✿ Misconception: Belief in the Unseen and Blind Faith
A common misunderstanding in our society is that scientific knowledge only accepts empirical belief (i.e., belief based on observation), while belief in God requires belief in the unseen (Iman bil Ghayb), which many mistakenly equate with blind faith. This misconception weakens faith in God, as people question how to believe in something that cannot be perceived by the five senses.
✿ Does Science Rely Solely on Observation?
The claim that science only accepts what can be observed and experimented upon is not accurate. Modern science has discovered several fundamental truths that are essentially based on belief in the unseen. For instance:
① Law of Gravitation: This law itself is unobservable, yet its effects are so evident that it cannot be denied.
② Energy: Energy cannot be seen or touched, but its effects are present everywhere.
③ Quantum Physics and Wave Mechanics: In modern science, particles like electrons and protons cannot be directly observed, but their existence is accepted based on their effects.
✿ Correct Understanding of Belief in the Unseen
Iman bil Ghayb (belief in the unseen) does not mean blind faith; rather, it is reasoned belief without direct observation. This is the same logic upon which many scientific theories are built. According to modern scientific principles, accepting something without direct observation is valid as long as its effects are clear and observable.
✿ Religion, Science, and Reasoning: A Comparative Perspective
✔ Positivism and Religious Concepts
Western philosophy’s positivist approach asserts that only those things are real which can be observed or experienced. Since many religious concepts—like Heaven, Hell, and God—are beyond observation, positivists reject them. This mindset historically paved the way for denying the existence of God as unsubstantiated and unacceptable.
✔ Science and Belief in the Unseen
In the 20th century, science accepted that there are many realities that cannot be seen directly, but are still accepted based on their observable effects.
Example: The effects of the electron can be seen in magnetic fields and electricity, even though no one has ever directly seen an electron.
✿ Reasoning for God's Existence in Light of Scientific Principles
The order and coherence of the universe prove that there must be a Creator. Just as scientific theories are accepted based on indirect effects, belief in the existence of God is also in accordance with scientific logic.
✿ The Question of God's Existence in Modern Science
✔ Direct and Indirect Reasoning
In science, there are two types of observation:
① Primary Rationalism: Belief through direct observation or experimentation.
② Secondary Rationalism: Belief based on observable effects.
Modern science has accepted many realities based on indirect reasoning, such as:
◈ Electron: Only its effects are observed.
◈ Big Bang: It cannot be directly observed, but its effects are visible.
◈ Quarks and Parallel Universes: These are mere theories, yet are accepted based on scientific reasoning.
✿ Belief in God: Based on Indirect Reasoning
Belief in God is also based on this indirect reasoning. The Qur’an repeatedly refers to this:
"إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ…"
"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day..."
(Al-Baqarah: 164)
All these observations are signs of God's existence for those who reflect. The arrangement of the universe, the creation of mankind, and the phenomena of nature are all clear proofs of God's power.
✿ The Order of the Universe: A Rational Argument
✔ Fine Tuning and the Qur’an
The intricate order and connection within the universe are termed as Fine Tuning by scientists. Renowned scientist Paul Davies stated:
"The cliché that ‘life is balanced on a knife-edge’ is a staggering understatement…"
This universe cannot be a product of mere chance. The Qur’an also presents this order as a sign of God:
"وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ دَائِبَيْنِ…"
"And He has subjected for you the sun and the moon, continuously moving..."
(Ibrahim: 33)
✿ The Beginning and End of the Universe
The Qur’an clearly addresses the beginning and end of the universe:
"اقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَانشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ"
"The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has split."
(Al-Qamar: 1)
Modern science also affirms the Big Bang theory and the eventual end of the universe, which corroborates the Qur’anic narrative.
✿ Objection by Opponents and Its Response
Those who object to the existence of God ignore the foundational principles of science. If they demand to see God directly, then they must first provide direct evidence for scientific theories like the electron, Big Bang, and evolution. If they accept these based on indirect reasoning, then objecting to the existence of God holds no ground.
✿ Conclusion: Harmonious Evidence for God and Science
According to the principles of modern science, the concept of God's existence is not unscientific. This universe, its order, and the natural phenomena all testify to the power of God. Having faith in God is completely aligned with scientific logic, for this universe and life cannot be purposeless.
