Why did Allah create the universe?

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The Qur'an teaches us that Allah is the One who created the heavens and the earth and everything inbetween, Alone. And he created us to worship Him. Allah says in the Qur'an:

I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. [Surah Dhariyat (The Winnowing Winds) 51:56]
 
OK, that makes sense, but could you elaborate on what you mean by 'worship'? I'm guessing it means something different in Islam compared to Christianity?

Also, when it says 'only' does that mean there is no other reason for creating everything?

Yours,
M
 
There are multiple reasons for why Allah has created everything.

Allah SubHanahu wa Ta'ala has created the Heavens and the earth, and whatever is there in between, for the service of mankind, and He created man for His worship.

Allah says:
45:13 And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.

31:20 Do ye not see that Allah has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made his bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are among men those who dispute about Allah, without knowledge and without guidance, and without a Book to enlighten them!

014.032 It is Allah Who hath created the heavens and the earth and sendeth down rain from the skies, and with it bringeth out fruits wherewith to feed you; it is He Who hath made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command; and the rivers (also) hath He made subject to you.
014.033 And He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses; and the night and the day hath he (also) made subject to you.
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Another reason for the creation is, Allah has created all these so that we may reflect on them and try to understand our Creator.
003.190 Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding,-

10:67 He it is That hath made you the night that ye may rest therein, and the day to make things visible (to you). Verily in this are signs for those who listen (to His Message).

13:3 And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the night as a veil o'er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider!
13:4 And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise: watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who understand!

016.010 It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.
016.011 With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought.
016.012 He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for men who are wise.
016.013 And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours (and qualities): verily in this is a sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude).
016.014 It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful.

16:65 And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.
016.066 And verily in cattle (too) will ye find an instructive sign. From what is within their bodies between excretions and blood, We produce, for your drink, milk, pure and agreeable to those who drink it.
016.067 And from the fruit of the date-palm and the vine, ye get out wholesome drink and food: behold, in this also is a sign for those who are wise.
016.068 And thy Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations;
016.069 Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.

030.020 Among His Signs in this, that He created you from dust; and then,- behold, ye are men scattered (far and wide)!
030.021 And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
030.022 And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.
030.023 And among His Signs is the sleep that ye take by night and by day, and the quest that ye (make for livelihood) out of His Bounty: verily in that are signs for those who hearken.
030.024 And among His Signs, He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise.
030.025 And among His Signs is this, that heaven and earth stand by His Command: then when He calls you, by a single call, from the earth, behold, ye (straightway) come forth.
030.026 To Him belongs every being that is in the heavens and on earth: all are devoutly obedient to Him.

45:13 And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.
Click to expand...

Another reason for creation is a Test for mankind.
Allah says:
018.007 That which is on earth we have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them - as to which of them are best in conduct.
Click to expand...

And Allah has created man only for His worship. He says:
51:56 I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.
 
I'm very interested by the first reason you gave, AabiruSabeel, that the world was made to be reflected upon so as to understand Allah. But if Allah is One, that He is indivisible, there is no other like him, does that mean that there is something fundamentally wrong with creation (as creation doesn't seem to be like that)?

Many thanks,
M

AabiruSabeel said:
There are multiple reasons for why Allah has created everything.

Allah SubHanahu wa Ta'ala has created the Heavens and the earth, and whatever is there in between, for the service of mankind, and He created man for His worship.

Allah says:

Another reason for the creation is, Allah has created all these so that we may reflect on them and try to understand our Creator.


Another reason for creation is a Test for mankind.
Allah says:


And Allah has created man only for His worship. He says:
51:56 I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.
Click to expand...
 
Allow me to ask if I may .. what does God being one and indivisible have to do with:
'that there is something fundamentally wrong with creation (as creation doesn't seem to be like that)--
from what premise did you draw that conclusion?
 
The premise is that creation reflects (to some extent) the nature of Allah. It seems to me (feel free to disagree) that creation doesn't reflect the Oneness or indivisibility of Allah.

Sorry for not being clear,
M
 
let me pose you this question though the analogy is extremely simplified, if not actually faulty due to the fact we are making a simile to the creator...

Let's say you wanted to make an apple pie..
you bring your ingredients in God's case Ex Nihilo and you use

2 1/2 cups unbleached, all purpose flour, 1 stick unsalted butter, 6-8 apples, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/4 cup ice water, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, you work it put it in the oven, and out comes a perfect apple pie, perhaps the crust is a bit burnt but perfect nonetheless...
Does that mean that the apple pie resembles your being in anyway? does the fact that it is a little crusty mean that it is an imperfect creation?

