From Rebellion to Reflection: A Confused Start
I didn’t walk into Islam just because I was born into a Muslim family. That would be too easy, and if I’m being honest, I wasn't one to follow things blindly. I was a rebellious kid—my mom’s words often went in one ear and out the other. Like many kids, I thought I knew better, and as I grew up, I found myself drifting away from faith. I wasn’t content with cultural practices that didn’t make sense to me, and frankly, the Islam taught in many homes in India is often a mixture of culture, tradition, and even elements of shirk (associating partners with God).
I reached a point where I didn’t just question religious practices—I began questioning God’s existence itself. Why do we believe in God? Does He even exist? Or is this just something people made up to give meaning to their lives?
The Search for Answers: Accident or Creation?
Being someone who enjoys research and logical thinking, I knew that I couldn’t settle for vague answers. If God exists, there had to be evidence—something that made sense not just emotionally but intellectually too. So, I began thinking:
How did the universe come to exist? Did it just pop into existence by accident, or is there a deeper reason behind it all? The more I researched and reflected, the more I realized that nothing makes sense without a Creator. Everything in life seems to follow a pattern, and every pattern points toward an underlying purpose. Accidents don’t create order—intelligence does.
Scientists tell us that the universe is constantly expanding—a fact that the Quran mentioned over 1400 years ago (51:47). The common theory is that everything started from a huge explosion, the Big Bang. But here’s the question that haunted me:
If there was a blast, where did the energy and matter come from?
Who or what initiated that blast?
A blast can't occur without something causing it, and something had to exist before the blast to make it happen. You can’t get something from nothing.
Order Out of Chaos? Unlikely
Even if we say, hypothetically, that the universe did begin with a blast, how do we explain the incredible precision we see today? The balance of the universe isn’t random. Consider how perfect everything is—from the fine-tuned laws of physics to the delicate systems within the human body. Think about DNA and RNA, which are complex beyond human comprehension, or the immune system that defends us every second of the day without us even realizing it.
Could all of this just happen by chance? The odds are so mind-bogglingly low that believing in it feels more irrational than believing in a Creator. It’s like taking a pile of sand, throwing it into the sky, and expecting it to come down as a fully-functional shopping mall—with working computers, phones, AI systems, and food courts all perfectly in place.
If such precision can’t happen randomly in our world, how can we believe that something as vast, intricate, and finely balanced as the universe came into existence without purpose and intention?
Fitrah: The Inborn Nature to Believe in God
As I continued my journey to find the truth, I stumbled upon something profound—the concept of fitrah. In Islam, fitrah refers to the natural disposition that every human is born with—a deep awareness of a higher power. It’s in our nature to believe in God, even before we are taught any religious concepts.
This aligns with the Quranic teaching:
“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitra of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah.” (Quran 30:30)
Studies have shown that if children were raised in complete isolation, without external influence or exposure to religion or philosophy, they would still come to believe in a higher power. This suggests that belief in God is not something imposed by society but rather something embedded in our nature.
In fact, anthropologists have found remote tribes living in isolated regions with no contact with the outside world, and even they worshipped a higher being. This reinforces the idea that atheism is not the natural state of humans—belief is. When life becomes overwhelming, and when we search for meaning, our instinct is to look to the sky, hoping and believing that something greater exists. Even those who claim to be atheists often resort to this in moments of crisis, proving that deep within, every human soul seeks a connection with the Divine.
Why a Single God Makes Perfect Sense
After recognizing that God must exist, the next question I wrestled with was whether there is one God or many. Could God have partners, or would God need a family like humans do? Would it make sense for different gods to share responsibilities, each providing different things for creation?
But the more I thought about it, the more this idea seemed illogical.
If there were multiple gods, there would inevitably be division of power. One god might create life, another might provide food, and another might control knowledge. But a real God would not be limited or reliant on anyone else—because that would make Him dependent, just like we humans are. It would imply that no single god holds complete power, which contradicts the very idea of divine perfection.
A God who has limits, needs, or dependencies is not worthy of worship. If one god needed the help of another to create, provide, or sustain, then none of them would be truly self-sufficient or all-powerful. This is why I couldn’t accept the idea of polytheism—it felt fragmented, imperfect, and chaotic.
A God Without Partners: Perfect and Self-Sufficient
Islam offers a concept of God that resonated with every part of my being. Allah is One, without partners, without family, and without any need. He doesn’t have parents, children, or a spouse—He is not like us, and He is not dependent on anyone or anything. Allah is described in the Quran:
"Say: He is Allah, the One and Only.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born,
Nor is there to Him any equivalent."
