Written by: Muzammil Sheikh Bismil
The question, “If everything has a cause, then what is the cause of God?”, or “If everything is created, then who created God?” may appear logical on the surface, but it is inherently fallacious. This question is based on the false assumption that God is part of the same cosmic system as everything else and thus subject to the same principles that govern creation. In reality, God is the Creator of the universe, and His essence is beyond the creation.
First and foremost, the principles of the universe — such as cause and effect — only apply within the created, material world.
God, being the Creator of this universe, is not bound by these principles. These laws operate only within the realm of the universe that He Himself created. Since God is beyond the universe, the law of cause and effect does not apply to Him.
Example:
Consider an artist who paints a picture. The laws of proportion and color within the painting do not apply to the artist himself — he is independent of them. Similarly, God created the laws that govern the universe, but He Himself is not governed by them.
The law of cause and effect governs all things within the universe, where everything comes into existence through a cause. However, this law came into existence along with the universe.
God, who created the universe, also originated the law of cause and effect.
Thus, it is illogical to assume that the Creator of the law is subject to it.
Example of Mitochondrial Eve:
Just as the concept of "mother" and "child" came into existence only after the birth of the first child, similarly, cause and effect began with creation, and thus cannot apply to the Creator.
According to Islamic belief, God is eternal and everlasting — He has no beginning and no end.
Therefore, He has no cause and no creator. He is the originator of everything, and with Him begins the concept of cause and effect.
The law of cause and effect operates only within the boundaries of the universe and its creations.
When we speak of realities beyond this realm, such as the Essence of God, this law becomes inadequate.
God is the One who gave existence to the world and governs everything with His laws — hence, asking for a “cause” of God becomes meaningless, because He is not subject to His own creation.
Philosophy also acknowledges the concept of a "First Cause" or "Uncaused Cause" — something that initiates everything but itself has no origin.
God is referred to as the "First Mover" or "Cause of all causes" — the One who is the foundation of everything, yet Himself is uncaused and self-existent.
❶ God transcends His creation and is not subject to material laws, such as cause and effect.
❷ The concept of causality began with creation, initiated by God.
❸ God is eternal and self-existent — He has no cause.
❹ The law of causality applies to the universe, not to God.
❺ Both philosophy and Islam affirm that God is the uncaused cause — the One from whom all existence originates.
❖ The Cause of God: A Misleading Question
The question, “If everything has a cause, then what is the cause of God?”, or “If everything is created, then who created God?” may appear logical on the surface, but it is inherently fallacious. This question is based on the false assumption that God is part of the same cosmic system as everything else and thus subject to the same principles that govern creation. In reality, God is the Creator of the universe, and His essence is beyond the creation.
❖ Applying the Laws of the Universe to God
First and foremost, the principles of the universe — such as cause and effect — only apply within the created, material world.
God, being the Creator of this universe, is not bound by these principles. These laws operate only within the realm of the universe that He Himself created. Since God is beyond the universe, the law of cause and effect does not apply to Him.
Example:
Consider an artist who paints a picture. The laws of proportion and color within the painting do not apply to the artist himself — he is independent of them. Similarly, God created the laws that govern the universe, but He Himself is not governed by them.
❖ The Beginning of Cause and Effect and Its Inapplicability to God
The law of cause and effect governs all things within the universe, where everything comes into existence through a cause. However, this law came into existence along with the universe.
God, who created the universe, also originated the law of cause and effect.
Thus, it is illogical to assume that the Creator of the law is subject to it.
Example of Mitochondrial Eve:
Just as the concept of "mother" and "child" came into existence only after the birth of the first child, similarly, cause and effect began with creation, and thus cannot apply to the Creator.
❖ God is Eternal and Everlasting
According to Islamic belief, God is eternal and everlasting — He has no beginning and no end.
Therefore, He has no cause and no creator. He is the originator of everything, and with Him begins the concept of cause and effect.
❖ The Limits of Cause and Effect
The law of cause and effect operates only within the boundaries of the universe and its creations.
When we speak of realities beyond this realm, such as the Essence of God, this law becomes inadequate.
God is the One who gave existence to the world and governs everything with His laws — hence, asking for a “cause” of God becomes meaningless, because He is not subject to His own creation.
❖ Philosophical Reasoning
Philosophy also acknowledges the concept of a "First Cause" or "Uncaused Cause" — something that initiates everything but itself has no origin.
God is referred to as the "First Mover" or "Cause of all causes" — the One who is the foundation of everything, yet Himself is uncaused and self-existent.
✿ Summary
❶ God transcends His creation and is not subject to material laws, such as cause and effect.
❷ The concept of causality began with creation, initiated by God.
❸ God is eternal and self-existent — He has no cause.
❹ The law of causality applies to the universe, not to God.
❺ Both philosophy and Islam affirm that God is the uncaused cause — the One from whom all existence originates.
