerable thought be given to the
importance that considerable thought be given to the
question of the existence of God
question of the existence of God
.”
.”
[Hazrat Mirza Mahmud Ahmad
[Hazrat Mirza Mahmud Ahmad
RZ
RZ
, ‘
, ‘
Hasti Bari Tala’
Hasti Bari Tala’
]
]
12
The Method of Discourse
The Method of Discourse
 
We should embrace science and the scientific method.
We should embrace science and the scientific method.
We should adopt rational and evidence-based approach.
We should adopt rational and evidence-based approach.
The burden of proof on the claimant – that is, those who believe in
The burden of proof on the claimant – that is, those who believe in
God must furnish reasons for their belief.
God must furnish reasons for their belief.
The proof for or against the existence of God is of a different type than
The proof for or against the existence of God is of a different type than
mathematical or Euclidian proofs.
mathematical or Euclidian proofs.
One can conceive of rational evidence for the existence of a supreme
One can conceive of rational evidence for the existence of a supreme
creator.
creator.
13
 
 
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14
The Kalam Cosmological Argument
The Kalam Cosmological Argument
 
The Kalam cosmological argument was developed by medieval
The Kalam cosmological argument was developed by medieval
Muslim logicians and popularized in the West by philosopher
Muslim logicians and popularized in the West by philosopher
William Craig
William Craig
Given that an observable universe exists, there are three
Given that an observable universe exists, there are three
possibilities:
possibilities:
1.
The universe always existed.
The universe always existed.
2.
The universe created itself.
The universe created itself.
3.
An all-powerful, all-knowing, transcendent being created it.
An all-powerful, all-knowing, transcendent being created it.
15
1. Did the Universe Always Exist?
1. Did the Universe Always Exist?
 
According to the 2
According to the 2
nd
nd
 Law of Thermodynamics, if the universe had existed
 Law of Thermodynamics, if the universe had existed
for ever, it would have collapsed and suffered a heat death long, long ago.
for ever, it would have collapsed and suffered a heat death long, long ago.
According to the Big Bang theory, about 13.8 billion years ago, the
According to the Big Bang theory, about 13.8 billion years ago, the
universe originated in a “big bang” explosion from a highly compressed
universe originated in a “big bang” explosion from a highly compressed
state and expanded rapidly. And it continues to expand today.
state and expanded rapidly. And it continues to expand today.
The point of origin of the universe is called a singularity, where the laws
The point of origin of the universe is called a singularity, where the laws
of physics break down.
of physics break down.
No, the universe did not always exist.
No, the universe did not always exist.
16
2. Did the Universe Create Itself?
2. Did the Universe Create Itself?
 
Nothing in our observations creates itself.
Nothing in our observations creates itself.
Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
The cause must precede the effect.
The cause must precede the effect.
The universe began to exist.
The universe began to exist.
The universe then must have a cause – the Prime Cause – if an infinite
The universe then must have a cause – the Prime Cause – if an infinite
regression is to be avoided.
regression is to be avoided.
No, the universe did not create itself.
No, the universe did not create itself.
17
3. Did God Create the Universe?
3. Did God Create the Universe?
 
God is postulated as an omnipotent, omniscient, transcendent being.
God is postulated as an omnipotent, omniscient, transcendent being.
The existence of space, time, matter and energy in the universe
The existence of space, time, matter and energy in the universe
requires underlying laws of physics governing them.
requires underlying laws of physics governing them.
The fundamental laws of physics, in turn, demand abstract
The fundamental laws of physics, in turn, demand abstract
mathematical formulations that describe them.
mathematical formulations that describe them.
The mathematical abstraction alone indicate an indescribably
The mathematical abstraction alone indicate an indescribably
powerful intelligence behind it.
powerful intelligence behind it.
Yes, God created the Universe.
Yes, God created the Universe.
18
Creation of the Creator?
Creation of the Creator?
 
If the universe needed a creator, but then who created God?
If the universe needed a creator, but then who created God?
Richard Dawkins, a well-known atheist, in his book, ‘
Richard Dawkins, a well-known atheist, in his book, ‘
The God Delusion’
The God Delusion’
,
,
presents this question as the most powerful argument against theism.
presents this question as the most powerful argument against theism.
Here we have two alternatives:
Here we have two alternatives:
1.
The universe – which  has neither mind nor consciousness nor will nor
The universe – which  has neither mind nor consciousness nor will nor
intelligence – first devised the grand laws of nature and then created
intelligence – first devised the grand laws of nature and then created
itself.
itself.
2.
The creator of everything is God, an omnipotent, omniscient, 
The creator of everything is God, an omnipotent, omniscient, 
uncreated
uncreated
,
,
and self-subsisting agent that exists beyond time and space.
and self-subsisting agent that exists beyond time and space.
Which alternative is more rational and intellectually satisfying?
Which alternative is more rational and intellectually satisfying?
19
 
