The Belief that God is the Sole Creator and Sustainer of all Creation (2/2)

In addition to the realization that this existence must have had a creator, one can also notice the equilibrium and balance that exists throughout the universe.  The order is so precise that it is sometimes referred to as “the delicate balance of nature.” It is truly amazing how everything works together—even within one’s own body. Without such cooperation between the different organs of the body, for example, there would be no possibility of continual life. This observed phenomenon leads to a number of other important conclusions.

First,   the   order   and   cooperation   between   the   various inanimate elements of the universe—which have not been trained or taught—is a sign that they are still under the control and regulation of the creator. The different objects of this creation have no power, ability or goal of their own, as otherwise they would most likely go against the universal laws and order. They have only what has been granted  to  them  by the  overall  Creator  and  Master  of  all  of the different  component  parts  of  the  universe.  Their  level  of  inter- working and cooperation is such that it points to their being all under the authority of one Being, who must have both full knowledge and complete power to sustain and guide them. If this were not the case, only chaos could be rationally expected, especially given the large number of atoms and other particles that make up everything that is in the universe.

Second, there is a clear sign that the Creator and Master of the Universe is one and only one—there cannot possibly be more than one Creator of this balanced and unified cosmos. This follows from the previous point. If there were more than one creator, each having a will and power, then it would not be expected that the cosmos would have the unity, balance and equilibrium that it currently exhibits. This is known as “the argument of exclusion” and is an issue that has been discussed by philosophers in detail in the past. For example, in The Commentary on the Creed of at-Tahawi, one can find,

This argument [of exclusion] runs like this: If there were two creators and they disagreed about something, such as one wanted to move X whereas the other did not want it to be moved, or one liked to make Y a living being whereas the other liked to make it lifeless, then, logically speaking, there are only three possibilities. First, the wills of the two are both carried out; second, only the will of one of them is carried out; third, the will of neither of them is carried out. The first case is not possible because it requires the existence of contraries. The third possibility is also ruled out because it would imply that a body is neither moving nor not moving and this is impossible. This would also imply that both of them are incapable of carrying out their wills, which would disqualify them for being God. Finally, if the will of one is realized and not of the other, he alone will deserve to be God and the one whose will is not realized could not be considered God.[1]

Thus, the premise that there is only one original and unique Creator, Sustainer   and Ultimate Power   over   this   universe   is something that is both innate in humans and concluded easily and logically. In fact, it can be said that Islamic scholars are so convinced of the obvious truth of this point that, according to the famed Islamic scholar Ibn Uthaimeen, all of mankind except the most arrogant and haughty accepts and recognizes this aspect of monotheism, namely, that there is no Lord and Creator but the One Lord and Creator.[2] This is so because this belief is ingrained in the nature of humankind. Humankind recognizes and realizes that this creation must have had a Creator. Humankind also realizes that this Creator must only be One.[3]

Although in the previous paragraphs there was something of a digression into other topics that are of interest today, one can summarize the Islamic view on Allah being the sole Creator and Sustainer of the creation by allowing the Quran to speak for itself and express the essential truths:

“Certainly, Allah has power over all things” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:20).

“He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have children when He has no consort? He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything. Such is Allah, your Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Guardian over all things. No vision can encompass Him, but His Grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle and Courteous, Well-Acquainted with all things.” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:101-103)

 “Do they seek other than the religion of Allah, while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him shall they all be returned.” (Surah Al-‘Imran, 3:83)

“And unto Allah (Alone) falls in prostration whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and in the afternoons.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:15).

Once that it is concluded that Allah is the only Creator and Sustainer of the universe, many corollaries fall into place. In addition, perhaps  the  most  important  question  a  person  can  ask himself is: What should be one’s relationship with that one creator? This leads directly into the next topic of Allah being the only one worthy and deserving of worship.