THE CREATOR

Our existence - a product of chance?
A simple look at the world around us is all it takes to understand what many never take time to reflect upon. The details of this awesome universe we live in explicitly prove the presence of a magnificent and unequalled author.
Some try to deny His existence, relying on their invented theories and assumptions derived from unproven conjectures and guesses. They conjure principles that no rational mind can follow. For example, they say that our universe is a “cosmic miracle,” a result of billions of years of random self- assembly. However, if they would come out of their houses in the morning and find new cars in their driveways, they would demand to know who put them there. Imagine if it was said to them: “No one put them there; in fact the parts just gathered from unknown places and assembled themselves overnight with no one’s help. This is the result of a cosmic miracle!”
No one in his right mind could accept this answer. Indeed God gave us intellects that do not allow us to believe such nonsense.
So if people cannot accept the parts of a single car coming together randomly, then how can they believe that the entire universe was accomplished by such a feat? From the sky full of stars and other visual wonders, to microscopic organisms we are still discovering, to the design and function of the organs of the human body, can one possibly believe that all of this is the result of a mere coincidence?
Look up and think about how everything you see is organized in such a perfect way! The sun, a ball of fire millions of miles away, provides us with the heat and light we depend on every day. About it, God says: “And I (Allah) made a blazing, radiant lantern” [Qur’an 78:13]
After the length of the day, mankind indeed needs a rest from the warmth and illumination of the sun. God causes the sun to set and gives us darkness to rest, and a perfect nightlight, the moon and the splendorous stars. What masterful organization! God says: “He (Allah) has put the night and the day in your service, as well as the sun, the moon, and the stars - all in subjection by His command. Verily in this there are signs for people of intellect.” [Qur’an 16:12]
And God says: “Don’t you see how Allah merges the night into the day and He merges the day into the night, (don’t you see) that He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law), each running its course for an appointed term? And surely Allah is well-acquainted with what you do.” [Qur’an 31:29]
God also says: “Among His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon, rather prostrate to Allah, the One who created them, if you really wish to worship Him.” [Qur’an 41:37]
Today’s scientists comment on the precise balance of the sun and moon, guessing at the innumerous disasters that would occur if the sun or the moon were to stray from their paths the slightest bit. The rational mind can come to only one conclusion: that indeed something is keeping all of this in order.
God says: “He (Allah) draws the night as a veil over the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession. He (Allah) created the sun, the moon, and the stars, all governed by His command. Is it not His right to create and govern? Blessed is Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of all that exists!” [Qur’an 7:54]
We understand quite clearly that, since this paper you are reading was written, then there was a writer, even though you do not see him. And for every speech there was a speaker, and every delicious dish has a cook behind it. So for every creation, including our very existence, there is indeed a creator.

THE CREATOR IS GOD WHO IS WITHOUT PARTNERS
Now that we agree that we are not the product of chance, that we have been created, let us understand some things about our Creator.
The One who created us, God, is also the sole Creator of everything else that exists, as He says: “Such is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things. There is no deity except Him...” [Qur’an 40:62]
Because of God’s omnipotent power and control over the universe, it is not befitting for man to believe that He needs anyone to help Him. Verily God is alone and does not share His majesty with anyone. He is the possessor of infinite mercy and compassion for those who obey Him, and His punishment is the most severe and lasting for those who turn away from Him. God says: “As for those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them to His mercy, and that will be the achievement for all to see!” [Qur’an 45:30]
And God says: “For those who believe and do righteous deeds, He (Allah) will give them their rewards, and more, out of His bounty. But those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish them with a grievous penalty, and they will not find anyone to protect or help them besides Allah.” [Qur’an 4:173]
As it is not befitting for us to ascribe a rival, partner, or associate to God, it is extreme blasphemy to accuse Him of having a father, mother, son, or other descendants or relatives. God tells us: “Say, He is Allah, (who is) One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge, He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.” [Qur’an 112:1-4]
What a tremendous crime it is to claim that God, the One free from all imperfections, has a son! Unfortunately, many believe that Jesus is God’s son! Indeed Jesus holds a high rank, as the Word of God and the Conveyor of His Message, but not as His son, for God is High and Exalted above such a false claim. About this, God says: “They say: “The Most Gracious (Allah) has begotten a son!” Indeed you have put forth a most monstrous idea! It is as if the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin for what they say about the Most Merciful (Allah) having a son! For it is not befitting for the Most Merciful (Allah) to take a son.” [Qur’an 19:88-92]
So God is the sole Creator and Maintainer of all that exists. He has no partner or affiliate, as He says: “Follow what is revealed to you from your Lord, there is no God except Him Alone! And turn away from those who join other deities with Allah!” [Qur’an 6:106]

