BELIEF IN GOD AND SCIENCE
Science, in its true essence, is simply the discovery of the natural world’s knowledge—knowledge that the Quran had already alluded to with these words: “We shall show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth.” (Quran 41:53)
The picture of the universe revealed through modern scientific discoveries perfectly aligns with what the Quran described earlier. In this way, modern science acts as a detailed explanation of the clues provided in the Divine Book and also supports its truth. A brief overview of these discoveries is presented here.
According to modern science, the universe began about 13.8 billion years ago. Since then, it has undergone various gradual changes to reach its current form. The full story of this journey can be found in books on the subject and can also be experienced visually at a scientific planetarium. I personally saw this presentation at the ‘National Planetarium in Washington.’
Scientific studies indicate that about 13.8 billion years ago, a “super-atom” appeared in space. It contained all the particles that now make up the universe today. In other words, the entire universe once existed as a massive ball, densely packed together. The particles in this ball were held together by a very strong internal force of attraction. According to the known laws of physics, it was impossible for these particles to separate and move outward on their own.
At that moment, a tremendously powerful explosion took place inside the super-atom. Immediately after the explosion, its particles scattered and started moving rapidly outward. Over time, these particles gathered together in vast space. From these groups, the cosmic bodies we recognize today—stars, planets, galaxies, the solar system, Earth, and the Moon—were formed.
This explosion of the super-atom demonstrates two key points. First, that there was a powerful being outside the universe who already existed and, through deliberate intervention, triggered this extraordinary event—causing the particles to move outward instead of inward.
The second notable point is that explosions usually cause destruction. From firecrackers to bombs, every explosion—without exception—results in damage. However, the explosion of the super-atom was an exception: it caused no destruction. Instead, it led only to healthy and constructive outcomes. This unique event demonstrates that the Creator of the universe has infinite power. He has full control not only over the event itself but also over its results.
Studies show that our universe is constantly expanding, spreading outward like an inflating balloon. This indicates that the universe had a definite beginning. If the universe were eternal, its expanding nature would have caused it to end by now. The fact that the universe had a beginning also suggests that someone must have brought it into existence. Something that doesn’t exist can only begin when there is already someone who exists and chooses to create it.
There are countless signs in the universe showing it has a single planner and controller. If there were more than one, the universe would definitely fall into disorder.
For example, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 93 million miles. This distance stays constant. If it were to change, the consequences would be severe. For example, if the distance increased to 200 million miles, Earth would become so cold that water, plants, animals, and humans would all freeze. Conversely, if the distance decreased to 50 million miles, the heat would become so extreme that everything, including humans, would burn up.
This indicates that the Sun and the Earth have the same Creator. If they had different creators, each might act according to their own will, and the distance between them would constantly change. Due to this imbalance, human life on Earth would not be possible.
In the vast and unknown reaches of the universe, our planet Earth stands out as a rare exception. Here, we find water, air, plants, and many other essentials for human life. In the emptiness of space, we don’t know of any other world where such conditions for life exist. This exception indicates that the world was not created by lifeless matter alone. Instead, it is the work of a conscious being. If the world were merely the result of random material forces, there would be many Earth-like planets—not just one.
Everything in our world is filled with meaning. The significance of things shows that this world is the product of intentional creation. No other theory can account for the wisdom and purpose we observe in the universe.
Consider the size of the Earth as an example. Its current circumference is about 25,000 miles. This size is very significant. If the Earth’s circumference were 50,000 miles, its gravity would become so strong that it would interfere with proper human growth. In such a scenario, only dwarf-sized humans would exist.
Conversely, if the Earth’s size were reduced to 12,000 miles, its gravitational pull would be so weak that it couldn’t contain human growth. People would grow as tall as palm trees. Additionally, many other adverse conditions would develop, making all forms of human civilization and progress impossible.
When we consider these facts, it becomes clear—from a scientific perspective—that we have no choice but to accept that this world has a Creator, and that this Creator must be one. The reality is that our choice is not between a universe with God and a universe without God. Instead, our true choice is between a universe with God and no universe at all. In other words, if we deny the existence of God, we would also have to deny the existence of the universe. Since we cannot deny the universe’s existence, we also cannot deny God’s existence. In this matter, there is no other option.
