Atheism, Objections to God’s Existence, and Emotional Foundations
Written by: Muʿzzammil Shaykh Bismil
The General Attitude of Atheists: Reason or Emotion?
A large number of atheists consist of individuals who neither comprehend philosophical depth nor grasp logical nuances. Yet, they completely reject discussions on intelligent design and the existence of God. When it is explained to them that the astonishing order of the universe, its elegant systems, and the complex mechanisms of living beings clearly point to the existence of a Creator, they immediately raise the objection:
◄ “If God created everything, then who created God?”
The Definition of God and the Beginning of the Universe
When it is clarified that the very definition of God implies that He is uncreated and eternally existent, atheists respond with:
◄ “If God can be eternal, then why can’t the universe be self-existent?”
At this point, it is necessary to remind them of the scientific consensus that the universe did not always exist, but rather came into being at a specific moment. However, most imitation-based atheists are unwilling to listen and instead resort to mockery of religion and Prophets, or raise emotionally charged objections such as:
◄ “If God exists, then why is there so much injustice in the world? Why are innocent girls assaulted? Why do people starve?”
Morality Without Religion?
Though religion has consistently responded to such objections, atheists often refuse to accept the answers. The real question is:
If atheists do not believe in religion, then on what basis do they claim something to be morally wrong?
Without divine revelation, terms like “right” and “wrong” become meaningless, subjective preferences.
Injustice and Free Will
Atheists often struggle to understand the concept that God has granted human beings free will to either follow or violate moral principles. This freedom is a part of their test, and the reward or punishment for every deed is recorded and reserved with Allah ﷻ. The Qur’ān states:
"And if Allah were to seize people for their wrongdoing, not a creature would remain upon it; but He gives them respite until an appointed time."
(Sūrah al-Naḥl: 61)
The Difference Between Divine Will and Divine Pleasure
Allah’s pleasure lies in humans choosing the path of righteousness, but His will allows them the freedom to choose, as a part of the test.
If every sin were to be stopped instantly, the very purpose of trial would be lost.
Example:
If a person deliberately chooses to jump into a puddle of mud on the road, and then cries out, “Why didn’t God save me?”—the appropriate response would be to move on in silence, rather than lament with him.
The Moral Role of Religion and the Atheist’s Dilemma
A believer knows that every hardship has a reward in the Hereafter. Atheists, however, lack any satisfying answer to such challenges.
They label injustice as “wrong,” yet have no objective basis to define that wrong.
If someone’s dignity is violated in this world, atheists should reflect on what gives them the moral right to call it “wrong.”
After all, calling fornication sinful is a function of religion, not secularism.
Conclusion
The majority of atheists deny the existence of God based more on emotion than logic.They possess no strong rational foundation for God’s nonexistence. Their objections often stem from disappointment, emotional distress, and resentment toward religion, rather than from sound logical reasoning.