 
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20
Disbelievers and Believers
Disbelievers and Believers
 
It is He Who has created you. But some of you disbelieve and
It is He Who has created you. But some of you disbelieve and
some of you believe. And Allah sees what you do. 
some of you believe. And Allah sees what you do. 
[64:3]
[64:3]
He created the heavens and the earth with an eternal purpose.
He created the heavens and the earth with an eternal purpose.
He fashioned you into the best form, and to Him is the ultimate
He fashioned you into the best form, and to Him is the ultimate
return. 
return. 
[64:4]
[64:4]
21
Origin and Evolution of Life
Origin and Evolution of Life
 
The atheists believe that life appeared as a result of random assembly of its chemical building
The atheists believe that life appeared as a result of random assembly of its chemical building
blocks.
blocks.
“Proteins contain very specific sequence of amino-acid of 20 different varieties. … Life requires
“Proteins contain very specific sequence of amino-acid of 20 different varieties. … Life requires
hundreds of thousands of specialized proteins. ...  The odds against producing just the right
hundreds of thousands of specialized proteins. ...  The odds against producing just the right
proteins by pure chance are something like 10
proteins by pure chance are something like 10
40000
40000
 
 
to
to
 
 
1.”   
1.”   
[Paul Davies, 
[Paul Davies, 
‘The Fifth Miracle’
‘The Fifth Miracle’
]
]
The scientific establishment subscribes to the Darwinian theory of evolution and its modern
The scientific establishment subscribes to the Darwinian theory of evolution and its modern
synthesis, which posit that simple, primordial life evolved into all advanced forms of plant and
synthesis, which posit that simple, primordial life evolved into all advanced forms of plant and
animal life by a process of  undirected 
animal life by a process of  undirected 
random
random
 mutation and natural selection.
 mutation and natural selection.
Many scientists – some of them atheistic – are skeptical of claims for the ability of 
Many scientists – some of them atheistic – are skeptical of claims for the ability of 
random
random
mutations and 
mutations and 
natural
natural
 selection to account for the complexity of life.
 selection to account for the complexity of life.
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
AS
AS
 and Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
 and Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
RZ
RZ
 believed in the fact of evolution
 believed in the fact of evolution
but they had deep skepticism towards the claim that undirected random process was
but they had deep skepticism towards the claim that undirected random process was
responsible for the evolution of all living things.
responsible for the evolution of all living things.
At every step of creation, choices that had to be made were made not by the blind hand of
At every step of creation, choices that had to be made were made not by the blind hand of
natural selection but by the will of God.”  
natural selection but by the will of God.”  
[Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
[Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad
RZ
RZ
, ‘RRKT’]
, ‘RRKT’]
22
Miracle of Creation
Miracle of Creation
 
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23
Much Ado About Nothing?
Much Ado About Nothing?
 
Many atheistic physicists think that the universe came out of nothing without
Many atheistic physicists think that the universe came out of nothing without
requiring any external agent.
requiring any external agent.
Lawrence Krauss: “I then describe how it is possible that space and time themselves
Lawrence Krauss: “I then describe how it is possible that space and time themselves
could have arisen from no space and time. … One can nevertheless question
could have arisen from no space and time. … One can nevertheless question
whether that is nothing, because the transition is mediated by some physical laws.
whether that is nothing, because the transition is mediated by some physical laws.
… One of the modern answers is that even the law themselves may be random,
… One of the modern answers is that even the law themselves may be random,
coming into existence along with the universe that may arise.”
coming into existence along with the universe that may arise.”
  [‘
  [‘
A Universe from
A Universe from
Nothing
Nothing
’]
’]
There is no theoretical or experimental support for Krauss’s assertions.
There is no theoretical or experimental support for Krauss’s assertions.
Who wrote the majestic equations? No one can explain how the laws of physics
Who wrote the majestic equations? No one can explain how the laws of physics
came into existence.
came into existence.
How can the universe operate without a sustainer? No one can explain why the
How can the universe operate without a sustainer? No one can explain why the
fundamental particles obey the laws of physics.
fundamental particles obey the laws of physics.
24
Fine-Tuning of the Universe
Fine-Tuning of the Universe
 