(Surat Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4)
This is the God I believe in: the all-knowing (Al-‘Aleem), the all-seeing (Al-Baseer), the most-forgiving (Al-Ghaffar), the most-loving (Al-Wadud). A God who is perfect in power, knowledge, mercy, and justice. Allah does not need food, sleep, or rest—He never tires. He does not need a family because He is self-sufficient (Al-Samad). No one can harm Him, and He never depends on anyone.
This concept resonates logically because a being that is self-sufficient and eternal cannot be dependent on anything or have partners. A God with human-like weaknesses (as some beliefs claim) contradicts the nature of an all-powerful creator. Thus, the Quran’s depiction of God aligns with pure rationality.
Ayat al-Kursi (Quran 2:255) adds:
Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.
This reflects a consistent and perfect conception of God, free from human limitations, which appeals logically and spiritually to both the heart and mind.
Rejecting Mortal Gods
Throughout history, people have mistakenly worshipped created beings—plants, animals, and idols—believing that these things were divine. But I couldn’t bring myself to believe in gods that live, die, and rely on food and water.
How could a wolf, a cat, a cow, a goat, or a tree be God when they depend on the very things humans do—food, shelter, and protection? These creatures are certainly beneficial to us, but they are not divine. They are mortal beings, subject to illness, injury, and death. A true God, in my view, must be beyond all of that. He must be the one who creates and sustains all things without needing sustenance Himself.
The Beauty of Tawheed: Belief in the Oneness of God
Tawheed—the belief in the absolute oneness of God—was the concept that finally brought everything together for me. Allah is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Judge, the Forgiver, and the Destroyer. There is no division in His power, no partners in His dominion, and no one equal to Him. Allah alone creates, provides, and governs all things.
Believing in multiple gods would imply weakness in each one, because none would have full authority. But believing in one all-powerful God means knowing that everything we need—life, guidance, sustenance, and forgiveness—comes from the same source. It means recognizing that Allah alone deserves worship, and we are His servants, entirely dependent on Him.
This realization was the next major step in my journey to Islam. The simplicity and clarity of Islamic monotheism (Tawheed) made perfect sense. There is one God, perfect and beyond comparison, who needs nothing from His creation but provides for everything. And it was this truth that helped me find peace in my faith and solidify my belief in Islam.
Polytheistic beliefs assume multiple gods with distinct roles, but logically, this results in contradictions. If there were multiple gods, there would be chaos and inconsistency in the universe. Quranic reasoning states:
“Had there been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined.” (Quran 21:22)
The Nature of God vs. Mortal Beings
A God who is dependent on food, sleep, or companionship reflects weakness. The Quran portrays Allah as utterly self-sufficient:
"Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep." (Quran 2:255)
Mortals are dependent creatures, vulnerable to illness, hunger, and fatigue. God, in contrast, is eternal and self-reliant, without any need for sustenance or relationships. This explains why animals, humans, or beings with human-like needs cannot be considered divine.
Why Choose Islam?
While other monotheistic religions such as Christianity and Judaism share similarities with Islam, only Islam maintains the purity of Tawhid without deviations. For instance, the concept of the Trinity in Christianity introduces complexity into monotheism, which Islam rejects. Islam’s doctrine is simple and absolute: "There is no god but Allah."
Miracles of the Quran and Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH)
To prove the truth of Islam, we must first establish the authenticity of the Quran and the credibility of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Quran’s Inimitability: Unaltered Revelation Across Centuries:
The Quran is the only scripture that has remained unchanged since its revelation over 1400 years ago. Other religious texts have undergone numerous translations and alterations, resulting in discrepancies between versions. Yet the Quran, preserved in its original Arabic, stands as it was revealed. Allah promises in the Quran:
"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian." (Surah Al-Hijr 15:9)
Reasons for its Preservation:
1. Memorization: Millions have memorized the Quran, ensuring its accuracy.
2. Written Records: The Quran was written down during the Prophet's lifetime.
3. Continuous Transmission: Unbroken chain of transmission from generation to generation.
4. Arabic Language: The Quran's original Arabic preserves its meaning and context.
Prophecies of the Quran Fulfilled in Reality
The Quran contains several prophecies, many of which have come true. Here are notable examples:
1. Defeat and Victory of the Romans:
“The Romans have been defeated in the nearest land. But they, after their defeat, will overcome [their enemies] within three to nine years...” (Quran 30:2-4)
When this verse was revealed, the Byzantines were on the verge of collapse. However, exactly within the prophesied time frame, the Byzantines defeated the Persians, shocking the Arab world. This event is a historical fact confirmed by secular sources.