I find your question a little odd, but the fact is, I find that to be a common question with most xtians.. why does God have to resemble us in body, or spirit? why is he so dependent and ineffectual?

all the best
 
Gossamer skye said:
let me pose you this question though the analogy is extremely simplified, if not actually faulty due to the fact we are making a simile to the creator...

Let's say you wanted to make an apple pie..
you bring your ingredients in God's case Ex Nihilo and you use

2 1/2 cups unbleached, all purpose flour, 1 stick unsalted butter, 6-8 apples, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/4 cup ice water, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, you work it put it in the oven, and out comes a perfect apple pie, perhaps the crust is a bit burnt but perfect nonetheless...
Does that mean that the apple pie resembles your being in anyway? does the fact that it is a little crusty mean that it is an imperfect creation?

I find your question a little odd, but the fact is, I find that to be a common question with most xtians.. why does God have to resemble us in body, or spirit? why is he so dependent and ineffectual?

all the best
Click to expand...

Indeed your analogy is faulty, as the purpose of a pie is not to give insight as to the nature of the piemaker, but to be eaten! The qur'an says that one of the purposes of the Creation is to be something to be reflected upon so that we can gain a better understanding of the Creator. My question is "how does creation reflect Tawheed?" (not any other question you choose to put in my mouth). I then claim that Creation cannot be perfect if it does not achieve it's purpose.

Yours,
M
 
Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! [021.016 ]
My question is "how does creation reflect Tawheed?"
Click to expand...
Say: Praise be to Allah, and Peace on his servants whom He has chosen (for his Message). (Who) is better?- Allah or the false gods they associate (with Him)?
Or, Who has created the heavens and the earth, and Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yea, with it We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty of delight: it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, they are a people who swerve from justice.
Or, Who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set thereon mountains immovable; and made a separating bar between the two bodies of flowing water? (can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, most of them know not.
Or, Who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that ye heed!
Or, Who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy? (Can there be another) god besides Allah?- High is Allah above what they associate with Him!
Or, Who originates creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Say, "Bring forth your argument, if ye are telling the truth!"
Say: None in the heavens or on earth, except Allah, knows what is hidden: nor can they perceive when they shall be raised up (for Judgment).
Still less can their knowledge comprehend the Hereafter: Nay, they are in doubt and uncertainty thereanent; nay, they are blind thereunto! [27:59-66]

Do you need more?

Say: See ye? If Allah were to make the night perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other than Allah, who can give you enlightenment? Will ye not then hearken?
Say: See ye? If Allah were to make the day perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other than Allah, who can give you a night in which ye can rest? Will ye not then see?
It is out of His Mercy that He has made for you Night and Day,- that ye may rest therein, and that ye may seek of his Grace;- and in order that ye may be grateful. [28:71-73]

More?

It is We Who have created you: why will ye not witness the Truth?
Do ye then see?- The (human Seed) that ye throw out,-
Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?
We have decreed Death to be your common lot, and We are not to be frustrated
from changing your Forms and creating you (again) in (forms) that ye know not.
And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His praises?
See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?
Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?
Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry powder, and ye would be left in wonderment,
(Saying), "We are indeed left with debts (for nothing):
"Indeed are we shut out (of the fruits of our labour)"
See ye the water which ye drink?
Do ye bring it down (in rain) from the cloud or do We?
Were it Our Will, We could make it salt (and unpalatable): then why do ye not give thanks?
See ye the Fire which ye kindle?
Is it ye who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?
We have made it a memorial (of Our handiwork), and an article of comfort and convenience for the denizens of deserts.
Then celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme! [56:57-74]

Another:

And a Sign for them is the Night: We withdraw therefrom the Day, and behold they are plunged in darkness;
And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing.
And the Moon,- We have measured for her mansions (to traverse) till she returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk.
It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law). [36:37-40]


The perfect creation of the heavens and the earth does indeed testify to the Oneness of Creator. Allah says:
If there were therein gods beside Allah, then verily both (the heavens and the earth) had been disordered. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, from all that they ascribe (unto Him). [21:22]

There are many more verses which explain how this creation testifies to its Creator.
Just try to ponder over the verses I copied here, and you will understand inshaAllah.
 
Theists, Why did God create man?

Assuming that God exists and created the universe and man in it, my question is why? What do you think motivated God to do so? What does God get out of it? Only options I can think of are as follows, please add your own.