The universe and its physical properties are perfectly balanced and fine-tuned.
The universe and its physical properties are perfectly balanced and fine-tuned.
Many of the basic features of the universe are determined by the values of its six
Many of the basic features of the universe are determined by the values of its six
fundamental constants, as described by 
fundamental constants, as described by 
Martin Rees, astrophysicist and Astronomer
Martin Rees, astrophysicist and Astronomer
Royale
Royale
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Nuclear efficiency (
Nuclear efficiency (
ε
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 = 0.007) determines the strength of the 
 = 0.007) determines the strength of the 
binding force between
binding force between
neutrons and protons. If its value 
neutrons and protons. If its value 
was 0.006, only hydrogen would be able to form – no
was 0.006, only hydrogen would be able to form – no
helium, no nuclear fuel, no stars, no life. If it was 0.008, then all hydrogen would be
helium, no nuclear fuel, no stars, no life. If it was 0.008, then all hydrogen would be
quickly used up after the Big Bang – no hydrogen, no water, no life.
quickly used up after the Big Bang – no hydrogen, no water, no life.
Both Stephen Hawking and Martin Rees were atheists.
Both Stephen Hawking and Martin Rees were atheists.
25
Anthropic Principle and Multiverse
Anthropic Principle and Multiverse
 
The anthropic principle states that the universe must be conducive to conscious life.
The anthropic principle states that the universe must be conducive to conscious life.
In this principle, the theist sees a purposeful design by a highly intelligent creator, who
In this principle, the theist sees a purposeful design by a highly intelligent creator, who
created the universe so that conscious life could eventually emerge and glorify its
created the universe so that conscious life could eventually emerge and glorify its
creator.
creator.
The atheist counters that we should not be mystified by an elegant universe, because
The atheist counters that we should not be mystified by an elegant universe, because
only in a universe capable of supporting intelligent life will there be living beings capable
only in a universe capable of supporting intelligent life will there be living beings capable
of observing it and pondering over it!
of observing it and pondering over it!
But the odds of such a universe appearing by chance is incredibly small.
But the odds of such a universe appearing by chance is incredibly small.
This led many atheistic thinkers to speculate about infinitely many universes, called
This led many atheistic thinkers to speculate about infinitely many universes, called
multiverse
multiverse
. This allows the uniqueness and fine-tuning to be dismissed by claiming that
. This allows the uniqueness and fine-tuning to be dismissed by claiming that
this happened in 
this happened in 
one
one
 among countless universes.
 among countless universes.
There is absolutely no theoretical or empirical evidence for this fantasy of multiverse.
There is absolutely no theoretical or empirical evidence for this fantasy of multiverse.
26
A “Proof” for the Non-Existence of God – An Imaginary Dialogue
A “Proof” for the Non-Existence of God – An Imaginary Dialogue
 
A. Hey theist, I can prove that God does not exist.
A. Hey theist, I can prove that God does not exist.
T.  Go ahead, my dear atheist; show me the proof.
T.  Go ahead, my dear atheist; show me the proof.
A. You believe God exists and you describe Him in superlative terms. You say He is
A. You believe God exists and you describe Him in superlative terms. You say He is
the most marvelous, most powerful, most wise, etc., because He created this grand
the most marvelous, most powerful, most wise, etc., because He created this grand
and elegant universe out of nothing. Correct?
and elegant universe out of nothing. Correct?
T. Absolutely!
T. Absolutely!
A. But I can imagine a being more formidable and greater than than your God.
A. But I can imagine a being more formidable and greater than than your God.
T. That is utterly impossible.
T. That is utterly impossible.
A. It 
A. It 
is
is
 possible. That being is more formidable and greater than your God, because
 possible. That being is more formidable and greater than your God, because
it created this grand, elegant, and self-sustaining universe out of nothing 
it created this grand, elegant, and self-sustaining universe out of nothing 
without
without
even existing. Your God is not needed – not even as an idea. Therefore, God does
even existing. Your God is not needed – not even as an idea. Therefore, God does
not exist!  Q.E.D.
not exist!  Q.E.D.
27
 
 
 
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28
The Origin of the Universe
The Origin of the Universe
 
Do the unbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were a
Do the unbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were a
closed-up mass, then we clove them asunder? And We made
closed-up mass, then we clove them asunder? And We made
every living thing from water. Will  then they not believe?
every living thing from water. Will  then they not believe?
[21:31]
[21:31]
And the heavens We built with our own powers and indeed We
And the heavens We built with our own powers and indeed We
go on expanding it. 
go on expanding it. 
[51:48]
[51:48]
These verses describe the origin of life, the origin of the universe
These verses describe the origin of life, the origin of the universe
as a Big Bang and its expansion.
as a Big Bang and its expansion.
29
Scientific Facts in the Quran
Scientific Facts in the Quran
 