2. Spread of Islam Across the World:
The Quran predicted that Islam would spread far beyond Arabia:
“It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion...” (Quran 9:33)
Today, Islam is the fastest-growing religion globally, fulfilling this prophecy.
3. Preservation of the Quran:
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Quran 15:9)
For over 1,400 years, the Quran has remained unchanged in its original form—a feat unparalleled in human history. Even modern historians acknowledge the Quran’s uninterrupted preservation through oral and written tradition.
Scientific Insights in the Quran
While the Quran is not a science textbook, it contains statements about natural phenomena that align with modern science—knowledge unavailable at the time of its revelation.
1. Human Embryonic Development:
The Miraculous Embryology of the Quran: A Scientific Proof of Allah's Existence
The Quran's Description of Embryology
The Quran describes the development of a human being from conception to birth in several verses. Let's examine these verses and compare them with modern scientific knowledge.
Stage 1: Nutfah (Sperm)
The Quran begins by describing the origin of human life from a small sperm:
"Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot..." (Quran 23:12-14)
The Arabic word "nutfah" specifically refers to a small drop or sperm, highlighting the importance of this tiny cell.
Stage 2: Nutfatun Amshaj (Mixed Sperm)
The Quran then describes the mixture of male and female reproductive fluids:
"...a mixed drop, [derived] from both." (Quran 76:2)
This verse emphasizes the combination of genetic material from both parents.
Stage 3: Alaqah (Clot)
The fertilized egg develops into a clot-like structure:
"Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot..." (Quran 23:12-14)
Modern embryology confirms that the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, forming a clot-like structure.
Stage 4: Mudghah (Embryo)
The clot develops into an embryo:
"...then We made the clot into a lump [of flesh]..." (Quran 23:12-14)
The Arabic word "mudghah" describes the embryo's chewed-like appearance.
Stage 5: Izam (Bones)
The embryo develops bones:
"...then We clothed the bones with flesh..." (Quran 23:12-14)
Stage 6: Lahm (Flesh)
Muscles and flesh develop around the bones:
"...then We clothed the bones with flesh..." (Quran 23:12-14)
Stage 7: Formation of Organs and Features
The Quran describes the formation of organs and features:
"...and [We] proportioned [him] and breathed into him from Our [created] spirit..." (Quran 32:9)
2. The Expansion of the Universe:
Quranic Verse:
"Do the disbelievers not realize that the heavens and earth were once one mass, then We split them apart, and We created from water every living thing?" (Quran 21:30)
Scientific Discovery:
In the 1920s, astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered that the universe is expanding. Galaxies are moving away from each other, and the distance between them is increasing.
Quranic Description:
The Quran describes the universe's expansion using the Arabic word "fatq," meaning "to split apart" or "to separate." This verse accurately conveys the idea of expansion, where the universe was once a single mass and is now separating.
Additional Quranic Verses:
- "And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander." (Quran 51:47)
- "We have built the universe with [our] mighty power, and We are expanding it." (Quran 17:44)
The Big Bang Theory:
The Quran's description of the universe's origin from a single mass aligns with the Big Bang Theory. Scientists propose that around 13.8 billion years ago, the universe began as an infinitely hot and dense point, expanding rapidly.
The Quran references the expanding universe long before it was scientifically confirmed in the 20th century.
3. Mountains Stabilizing the Earth:
Quranic Verse:
"And We have placed firm mountains on the earth, lest it should shake with them..." (Quran 21:31)
Scientific Discovery:
Geologists discovered that mountains play a crucial role in stabilizing the Earth's crust. Mountain ranges:
1. Act as wedges, preventing tectonic plates from colliding.
2. Absorb seismic energy, reducing earthquake impact.
3. Provide structural support, maintaining the Earth's surface.
Quranic Description:
The Quran uses the Arabic word "rawasiya" (رَوَاسِيَ), meaning "firm mountains" or "mountains that stabilize." This verse highlights the essential function of mountains in maintaining the Earth's stability.
Additional Quranic Verses:
- "And He has cast onto the earth firm mountains..." (Quran 31:10)
- "And We have placed in the earth firm mountains..." (Quran 50:7)
Scientific Confirmation:
Geologists and seismologists confirm the Quran's description:
- "Mountains act as anchors, stabilizing the Earth's crust." (US Geological Survey)
- "Mountain ranges play a key role in absorbing seismic energy." (National Geographic)
The Character and Truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known as Al-Amin (the trustworthy) even by his enemies. His life offers clear evidence that he was not a liar, nor did he have worldly motives.
