God’s Hidden Essence: A Test of Faith and the Testimony of the Universe❖ Scientific and Philosophical Arguments for God's Existence
Despite the presence of scientific and philosophical arguments supporting the existence of God, some individuals still raise the question: If God truly exists, why can we not see Him? Why does He not manifest His presence clearly—for instance, by writing in large letters in the sky: “I am God”?
This article examines the matter from multiple perspectives.
❖ The Limits of Human Capacity to Perceive God
Roy A. Varghese, in his book “The Wonder of the World: A Journey from Modern Science to the Mind of God”, writes:
"Once you understand what the concept of God truly is, it becomes evident that an infinite being cannot be seen physically.
To perceive anything visually, it must have a shape, size, and color, and light must reflect off it to reach our eyes.
However, such characteristics are not found in an infinite being.
Even if a message appeared in the sky saying ‘I am God,’ it would still be impossible to prove that it was authored by God.”
❖ Why Man Cannot Bear to See God
Human beings do not possess the capability to behold the infinite essence of God. The Qur’an states:
﴿لَا تُدْرِکُہُ الْاَبْصَارُ وَ ھُوَ یُدْرِکُ الْاَبْصَارَ﴾
(Surah Al-An'am: 103)
Translation: "Eyes cannot grasp Him, but He grasps all eyes."
Similarly, the incident involving Prophet Musa (Moses) عليه السلام demonstrates that humans are incapable of bearing the sight of God in this world.
Even the sun cannot be looked at from just a few feet away—how then can one bear to see the Creator of the sun?
❖ The Wisdom Behind God's Hidden Presence: A Test of Faith
God created this world as a test.
If He were to make His essence clearly visible to all, the very concept of trial and examination would become meaningless.
Allah has spread His signs throughout the universe and within human beings and has conveyed His message through the Prophets.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The seven heavens, in comparison to Allah’s Kursi (Throne), are like seven silver coins placed in a large shield."
(Tafsir al-Tabari, 3/77)
God giving man complete freedom of choice and keeping His presence in the background serves the purpose of preserving man's free will in choosing belief or disbelief.
❖ Signs of God’s Existence: The Testimony of the Universe and Beauty
Dean Overman, in his book “A Case for the Existence of God”, writes that beauty in fact points toward the truth of God.
Physicists Paul Dirac and Richard Feynman assert that mathematical truth can be recognized through beauty, because beauty indicates reality.
✿ The Beauty of the Universe
This universe is like a magnificent work of art—shaped with deep care, love, and precision.
Had it been the result of mere chance, why would it exhibit such order and aesthetic harmony?
This beauty points toward an infinite reality, as the famous philosopher Plato stated that beauty leads us toward a higher truth.
❖ The Atheist Perspective and Its Inherent Flaws
Atheists claim that human beings are nothing more than survival machines, and the only goal of life is to propagate their species.
But this claim raises significant questions:
① What role does the ability to enjoy music or the beauty of nature play in the struggle for survival?
② Did the ability to admire sunsets help humans evade predators?
③ Why would the ability to grasp the complexities of the universe, mathematics, and physics be necessary for biological survival?
According to C.S. Lewis, atheists, unable to answer such questions, are forced to willfully remain blind.
❖ Conclusion
God keeps His essence hidden in this world to preserve man's freedom in choosing faith or denial.
He has made His signs apparent through the universe, human nature, and the teachings of the Prophets.
The beauty, order, and depth of the cosmos all bear testimony that this creation is the handiwork of an infinite, wise, and perfect Creator.