The Quran makes profound and accurate statements about scientific
The Quran makes profound and accurate statements about scientific
facts discovered only in the last two centuries.
facts discovered only in the last two centuries.
Planetary motions along independent orbits
Planetary motions along independent orbits
Different types of light emanating from the sun and the moon
Different types of light emanating from the sun and the moon
Origin of the universe as envisioned in the Big Bang
Origin of the universe as envisioned in the Big Bang
Expansion of the universe
Expansion of the universe
Creation of living things from water
Creation of living things from water
Embryonic development
Embryonic development
Sexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction
Evolution of man in planned and progressive stages
Evolution of man in planned and progressive stages
30
Knowledge
Knowledge
 of the Future in the Quran
 of the Future in the Quran
 
The Quran declared that the body of the Pharaoh, who was drowned at the
The Quran declared that the body of the Pharaoh, who was drowned at the
Red sea, would be preserved.
Red sea, would be preserved.
His mummified body can be seen in a museum in Cairo, Egypt.
His mummified body can be seen in a museum in Cairo, Egypt.
The Quran foretold that Jewish people would be gathered in the Holy land
The Quran foretold that Jewish people would be gathered in the Holy land
after their dispersion.
after their dispersion.
This came true in the creation of the state of Israel in 1948.
This came true in the creation of the state of Israel in 1948.
It predicts bringing together of wild animals.
It predicts bringing together of wild animals.
We see that in modern-day zoological gardens.
We see that in modern-day zoological gardens.
It prophesies merging of two seas and removing of barriers.
It prophesies merging of two seas and removing of barriers.
Construction of Suez and Panama canals in the 19
Construction of Suez and Panama canals in the 19
th
th
 and 20
 and 20
th
th
 centuries.
 centuries.
It predicted pervasive use of books and printed material.
It predicted pervasive use of books and printed material.
These are everywhere today.
These are everywhere today.
31
Premise and Inference
Premise and Inference
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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32
 
 
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33
Atheism and Agnosticism
Atheism and Agnosticism
 
Western Europe is becoming increasingly atheistic.
Western Europe is becoming increasingly atheistic.
In the U.K., 97% of the scientists who are Fellows of Royal Society do not
In the U.K., 97% of the scientists who are Fellows of Royal Society do not
believe in a personal God (agnostics or deists).
believe in a personal God (agnostics or deists).
The scientific establishment, most intellectuals, and many common people
The scientific establishment, most intellectuals, and many common people
in the U.S. are avowedly atheistic.
in the U.S. are avowedly atheistic.
In the U.S., 93% of the scientists who are members of the National Academy
In the U.S., 93% of the scientists who are members of the National Academy
of Sciences do not believe in a personal God.
of Sciences do not believe in a personal God.
Atheists and agnostics lie in our discomfort zone.
Atheists and agnostics lie in our discomfort zone.
34
Reasons
Reasons
 for Atheism
 for Atheism
 
Atheists do not reject the existence of God because of some scientific
Atheists do not reject the existence of God because of some scientific
evidence.
evidence.
The primary reason for rejecting God and religion is religion itself.
The primary reason for rejecting God and religion is religion itself.
Free will under divine omniscience
Free will under divine omniscience
Creation of evil by a God of virtue
Creation of evil by a God of virtue
Belief in the eternal damnation
Belief in the eternal damnation
Human suffering under a Merciful and All-powerful God
Human suffering under a Merciful and All-powerful God
Folk tales, anachronistic laws, irrationality, intolerance, misogynism
Folk tales, anachronistic laws, irrationality, intolerance, misogynism
The dogma and doctrines of the scriptures imply a God whose grandeur
The dogma and doctrines of the scriptures imply a God whose grandeur
does not match up with the grandeur of the universe.
does not match up with the grandeur of the universe.
35
Religion, Myth, Smoke and Mirror
Religion, Myth, Smoke and Mirror
 
“Christians, Muslims and people of all other faiths have heard from their
“Christians, Muslims and people of all other faiths have heard from their
priests, their imams, and their pundits that in the beginning there was only
priests, their imams, and their pundits that in the beginning there was only
smoke and water, from which God created all the different kinds of things;
smoke and water, from which God created all the different kinds of things;
that He created the earth and the heavens in 6 days comprising 24 hours
that He created the earth and the heavens in 6 days comprising 24 hours
each; that He made a figure out of clay and breathed into it to create Adam,
each; that He made a figure out of clay and breathed into it to create Adam,
from whose rib he created Eve about 7000 years ago. … People heard all
from whose rib he created Eve about 7000 years ago. … People heard all
these myths until it reached their ears that science had given lie to all such
these myths until it reached their ears that science had given lie to all such
tales. …
tales. …
“When the credibility of a religion is attacked, and one is unable to rise to the
“When the credibility of a religion is attacked, and one is unable to rise to the
challenge, one is likely to be suspicious about the existence of God. … Such is
challenge, one is likely to be suspicious about the existence of God. … Such is
the case of the modern man.”
the case of the modern man.”
Mirza Bashir Ahmad, ‘
Mirza Bashir Ahmad, ‘
Our God
Our God
36
 
