An Analytical Response to Atheistic Claims about God and Science
Some atheists assert that since science has unveiled many mysteries of the universe, the concept of God has become obsolete and unnecessary. They argue that in ancient times, due to ignorance, humans adopted the idea of God, but now science has answered all the essential questions.
This reasoning may appear modern, but in reality, it is merely a rephrasing of ancient questions in new language. Primitive man asked, "Who created the universe?" Today’s man wonders, "How did such a complex universe and its laws come into existence?" Thus, the fundamental question still stands, and scientific advancement has not eliminated it—rather, it has deepened it.
If someone is shown a complex machine, the immediate question that arises in their mind is, "Who made it?" Now, even if the structure and working mechanism of the machine are explained in detail, the question will still remain: "Who is the creator of this intricate machine?"
Science can inform us about how the universe operates, but the question "Who brought the universe into existence?" lies outside the realm of scientific inquiry.
Some people compare supplication (duʿā) with scientific efforts and claim that science has triumphed while religion has failed. However, this mindset overlooks the spiritual and religious principles that have historically underpinned scientific progress. Supplication is linked to Musabbib al-Asbāb (The Creator of Causes), i.e., Allah, whereas science operates within the domain of causes. There is no conflict between the two—rather, they complement each other.
The Qur'an had already addressed people who ignore the divine system and take pride in their own creations, remaining blind to the truth. The people in the time of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) also challenged divine power, and today’s world exhibits the same mentality in a different guise.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, atheists claimed that this was a defeat for religion, as places of worship were closed and people turned to laboratories. However, this argument is baseless:
✔ Religion has never opposed science or medical treatment.
✔ Numerous devout scientists have made remarkable contributions to the field of science.
✔ Worship did not decrease during COVID-19—rather, supplications increased.
The Islamic perspective maintains that both science and religion serve human welfare. Science sheds light on causes, while religion goes beyond the causes and leads towards Musabbib al-Asbāb — Allah Almighty.
One of the major issues among today’s intellectuals is their tendency to view complex matters in an oversimplified manner. As a result, their analyses fall prey to logical fallacies. The criticism of religion in the context of COVID-19 is one such example of flawed analysis.
No matter how advanced science becomes, it cannot negate the existence of God, because the scope of science is limited—it can only explain how the universe functions, not who created it. Therefore, the concept of God not only endures but is further reinforced by the progress of science.
◈ Science and the Concept of God: An Analysis of Atheistic Claims
Some atheists assert that since science has unveiled many mysteries of the universe, the concept of God has become obsolete and unnecessary. They argue that in ancient times, due to ignorance, humans adopted the idea of God, but now science has answered all the essential questions.
◈ The Fundamental Question Still Remains
This reasoning may appear modern, but in reality, it is merely a rephrasing of ancient questions in new language. Primitive man asked, "Who created the universe?" Today’s man wonders, "How did such a complex universe and its laws come into existence?" Thus, the fundamental question still stands, and scientific advancement has not eliminated it—rather, it has deepened it.
◈ The Analogy of a Machine
If someone is shown a complex machine, the immediate question that arises in their mind is, "Who made it?" Now, even if the structure and working mechanism of the machine are explained in detail, the question will still remain: "Who is the creator of this intricate machine?"
Science can inform us about how the universe operates, but the question "Who brought the universe into existence?" lies outside the realm of scientific inquiry.
◈ Supplication and Scientific Measures
Some people compare supplication (duʿā) with scientific efforts and claim that science has triumphed while religion has failed. However, this mindset overlooks the spiritual and religious principles that have historically underpinned scientific progress. Supplication is linked to Musabbib al-Asbāb (The Creator of Causes), i.e., Allah, whereas science operates within the domain of causes. There is no conflict between the two—rather, they complement each other.
◈ The Qur’anic Perspective
The Qur'an had already addressed people who ignore the divine system and take pride in their own creations, remaining blind to the truth. The people in the time of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) also challenged divine power, and today’s world exhibits the same mentality in a different guise.
◈ COVID-19 and Atheism
During the COVID-19 pandemic, atheists claimed that this was a defeat for religion, as places of worship were closed and people turned to laboratories. However, this argument is baseless:
✔ Religion has never opposed science or medical treatment.
✔ Numerous devout scientists have made remarkable contributions to the field of science.
✔ Worship did not decrease during COVID-19—rather, supplications increased.
◈ Integration of Religion and Science
The Islamic perspective maintains that both science and religion serve human welfare. Science sheds light on causes, while religion goes beyond the causes and leads towards Musabbib al-Asbāb — Allah Almighty.
◈ Consequences of Oversimplified Thinking
One of the major issues among today’s intellectuals is their tendency to view complex matters in an oversimplified manner. As a result, their analyses fall prey to logical fallacies. The criticism of religion in the context of COVID-19 is one such example of flawed analysis.
❀ Conclusion ❀
No matter how advanced science becomes, it cannot negate the existence of God, because the scope of science is limited—it can only explain how the universe functions, not who created it. Therefore, the concept of God not only endures but is further reinforced by the progress of science.