1. God was bored.

Being the only existing entity forever, maybe God was bored and wanted to be entertained, so he created the universe and us in it.

2. God was lonely.

Maybe God was lonely and created us to have somebody else around and keep him company and to love and be loved by.

3. God was proud.

Maybe God was proud and created us so he would have somebody to worship him.

4. God was maternal.

Maybe God isn't forever and wanted to create us as his offspring, to eventually replace him after he expires.

What other options do you see?
 
mattityahu said:
Indeed your analogy is faulty, as the purpose of a pie is not to give insight as to the nature of the piemaker, but to be eaten! The qur'an says that one of the purposes of the Creation is to be something to be reflected upon so that we can gain a better understanding of the Creator. My question is "how does creation reflect Tawheed?" (not any other question you choose to put in my mouth). I then claim that Creation cannot be perfect if it does not achieve it's purpose.

Yours,
M
Click to expand...

The creation is meant so you'd reflect on creation itself, and wonder whether or not a creator exists. Or creators for that matter. Once you've resolved that issue for yourself and there are many Atheists indeed stuck on whether it all means anything can you go on to reflect on what a multiple God system would do to the universe to a single God...

You know that traditional medicine exists, but how can you differentiate the real thing from Quakery? You obviously need a book!

God's first creation was a Pen, and the first words to have descended in the Quran .. Are:

[FONT=VERDANA,ARIAL, HELVETICA][SIZE=-1][Pickthal 96:1] Read: In the name of thy Lord Who createth,
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=VERDANA,ARIAL, HELVETICA]
Everything is systematic and logical and makes much more sense than a self-immolating God who forsake himself, dies to save mankind his wrath!

all the best
[/FONT]
 
Re: Theists, Why did God create man?

Pygoscelis said:
Assuming that God exists and created the universe and man in it, my question is why? What do you think motivated God to do so? What does God get out of it? Only options I can think of are as follows, please add your own.

1. God was bored.

Being the only existing entity forever, maybe God was bored and wanted to be entertained, so he created the universe and us in it.

2. God was lonely.

Maybe God was lonely and created us to have somebody else around and keep him company and to love and be loved by.

3. God was proud.

Maybe God was proud and created us so he would have somebody to worship him.

4. God was maternal.

Maybe God isn't forever and wanted to create us as his offspring, to eventually replace him after he expires.

What other options do you see?
Click to expand...

I've merged these two threads as they are pretty much asking the same.
 
Gossamer skye said:
The creation is meant so you'd reflect on creation itself, and wonder whether or not a creator exists. Or creators for that matter. Once you've resolved that issue for yourself and there are many Atheists indeed stuck on whether it all means anything can you go on to reflect on what a multiple God system would do to the universe to a single God...

You know that traditional medicine exists, but how can you differentiate the real thing from Quakery? You obviously need a book!

God's first creation was a Pen, and the first words to have descended in the Quran .. Are:

[FONT=VERDANA,ARIAL, HELVETICA][SIZE=-1][Pickthal 96:1] Read: In the name of thy Lord Who createth,
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=VERDANA,ARIAL, HELVETICA]
Everything is systematic and logical and makes much more sense than a self-immolating God who forsake himself, dies to save mankind his wrath!

all the best
[/FONT]
Click to expand...

Seems I have misunderstood this "reflecting Allah's nature" business then. So all I can infer from creation is that a creator exists. I can't know anything else about Him from it, or even if He is the right Creator? Or can I? :S

Yours,
M
 
mattityahu said:
Seems I have misunderstood this "reflecting Allah's nature" business then. So all I can infer from creation is that a creator exists. I can't know anything else about Him from it, or even if He is the right Creator? Or can I? :S

Yours,
M
Click to expand...


I don't know where you got 'reflecting Allah's nature' from?
It is reflecting on Allah's creation!

Do you sit at the end of the day, see the sun set over the water and think to yourself.. definitely a three goded affair?

We are born on the fitrah, and have an innate need to find answers.. the same way Abraham and Muhammad reflected on creation and needed answers, which they found!

all the best
 
God doesn't need to be worship.. if you choose to worship, it is for your own good..
the same reason you work a job to be paid, so you can spend it on a nice vacation with your dog!
you also have a choice to simply be a bum and free load!
 
Gossamer skye said:
God doesn't need to be worship.. if you choose to worship, it is for your own good..
the same reason you work a job to be paid, so you can spend it on a nice vacation with your dog!
you also have a choice to simply be a bum and free load!
Click to expand...

So worship is for us, not for God??

Yours,
M
 

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