Qur’anic Arguments for One Creator
Abstract
This article examines one hundred verses from the Qur’an that articulate the concept of a single, universal Creator (Allah). Rather than approaching the subject devotionally, the analysis focuses on how the Qur’an presents its theological claims using rational inquiry, empirical observation, and philosophical reasoning. The aim is not to establish religious truth but to understand the Qur’an’s internal argumentation and its relevance to debates on metaphysics, cosmology, and human purpose.
1. Conceptual Framework: Monotheism in the Qur’an
The Qur’an presents monotheism (tawḥīd) not merely as a theological assertion but as a logical necessity. Verses such as Qur’an 2:163 and 16:51 emphasize singularity to avoid contradiction in ultimate authority.
This aligns with classical philosophical arguments suggesting that multiple absolute beings would result in conflict or limitation, undermining absoluteness itself.
2. Cosmological Reasoning: Creation and Causality
A recurring Qur’anic theme concerns the origin of the universe. Verses such as 52:35 pose a trilemma:
- Did the universe emerge from nothing?
- Did it create itself?
- Was it created by an external cause?
The Qur’an dismisses the first two as irrational, implicitly endorsing the third. This reasoning closely resembles the cosmological argument later formalized in philosophical discourse.
3. Order, Design, and Natural Law
The Qur’an frequently appeals to observable regularity in nature (3:190, 67:3). Rather than citing miracles, it directs attention to celestial mechanics, biological life originating from water, and predictable natural cycles.
These are presented as indicators of intentional design rather than randomness, comparable to modern discussions of fine-tuning.
4. Rejection of Anthropomorphism
Unlike many ancient religious systems, the Qur’an explicitly rejects portraying God in human form (42:11, 6:103).
- Non-physical
- Beyond sensory perception
- Not subject to time or fatigue
5. Human Consciousness and Moral Awareness
The Qur’an argues that human consciousness and moral intuition are not accidental by-products (95:4, 32:7). Instead, they are framed as purposeful aspects of human design.
6. Critique of Polytheism and Materialism
Polytheism is critiqued logically (22:73), while materialism is questioned through issues of consciousness, rationality, and meaning beyond survival.
7. Epistemological Approach: Invitation to Inquiry
Repeated phrases such as “Will you not reflect?” and “Will you not use reason?” (2:44, 30:8) indicate an epistemology grounded in observation, rational inference, and self-reflection.
8. Accountability and Eschatology
Moral accountability is presented as a rational extension of moral agency (99:7–8). Ultimate justice, the Qur’an argues, requires evaluation beyond temporal life (21:47).
9. Universality of the Message
The Qur’an positions itself as a continuation of earlier monotheistic traditions (16:36), emphasizing universality, simplicity, and accessibility.
10. Conclusion
From an academic standpoint, the Qur’an presents a coherent philosophical case for a single, non-anthropomorphic Creator using logical causality, empirical observation, and moral reasoning.