The Testimony of Reason
Once some determinists [those who believe that man alone determines his actions and deny the predetermination by Allah] asked Imam Abu Haneefah (Rahimahullah) to produce any proof for the existence of Allah. Welcoming them he said that I’m myself pondering over a complicated matter and trying to solve it. In fact, I have received information about a ship laden, with goods and commodities, which is sailing through the sea, without a captain or caretaker and it is taking its own course through the waves. What do you think about it? They replied that it does not tally with reason. The Imam said that if your reason cannot accept such a small thing, then how can it be believed that how can such a big system of the world be carried out, without a creator and guardian. On this, they wept and affirmed the truth of his view and became true Muslims after expiation.
Likewise, once a Bedouin was asked about the existence of Allah. He replied in his straightforward style, that if such a minor thing as the excreta of an animal can be a proof for the existence of an animal and if its footprints can lead to the existence of a walker then why cannot this earth full of so many creatures and the sea with roaring waves be a proof of their maker and creator? It’s a Muslim’s belief that this universe has been created by an omniscient God. Once a Companion of the Messenger of Allah heard some verses of the Quran and was greatly moved. Those verses were:
أَمْ خُلِقُوا مِنْ غَيْرِ شَيْءٍ أَمْ هُمْ الْخَالِقُونَ (35) أَمْ خَلَقُوا السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ بَل لا يُوقِنُونَ (36) (الطور:35 – 36)
(Translation of meaning) [Or were they created out of naught? Or are they the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they are sure of nothing! (Al-Tur: 35-36)].