1. His Rejection of Wealth and Power:
The Quraysh leaders offered Muhammad (PBUH) wealth, power, and marriage alliances in exchange for abandoning his message. He replied:
“By Allah, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left on condition that I abandon this course, I would not abandon it until Allah makes it prevail or I perish in the attempt.” (Ibn Hisham)
This shows his unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of poverty and persecution.
2. Hadith About His Honesty:
Prophet Muhammad's (s.a.w) honesty is a shining example for all humanity. Even before his prophethood, he was known as "Al-Amin" (the trustworthy) and "As-Sadiq" (the truthful) among his people . His reputation for honesty and fairness in business dealings was unparalleled, earning him the respect of the entire community.
Examples of His Honesty
- The Dispute Over the Black Stone: When a dispute arose over who should lay the Black Stone in its place in the Ka'bah, the people of Makkah agreed to let Muhammad decide, knowing that Al-Amin would make a fair judgment .
- The Testimony of Abu Sufyan: When the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius asked Abu Sufyan about Muhammad's honesty, he replied that Muhammad had never told a lie, even before his claim to prophethood .
- Returning Pledges: When Muhammad migrated to Madinah, he asked his cousin Ali to stay behind and return the pledges he was keeping, demonstrating his commitment to honoring trusts .
Quran as a Complete Way of Life
The Quran offers guidance on every aspect of life—personal, social, economic, and spiritual.
Social Justice:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice...” (Quran 4:58)
Connection to God:
“And We have certainly created man, and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.” (Quran 50:16)
This verse teaches that Allah is not distant but intimately aware of every person’s inner thoughts.
Purpose of Life:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Quran 51:56)
The Quran provides spiritual purpose by connecting humans directly to their Creator and teaching how to lead a meaningful, moral life.
The Journey from Rationality to Submission: Proving the Quran as the Word of God
Islam is a journey where reason meets revelation, and rationality leads to submission. It is a faith rooted in evidence, but at its core, it demands complete trust in the unseen. The Quran invites believers and skeptics alike to reflect, question, and search for truth through intellect, signs in the natural world, and history. But once you arrive at the conclusion that Allah (SWT) is the only God, Muhammad (SAW) is His Messenger, and the Quran is His final, unaltered word—your journey evolves. At that point, faith becomes submission. Even when reason finds its limits, the heart must trust what Allah has revealed.
Submission to the Unseen
Once you acknowledge the rational evidence for Islam, the next step is to surrender completely. Islam teaches that reason alone cannot comprehend all of Allah’s wisdom. For example, we believe in the Day of Judgment even though we cannot scientifically prove it. We believe that Maryam (AS) gave birth to Isa (AS) as a virgin because Allah decreed it. We believe that fire did not burn Ibrahim (AS) and that Yunus (AS) survived inside the belly of a fish—not because these events align with human logic, but because Allah said they happened.
Just as science has its limits—unable to grasp concepts like the soul or love—we recognize that not everything real can be measured or seen. Rationality brought us to faith, but faith takes us further into trust in the unseen. If Allah commands five daily prayers, we pray. If He commands us to wear hijab, we do so. If He says angels exist, we believe it. True submission is not about negotiating Allah’s commands; it’s about aligning ourselves with His wisdom, whether or not we fully understand it.
Faith Beyond Rationality
No other book or religion claims the same divine preservation and universality as the Quran. While previous scriptures have been altered or lost, the Quran remains untouched. If we believe that Allah exists, that He sent prophets with miracles, and that the Quran is His word, then believing in everything else follows naturally. We don’t need science to prove the Day of Judgment or paradise because our trust in Allah is enough. Rationality brought us to the door of faith, but to walk through it requires submission.
As Allah reminds us:
"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion." (Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:5)
Conclusion
Islam is a balance between reason and submission. Rationality will lead you to the truth of Allah, the Quran, and the prophethood of Muhammad (SAW). But the journey of faith requires trust beyond reason, in the unseen realities that Allah has revealed. The Quran not only guides us in this life but connects us to the eternal purpose: living in submission to the One who created us.
In a world where everything is questioned, Islam gives us certainty. When rationality takes us as far as it can, the heart steps in to trust the One who knows what we do not. This is the essence of faith:
"And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him." (Surah At-Talaq 65:3)
Faith begins where reason ends. And that is where the soul finds true peace.
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