 
 
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37
Pascal’s Wager
Pascal’s Wager
 
Blaise Pascal, a 17
Blaise Pascal, a 17
th
th
 century philosopher, mathematician, and physicist, argued that a
 century philosopher, mathematician, and physicist, argued that a
rational person should live 
rational person should live 
as though
as though
 God exists and should seek to believe in God.
 God exists and should seek to believe in God.
Because if God does not exist, then he will suffer finite loss (i.e., renunciation of minor
Because if God does not exist, then he will suffer finite loss (i.e., renunciation of minor
pleasures), whereas if God exists, then he stands to receive infinite gains (i.e., eternity in
pleasures), whereas if God exists, then he stands to receive infinite gains (i.e., eternity in
heaven) and will avoid infinite losses (i.e., eternity in Hell).
heaven) and will avoid infinite losses (i.e., eternity in Hell).
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq in the 8
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq in the 8
th
th
 century and Imam al-Harmayn al-Juwayni in the 11
 century and Imam al-Harmayn al-Juwayni in the 11
th
th
century presented a variation of the argument:
century presented a variation of the argument:
If what you, the atheist, say is correct, then both you and I will be fine. But if what I say is
If what you, the atheist, say is correct, then both you and I will be fine. But if what I say is
correct, then I will prosper and you will be devastated.
correct, then I will prosper and you will be devastated.
These are deeply flawed arguments, because:
These are deeply flawed arguments, because:
A pretense of belief without real conviction cannot deceive God.
A pretense of belief without real conviction cannot deceive God.
Belief in God with a wrong religion cannot guarantee salvation.
Belief in God with a wrong religion cannot guarantee salvation.
Mere belief in the right religion is not sufficient.
Mere belief in the right religion is not sufficient.
38
Conclusion
Conclusion
 
The burden of proof is on the claimant.
The burden of proof is on the claimant.
The rational approach is fundamental to determining this question.
The rational approach is fundamental to determining this question.
The logical and scientific methods are indispensable in this quest.
The logical and scientific methods are indispensable in this quest.
By using these methods,  we  can show with a reasonable degree of
By using these methods,  we  can show with a reasonable degree of
positive certainty that a supreme creator of the universe – God – exists.
positive certainty that a supreme creator of the universe – God – exists.
According to the Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
According to the Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
AS
AS
, a personal experience
, a personal experience
of God leads a person to absolute certainty.
of God leads a person to absolute certainty.
39
 
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&
 
A
A
 
Q
Q
 
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Delve into the discussion on the existence of God from a Quranic viewpoint, examining terminology, claims, logical and scientific evidence, atheism reasons, and Pascal's wager. The text explores the Quranic statements on the originator, creation out of nothing, and the origin of the universe, presenting a method of discourse to engage with these profound concepts.

  • God existence
  • Quranic perspective
  • Atheism
  • Pascals wager
  • Origin of the universe

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  1. Existence of God Existence of God A Quranic Perspective A Quranic Perspective Rafi Ahmed June 6, 2018

  2. Outline Terminology Quranic claims Method of discourse Logical evidence Scientific evidence Quranic evidence Reasons for atheism Pascal s wager 2

  3. Terminology Atheists believe that God does not exist. Agnostics believe that we cannot know whether God exists or not. Deists believe in a non-personal God and reject religion. Theists believe in God and religion. Heavens refers to the expanse of space surrounding the earth. 3

  4. Quranic Claims Quranic Claims 4

  5. The Originator He He is is Allah, Allah, the the the most most beautiful earth earth glorifies glorifies Him the Creator, Creator, the beautiful names Him; ; and the Originator, Originator, the names. . All All that that is is in in the and He He is is the the Mighty, the Designer Designer. . His the heavens heavens and Mighty, the the Wise His are and the are the Wise. .[59:25] 5

  6. Creation Out of Nothing He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a thing, He says to it Be , and it is. decrees a thing, He says to it Be , and it is. [2:118] And man says, Will I really be resurrected when I am dead? . And man says, Will I really be resurrected when I am dead? . Does not man remember that We created him before when he Does not man remember that We created him before when he was nothing? was nothing? [19:67-68] Were they created from nothing, or are they themselves the Were they created from nothing, or are they themselves the creators? creators? [52:35] 6

