Evidence of the Existence of Allah (SWT)

Evidence of the Existence of
God, and the Wisdom Behind His
Creation
A non Muslim friend of mine asked how I could prove the
existence of God and why He has given us life, and what
its purpose is. My answer did not satisfy him, please tell
me what I should tell him?
Praise be to Allah
My dear Muslim brother, your efforts to call people to
Allah and explain the reality of Allah’s existence make us
very happy. Finding out about Allah is in tune with the
sound fitrah (natural inclinations of man) and with sound
reasoning. How many there are who, once the truth
becomes clear to them, they hasten to submit to Allah
(enter Islam). If each one of us was to do his duty towards
his religion, a great deal of good would be achieved. So we
congratulate you, our brother, for undertaking the mission
of the Prophets and Messengers, and we give you glad
tidings of the great reward which you are promised, as
your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
said: “If Allah were to guide one man at your hands, that
would be better for you than red camels.” (al-
Bukhaari,Muslim). “Red camels” are the best kind of
camels.
Secondly:
With regard to proof of the existence of Allah, it is obvious
to anyone who ponders the matter, and there is no need
for a lengthy discussion. When we ponder the matter, we
find that it is divided into three categories: instinctive
evidence, tangible evidence and shar’i (revelatory)
evidence. We will explain this to you further, insha Allah.
1 – Instinctive evidence:
Al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
The instinctive evidence that God exists is the strongest
of all evidence for those who are not led astray by the
devils. Hence Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion
(of pure Islamic Monotheism) Haneef (worship none but
Allah Alone). Allah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allah’s Islamic
Monotheism) with which He has created
mankind.” [30:30]
Man’s sound nature (fitrah) testifies to the existence of
God and man cannot turn away from this unless the devils
mislead him; whoever is misled by the devils may not
recognize this evidence.” (From Sharh al-Safareeniyyah)
Every person feels inside himself that he has a Lord and
Creator, and he feels that he is in need of Him; if some
major calamity befalls him he turns his hands, eyes and
heart towards the heavens, seeking help from his Lord.
2 – Tangible evidence:
This refers to the things that exist in this universe; we
see around us things that exist, such as trees, rocks,
mankind, the earth, the heavens, seas, rivers…
If it is asked: these things are so many – who created
them and is taking care of them?
The answer is that if these things came into being by
accident, spontaneously and with no cause, then there is
no one who knows how they were created, and that is one
possibility. But there is another possibility, which is that
these things created themselves and are taking care of
themselves. And there is a third possibility, which is that
there is Someone Who created them. When we look at
these three possibilities, we find that the first and the
second are impossible. If we reject the first and the
second, then the third must be the one which is correct,
which is that these things have a Creator Who created
them, and that Creator is Allah. This is what is stated in
the Quran, where Allah says (what means):
“Were they created by nothing? Or were they themselves
the creators?
Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but
they have no firm Belief.” [52:35]
Moreover, when were these mighty things created? For all
these years, who is it that has decreed that they should
remain in this world and has granted them the means of
abiding?
The answer is it is Allah who has given to each thing that
which is suited to it and will guarantee its survival. Do you
not see the beautiful green plants; when Allah cuts off their
water supply, can they live? No, rather they become dry
stalks. If you ponder all things you will find that they are
dependent upon Allah. Were it not for Allah, nothing would
remain.
And Allah has created everything to do that for which it is
suited. So camels, for example, are for riding. Allah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
“Do they not see that We have created for them of what
Our Hands have created, the cattle, so that they are their
owners.
And We have subdued them unto them so that some of
them they have for riding and some they eat.” [36:71-72]
Look at the camel and how Allah has created it strong,
with a strong back, so that it can be used for riding and it
is able to endure harsh conditions which other animals
cannot bear.
If you look at other creatures you will find that they are
suited to the purposes for which they were created. Glory
be to Allah.
Other examples of tangible evidence include the following:
When calamities befall people this points to the existence
of the Creator, for example, when they call upon Allah and
Allah responds to their prayer; this points to the existence
of Allah. Al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: “When the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed
for rain, he said, ‘Allahumma aghithna, Allahumma
aghithna (O Allah, send us rain, O Allah, send us rain).’
Then a cloud came and it started to rain before he had
even come down from the minbar (pulpit). This points to
the existence of the Creator.” (Sharh al-Safareeniyyah).
3 – Shar’i evidence:
All divinely-revealed laws point to the existence of Allah.
Al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
“All the divinely-revealed laws point to the existence of
the Creator and to the perfect nature of His knowledge,
wisdom and mercy, because these laws must have been
prescribed by someone, and that Lawgiver is Allah.” (From
Sharh al-Safareeniyyah).
With regard to your question: Why did Allah create us?
The answer is: so that we would worship Him, thank Him
and remember Him, and do that which He has commanded
us. You know that among mankind there are disbelievers
and there are Muslims. This is because Allah wants to
test His slaves as to whether they will worship Him or
worship others. That is after Allah has showed the way to
everyone. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Who has created death and life that He may test you
which of you is best in deed.” [67:2]
“And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that
they should worship Me (Alone).” [51:56]
We ask Allah to enable us and you to do that which He
loves and is pleased with, and to do more da’wah
(propagation) and work for the sake of His religion.
May Allah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet
Muhammad.
And Allah knows best

Al-Shaykh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

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