❀ Three Theories on the Origin of the Universe — A Critical Review ❀
Written by: Suhrab Naseer
The origin of the universe has long fascinated philosophers and scientists alike. While Islam affirms that Allah is the Creator, various secular theories have been proposed to deny divine existence. This article examines three major theories and evaluates them scientifically, logically, and theologically.
Origin of the Theory:
This concept stems from ancient Greek philosophy, which claimed the universe is eternal and uncreated.
Scientific Rejection:
Modern cosmology, including the Big Bang theory, confirms that the universe had a definite beginning and will eventually end.
Logical Flaws:
– An infinite past is mathematically and logically impossible.
– For example, subtracting 100 from infinity still results in infinity—an outcome incompatible with reality.
– If the universe were infinitely old, it would have used up all its energy by now, and life could not exist.
Islamic View:
The Qur’an asserts that the universe did not exist eternally, but was created by Allah at a specific point in time.
This theory proposes that the universe popped into existence from “nothing,” without any cause.
Scientific Claims:
Some scientists argue that “quantum fluctuations” in a “quantum vacuum” caused the universe to emerge spontaneously.
Flawed Terminology:
– The “quantum vacuum” is described as “nothing,” but it is actually “something”, containing energy, laws, and structure.
– Therefore, calling it “nothing” is misleading.
Philosophical Objections:
– Logic dictates that nothing cannot produce something.
– Example: A wooden table cannot come into existence without wood, tools, or a craftsman.
Islamic Perspective:
Islam acknowledges cause and effect within the universe but affirms that Allah is beyond these laws, as He created them.
Stephen Hawking’s Claim:
In The Grand Design, Hawking stated:
“Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing.”
The Logical Problem:
– Gravity is a force between masses—it presupposes the existence of matter.
– If no matter existed before the universe, gravity could not have existed either.
– This theory assumes that the universe both exists and does not exist at the same time—a clear contradiction.
Islamic Understanding:
Islam teaches that God is the Creator of all laws and matter. He is beyond time, space, and matter—not subject to the creation He initiated.
All three theories attempt to exclude God, but in doing so, they lead to a worldview where:
– Life has no purpose,
– Good and evil are subjective,
– Human existence is a cosmic accident.
Such a view strips life of meaning, leading to existential despair.
Only the belief in a conscious, powerful Creator provides:
✔ Purpose for the universe and humanity,
✔ A framework for good and evil,
✔ A rational explanation for order, complexity, and consciousness.
The Qur'an declares:
﴿اللَّهُ خَالِقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ﴾
"Allah is the Creator of everything."
(Surah Az-Zumar: 62)
Written by: Suhrab Naseer✿ Introduction: The Quest to Explain Creation
The origin of the universe has long fascinated philosophers and scientists alike. While Islam affirms that Allah is the Creator, various secular theories have been proposed to deny divine existence. This article examines three major theories and evaluates them scientifically, logically, and theologically.
❖ ① The Universe Has Always Existed
Origin of the Theory:
This concept stems from ancient Greek philosophy, which claimed the universe is eternal and uncreated.
Scientific Rejection:
Modern cosmology, including the Big Bang theory, confirms that the universe had a definite beginning and will eventually end.
Logical Flaws:
– An infinite past is mathematically and logically impossible.
– For example, subtracting 100 from infinity still results in infinity—an outcome incompatible with reality.
– If the universe were infinitely old, it would have used up all its energy by now, and life could not exist.
Islamic View:
The Qur’an asserts that the universe did not exist eternally, but was created by Allah at a specific point in time.
❖ ② The Universe Came into Being Without a Cause
This theory proposes that the universe popped into existence from “nothing,” without any cause.
Scientific Claims:
Some scientists argue that “quantum fluctuations” in a “quantum vacuum” caused the universe to emerge spontaneously.
Flawed Terminology:
– The “quantum vacuum” is described as “nothing,” but it is actually “something”, containing energy, laws, and structure.
– Therefore, calling it “nothing” is misleading.
Philosophical Objections:
– Logic dictates that nothing cannot produce something.
– Example: A wooden table cannot come into existence without wood, tools, or a craftsman.
Islamic Perspective:
Islam acknowledges cause and effect within the universe but affirms that Allah is beyond these laws, as He created them.
❖ ③ The Universe Created Itself
Stephen Hawking’s Claim:
In The Grand Design, Hawking stated:
“Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing.”
The Logical Problem:
– Gravity is a force between masses—it presupposes the existence of matter.
– If no matter existed before the universe, gravity could not have existed either.
– This theory assumes that the universe both exists and does not exist at the same time—a clear contradiction.
Islamic Understanding:
Islam teaches that God is the Creator of all laws and matter. He is beyond time, space, and matter—not subject to the creation He initiated.
✿ Summary of All Three Theories
| Theory | Scientific Flaws | Logical Flaws | Islamic Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eternal Universe | Contradicted by Big Bang | Infinite past is irrational | Universe has a beginning by divine will |
| Creation Without Cause | Mislabels "quantum vacuum" as "nothing" | Violates cause-effect principle | Allah is the uncaused First Cause |
| Self-Creation | Assumes pre-existing laws | Something cannot create itself | God is the Creator of both laws and matter |
✿ The Crisis of Meaning
All three theories attempt to exclude God, but in doing so, they lead to a worldview where:
– Life has no purpose,
– Good and evil are subjective,
– Human existence is a cosmic accident.
Such a view strips life of meaning, leading to existential despair.
✿ The Islamic Worldview: Meaning, Morality, and Creation
Only the belief in a conscious, powerful Creator provides:
✔ Purpose for the universe and humanity,
✔ A framework for good and evil,
✔ A rational explanation for order, complexity, and consciousness.
The Qur'an declares:﴿اللَّهُ خَالِقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ﴾
"Allah is the Creator of everything."
(Surah Az-Zumar: 62)