  7. The Origin of the Universe Do Do the closed closed- -up every every living [21:31] the unbelievers unbelievers not up mass, mass, then living thing not see then we thing from see that that the we clove clove them from water water. . Will the heavens heavens and them asunder? asunder? And Will then then they and the the earth earth were And We We made they not not believe? were a a made believe? And And the go go on on expanding expanding it it. . [51:48] the heavens heavens We We built built with with our our own own powers powers and and indeed indeed We We 7

  8. Method of Discourse Method of Discourse 8

  9. Religion and Science That is why God has sent me so that we demonstrate it to the world that there is nothing in (our) religion that contradicts true and proven facts of science. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam AhmadAS Zikr-e-Habeeb by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq 9

  10. Rationality Vs. Blind Faith The Quran is a book of reason and rationality Thus to interpret the verse 2:3-4 to indicate that it promotes blind faith by requiring man to believe in the unseen (ghaib) would stand counter to the Quranic emphasis. Quite to the contrary, to believe in the spurious without evidence and solid justification is what the Quran attributes to the non- believers. [Hazrat Mirza Tahir AhmadRZ, Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth ] 10

  11. Reason and Religion In contrast to 250 verses which are legislative, some 750 verses of the Holy Quran exhort the believers to study Nature, to reflect, to make the best use of reason and to make scientific enterprise an integral part of the community s life. The Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be on him) said that it was incumbent upon every Muslim man and woman to acquire knowledge. [Dr. Abdus Salam, Nobel Laureate, Ideals and Realities ] 11

  12. The Ultimate Question If people believe in God on hearsay or declare a belief in God in order to avoid debate, then this will not guarantee their salvation. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that considerable thought be given to the question of the existence of God. [Hazrat Mirza Mahmud AhmadRZ, Hasti Bari Tala ] 12

  13. The Method of Discourse We should embrace science and the scientific method. We should adopt rational and evidence-based approach. The burden of proof on the claimant that is, those who believe in God must furnish reasons for their belief. The proof for or against the existence of God is of a different type than mathematical or Euclidian proofs. One can conceive of rational evidence for the existence of a supreme creator. 13

  14. Logical Evidence Logical Evidence 14

  15. The Kalam Cosmological Argument The Kalam cosmological argument was developed by medieval Muslim logicians and popularized in the West by philosopher William Craig Given that an observable universe exists, there are three possibilities: 1. The universe always existed. 2. The universe created itself. 3. An all-powerful, all-knowing, transcendent being created it. 15

  16. 1. Did the Universe Always Exist? According to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, if the universe had existed for ever, it would have collapsed and suffered a heat death long, long ago. According to the Big Bang theory, about 13.8 billion years ago, the universe originated in a bigbang explosion from a highly compressed state and expanded rapidly. And it continues to expand today. The point of origin of the universe is called a singularity, where the laws of physics break down. No, the universe did not always exist. 16

  17. 2. Did the Universe Create Itself? Nothing in our observations creates itself. Everything that begins to exist has a cause. The cause must precede the effect. The universe began to exist. The universe then must have a cause the Prime Cause if an infinite regression is to be avoided. No, the universe did not create itself. 17

  18. 3. Did God Create the Universe? God is postulated as an omnipotent, omniscient, transcendent being. The existence of space, time, matter and energy in the universe requires underlying laws of physics governing them. The fundamental laws of physics, in turn, demand abstract mathematical formulations that describe them. The mathematical abstraction alone indicate an indescribably powerful intelligence behind it. Yes, God created the Universe. 18

  19. Creation of the Creator? If the universe needed a creator, but then who created God? Richard Dawkins, a well-known atheist, in his book, The God Delusion , presents this question as the most powerful argument against theism. Here we have two alternatives: 1. The universe which has neither mind nor consciousness nor will nor intelligence first devised the grand laws of nature and then created itself. 2. The creator of everything is God, an omnipotent, omniscient, uncreated, and self-subsisting agent that exists beyond time and space. Which alternative is more rational and intellectually satisfying? 19

  20. Scientific Evidence Scientific Evidence 20

  21. Disbelievers and Believers It It is is He some some of of you He Who Who has you believe has created created you believe. . And And Allah you. . But Allah sees But some sees what what you some of of you you do do. . [64:3] you disbelieve disbelieve and and He He created created the He He fashioned fashioned you return return. . [64:4] the heavens heavens and you into into the and the the best best form, the earth earth with form, and with an an eternal and to to Him Him is is the eternal purpose the ultimate ultimate purpose. . 21