DO WE OWE HIM SOMETHING?
Now that we agree that God is our only Creator and Provider, and we have seen His statements denying any partners for Himself, we want to know, Does He want something from us?
God has a right over us, as He created us. He is commanding us for that which He commanded every nation before us, that we worship Him alone and follow His Messengers. He has commanded us to worship Him and not to associate partners with Him. He says: “For surely I (Allah) sent a messenger to every nation, commanding them to worship Allah and shun false deities.” [Qur’an 16:36]
It is a very simple request, taking into account all He has given us. “Say; “It is He (Allah) who has created you and made for you the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling and understanding. Little is the thanks you offer.” [Qur’an 67:23]
We naturally feel the urge to thank anyone who gives us something. If we thank people for their generosity, should we not then thank our Lord who has blessed us with so much? He reminds us: “And if you were to try to count the blessings of Allah, you could never enumerate them! Verily, mankind is ever oppressive and ungrateful.” [Qur’an 14:34]
So to be truly thankful to God would entail worshipping Him, as He has commanded us, obeying Him and following the Revelation that He sent to us. In doing this, we will fulfill the purpose of our existence, as God did not create us without a purpose: “And I did not create the Jinn or Mankind except to worship Me” [Qur’an 51:56]

WHAT IF WE IGNORE HIS RIGHT OVER US?
Ignoring the right of God is not like ignoring the rights of others. For if you disobey your mother, then you are subject to whatever punishment she is capable of. Likewise, you may lose your job if you ignore the orders of your boss. The judge may send you to jail if you do not appear in court as he requests. But no one can punish you eternally with a torment like that which God has promised for those who reject His Message. God is going to establish a day to judge each and every person. Indeed we will be gathered in front of God to answer for our deeds. About that day, God says: “For, that day, none will punish as He will punish, and His bond will be such as none (other) can bind.” [Qur’an 89:25-26]
We have the chance now to free ourselves from such a horrible and unending fate. We must look to our relationship with God, are we fulfilling His right over us? Are we worshipping Him as He commands us?
Be aware that His punishment is so severe, that even the staunchest deniers of God will believe in Him after seeing it. “And when they saw Our Punishment, they said: “We believe in Allah, the One God, and we disbelieve in that which we used to associate with Him” [Qur’an 40:84]
If we submit to God, worshipping Him and not associating partners with Him, then for us are the unending joys and delights that He has prepared for us in Paradise: “And no soul knows what delights are kept hidden for them, as a reward for what they used to do.” [Qur’an 32:17]
For when God establishes the Day of Judgement, the righteous will hear the call: “O you resting, satisfied soul! Come happily back to your Lord, as you have gained His pleasure! Enter and be among My slaves, enter My Garden!” [Qur’an 89:27-30]
If we hope to hear this call, then we must put forth the effort now, in this life, before it is too late.
WHAT TO DO NOW
Accept the religion of Islam. It is what God is commanding you to do: “O you who believe! Observe your duties to Allah properly, as He deserves, and do not die except as Muslims!” [Qur’an 3:102]
Be sincere and dedicate yourself to God. Say: “Truly, my prayer, my sacrifices, my life and my death, are all for Allah, the Creator and Nourisher of everything that exists, Who has no partner. This am I commanded with, and I am the first of the Muslims.” [Qur’an 6:162-163]
Islam is very easy and practical. There is no conversion ceremony or difficult procedure preventing you from becoming a Muslim. The only thing for you to do is sincerely recite the following statement:
“I testify that there is no deity worthy of any form of worship except Allah alone, and I testify that Muhammad is His Messenger.”
Now follow up your statement with a commitment to learning about your religion, the specifics of what God wants from you. There is a lot to be learned about God and His religion, and with each piece of knowledge you will become more and more confident that you made the right choice.
Contact any Muslim organization in your area, if something prevents you from accepting Islam at this time. Contact us and we will try to clarify the matter for you, so that you can accept Islam, being confident that you have found the truth.
May Allah (God) guide us all to what He loves.

Note: Allah is the proper Arabic name of God

 

With the compliments of www.rememberAllah.com

Edited and revised
by

Hamadi Al-Aslani

Manager of Editing and Translation
  Jeddah Dawah Center