  22. Origin and Evolution of Life The atheists believe that life appeared as a result of random assembly of its chemical building blocks. Proteins contain very specific sequence of amino-acid of 20 different varieties. Life requires hundreds of thousands of specialized proteins. ... The odds against producing just the right proteins by pure chance are something like 1040000 to 1. [Paul Davies, The Fifth Miracle ] The scientific establishment subscribes to the Darwinian theory of evolution and its modern synthesis, which posit that simple, primordial life evolved into all advanced forms of plant and animal life by a process of undirected random mutation and natural selection. Many scientists some of them atheistic are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutations and natural selection to account for the complexity of life. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam AhmadAS and Hazrat Mirza Tahir AhmadRZ believed in the fact of evolution but they had deep skepticism towards the claim that undirected random process was responsible for the evolution of all living things. At every step of creation, choices that had to be made were made not by the blind hand of natural selection but by the will of God. [Hazrat Mirza Tahir AhmadRZ, RRKT ] 22

  23. Miracle of Creation He He has the the creation creation of of the flaw? flaw? Look Look again, overwhelmed overwhelmed and has created created seven seven heavens heavens in in harmony the Gracious Gracious God again, and and yet yet again, and exhausted exhausted. . [67:4-5] harmony. . No God. . Then Then look again, your your sight No incongruity incongruity can look again again: : Do sight will will return can you Do you you see return to to you you see see any see in in any you If we could magnify a cell thousand million times and were to enter the cell, we would find ourselves in a world of supreme technology and bewildering complexity. It is the sheer universality of perfection, the fact that wherever we look, to whatever depth we look, we see an elegance and ingenuity of an absolutely transcending quality, which completely goes against the idea of chance. Michael Denton, Evolution: A Theory in Crisis 23

  24. Much Ado About Nothing? Many atheistic physicists think that the universe came out of nothing without requiring any external agent. Lawrence Krauss: I then describe how it is possible that space and time themselves could have arisen from no space and time. One can nevertheless question whether that is nothing, because the transition is mediated by some physical laws. One of the modern answers is that even the law themselves may be random, coming into existence along with the universe that may arise. [ A Universe from Nothing ] There is no theoretical or experimental support for Krauss s assertions. Who wrote the majestic equations? No one can explain how the laws of physics came into existence. How can the universe operate without a sustainer? No one can explain why the fundamental particles obey the laws of physics. 24

  25. Fine-Tuning of the Universe The universe and its physical properties are perfectly balanced and fine-tuned. Many of the basic features of the universe are determined by the values of its six fundamental constants, as described by Martin Rees, astrophysicist and Astronomer Royale. According Stephen Hawking, if one second after the Big Bang the rate of expansion determined by the cosmological constant ( = 2.90x10 122) was smaller by even 10 17, the universe would have re-collapsed. If the rate of expansion was slightly higher, the galaxies would not be able to form and there would be no earth. Nuclear efficiency ( = 0.007) determines the strength of the binding force between neutrons and protons. If its value was 0.006, only hydrogen would be able to form no helium, no nuclear fuel, no stars, no life. If it was 0.008, then all hydrogen would be quickly used up after the Big Bang no hydrogen, no water, no life. Both Stephen Hawking and Martin Rees were atheists. 25

  26. Anthropic Principle and Multiverse The anthropic principle states that the universe must be conducive to conscious life. In this principle, the theist sees a purposeful design by a highly intelligent creator, who created the universe so that conscious life could eventually emerge and glorify its creator. The atheist counters that we should not be mystified by an elegant universe, because only in a universe capable of supporting intelligent life will there be living beings capable of observing it and pondering over it! But the odds of such a universe appearing by chance is incredibly small. This led many atheistic thinkers to speculate about infinitely many universes, called multiverse. This allows the uniqueness and fine-tuning to be dismissed by claiming that this happened in one among countless universes. There is absolutely no theoretical or empirical evidence for this fantasy of multiverse. 26

  27. A Proof for the Non-Existence of God An Imaginary Dialogue A. Hey theist, I can prove that God does not exist. T. Go ahead, my dear atheist; show me the proof. A. You believe God exists and you describe Him in superlative terms. You say He is the most marvelous, most powerful, most wise, etc., because He created this grand and elegant universe out of nothing. Correct? T. Absolutely! A. But I can imagine a being more formidable and greater than than your God. T. That is utterly impossible. A. It is possible. That being is more formidable and greater than your God, because it created this grand, elegant, and self-sustaining universe out of nothing without even existing. Your God is not needed not even as an idea. Therefore, God does not exist! Q.E.D. 27

  28. Quranic Evidence Quranic Evidence 28

  29. The Origin of the Universe Do Do the closed closed- -up every every living [21:31] the unbelievers unbelievers not up mass, mass, then living thing not see then we thing from see that that the we clove clove them from water water. . Will the heavens heavens and them asunder? asunder? And Will then then they and the the earth earth were And We We made they not not believe? were a a made believe? And And the go go on on expanding expanding it it. . [51:48] the heavens heavens We We built built with with our our own own powers powers and and indeed indeed We We These verses describe the origin of life, the origin of the universe as a Big Bang and its expansion. 29

  30. Scientific Facts in the Quran The Quran makes profound and accurate statements about scientific facts discovered only in the last two centuries. Planetary motions along independent orbits Different types of light emanating from the sun and the moon Origin of the universe as envisioned in the Big Bang Expansion of the universe Creation of living things from water Embryonic development Sexual reproduction Evolution of man in planned and progressive stages 30

  31. Knowledge of the Future in the Quran The Quran declared that the body of the Pharaoh, who was drowned at the Red sea, would be preserved. His mummified body can be seen in a museum in Cairo, Egypt. The Quran foretold that Jewish people would be gathered in the Holy land after their dispersion. This came true in the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. It predicts bringing together of wild animals. We see that in modern-day zoological gardens. It prophesies merging of two seas and removing of barriers. Construction of Suez and Panama canals in the 19th and 20th centuries. It predicted pervasive use of books and printed material. These are everywhere today. 31

  32. Premise and Inference The Quran was revealed in the 7th century. At the time, the human knowledge of science was quite rudimentary. The Quranic text has suffered no change in the ensuing 15 centuries. Many predications made in the Quran have come true. The Quran contains facts about biology and cosmology, which were discovered in the modern times. These scientific theories cannot change. These Quranic verses are not being misinterpreted. Inference: The Quran has divine origin and thus God exists. 32

  33. Reasons for Atheism Reasons for Atheism 33

  34. Atheism and Agnosticism Western Europe is becoming increasingly atheistic. In the U.K., 97% of the scientists who are Fellows of Royal Society do not believe in a personal God (agnostics or deists). The scientific establishment, most intellectuals, and many common people in the U.S. are avowedly atheistic. In the U.S., 93% of the scientists who are members of the National Academy of Sciences do not believe in a personal God. Atheists and agnostics lie in our discomfort zone. 34

  35. Reasons for Atheism Atheists do not reject the existence of God because of some scientific evidence. The primary reason for rejecting God and religion is religion itself. Free will under divine omniscience Creation of evil by a God of virtue Belief in the eternal damnation Human suffering under a Merciful and All-powerful God Folk tales, anachronistic laws, irrationality, intolerance, misogynism The dogma and doctrines of the scriptures imply a God whose grandeur does not match up with the grandeur of the universe. 35

  36. Religion, Myth, Smoke and Mirror Christians, Muslims and people of all other faiths have heard from their priests, their imams, and their pundits that in the beginning there was only smoke and water, from which God created all the different kinds of things; that He created the earth and the heavens in 6 days comprising 24 hours each; that He made a figure out of clay and breathed into it to create Adam, from whose rib he created Eve about 7000 years ago. People heard all these myths until it reached their ears that science had given lie to all such tales. When the credibility of a religion is attacked, and one is unable to rise to the challenge, one is likely to be suspicious about the existence of God. Such is the case of the modern man. Mirza Bashir Ahmad, Our God 36

  37. Epilogue Epilogue 37

  38. Pascals Wager Blaise Pascal, a 17th century philosopher, mathematician, and physicist, argued that a rational person should live as though God exists and should seek to believe in God. Because if God does not exist, then he will suffer finite loss (i.e., renunciation of minor pleasures), whereas if God exists, then he stands to receive infinite gains (i.e., eternity in heaven) and will avoid infinite losses (i.e., eternity in Hell). Imam Jafar al-Sadiq in the 8th century and Imam al-Harmayn al-Juwayni in the 11th century presented a variation of the argument: If what you, the atheist, say is correct, then both you and I will be fine. But if what I say is correct, then I will prosper and you will be devastated. These are deeply flawed arguments, because: A pretense of belief without real conviction cannot deceive God. Belief in God with a wrong religion cannot guarantee salvation. Mere belief in the right religion is not sufficient. 38

  39. Conclusion The burden of proof is on the claimant. The rational approach is fundamental to determining this question. The logical and scientific methods are indispensable in this quest. By using these methods, we can show with a reasonable degree of positive certainty that a supreme creator of the universe God exists. According to the Hazrat Mirza Ghulam AhmadAS, a personal experience of God leads a person to absolute certainty. 39

  40. & Q U E S T I O N S A N S W E R S 40

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