Author: M. Asem Ismail Zahi
Atheism (Part 7)
Scholars and Researchers in Search of God
Besides the innate inclination toward God that exists in human nature, the existence of God is so clear and evident that any person who reflects, even in an ordinary manner, will acknowledge His existence and power. Scholars whose intellects are refined and adorned with research and scientific observation have affirmed this truth even more strongly.
After reviewing the works and scientific theories of many scholars and inventors, it becomes clear that the majority of them have acknowledged God and praised Him, admitting His unlimited power.
Some people interpret the explanation of causes and reasons for changes in the universe by scientists as a sign of atheism. However, it should be understood that presenting causes for natural changes does not imply denial of God, because it is the method of God that these changes occur through causes and effects.
Moreover, the motive behind denial of God by a few scientists may stem from the distorted image of God presented by narrow-minded and misguided Christian and Jewish scholars. The Catholic Church, for example, famously opposed scientific discoveries and condemned theories simply because they were not mentioned in church texts, considering them contrary to God’s will.
As is well-known, the Church even sentenced a scientist who supported the heliocentric model of the solar system to imprisonment. [1]
In contrast, Muslim scholars not only accepted these ideas but were among the first to advocate the Earth’s rotation around the Sun and to lay the foundations of modern astronomy. [2] It is natural that a God who suppresses research and scientific truths, as portrayed by the Church, would be despised; yet the God we discuss is one who invites all to contemplate creation and the order of the universe, granting insight to those who seek knowledge. Therefore, He is not worthy of denial or hatred but of faith, worship, and servitude.
Many biologists and researchers have recognized a higher and stronger force beyond matter, one that has the power to create and transform, calling it eternal and attributing perfect qualities to it. This, in essence, is an acknowledgment of God’s existence, though some refer to this force as “nature” or “time” instead of “God.” Thus, the disagreement of such scientists with Muslims is only about terminology, not about the existence of a higher, powerful being. Nevertheless, the number of God-believing scientists far exceeds the atheists. [3]
John Clover Monsma, a Christian philosopher and teacher, collected thirty research articles from thirty prominent scientists who wrote about the existence of God as the Creator of the universe: all acknowledged God’s existence and greatness in their studies. [4]
Andrew Conaway Ife, a well-known scientist and biologist and head of the Chicago Medical University, says:
“I do not believe that most scientists are atheists or deny God; rather, in my research and discussions, I have found most researchers to be non-atheists. However, people often misunderstand or misrepresent the statements of scientists. Denying God or equating matter with God contradicts the thinking, practice, and life of a scientist, for a scientist follows the principle that existence cannot occur without a Creator.” [5]
“Van Braun,” one of the greatest American space scientists, in an interview said: “Listen carefully. I have met many scientists worldwide and know many of them, but I have never encountered a true scientist capable of explaining nature without invoking God.” [6]
Edmund Carl Kornfeld says: “The more I work and experiment in my laboratory, the firmer my faith becomes. Observing the intricate cellular interactions makes me wonder how some atheist colleagues worldwide refuse to acknowledge God despite so much evident proof.” [7]
Sir James Jeans, a notable British scientist, admits: “Our modern minds often prefer material interpretations of reality out of bias.” [8]
William James, the American philosopher, says: “It is appropriate for a thoughtful person to believe in God. Even if scientific proofs are insufficient, human feelings and emotions lean toward believing in God. In any case, believing in God is better than not believing, because if God truly exists, one gains salvation; if not, belief does no harm.” [9]
Professor Edwin C. Tuklin states: “Claiming that life is the result of chance and that God does not exist is like claiming that the construction of a large machine, like an airplane, resulted from an accidental explosion in a factory.” [10]
Morse Mitreling, a Western scientist and genius, says: “It is impossible for humanity not to believe in God, and I am astonished by some Church leaders claiming that Mitreling is an atheist.” [11]
George Herbert Blount, a professor of physics and geometry in California, says: “I believe in God, and I entrust myself to Him. Belief in God is not merely a philosophical matter for me; it is of utmost significance and a guiding principle in my daily life.” [12]
It is noteworthy that over the past few centuries, as a result of discoveries and inventions, the majority of specialized scientists in physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, geology, and astronomy have publicly declared firm faith in God and His infinite power. The demonstrations of the argument from design and guidance have inspired thousands of experts, researchers, and inventors worldwide to affirm belief in God.
Do not rely on capitalists or travelers’ superficial reports of industrial countries, which often misrepresent scientific belief; instead, study the facts directly from European scientists. For instance, the book “Two Thousand Scientists in Search of the Great God” by Professor Raymond Ravie documents thousands of scholars in various scientific fields acknowledging God after observing the order and lawfulness in creation. [13]
Dr. Dienert, a German researcher, analyzed scientists over the last four centuries and found that out of 290 notable scientists worldwide, only 20 were indifferent or opposed to belief in God; even if these 20 are counted as opponents, 92% of scientists in the last four centuries recognized and worshiped God. [14]
Thus, it is incorrect to assume that scientific progress or enlightenment requires denial of God. Faith does not hinder learning; in fact, pursuing knowledge is considered a path of God (sabil Allah) in Islam. Historically, many pioneering scientists were Muslims whose works were translated into Latin, English, Spanish, and Italian, providing Europe with the intellectual heritage of Muslim scholars. [15]
George Sarton, the father of the history of science, states: “The most valuable, innovative, and fruitful scientific works were written in Arabic. From the latter half of the 8th century to the end of the 11th century, Arabic was the scientific language and forefront of humanity. Anyone who wished to acquire modern knowledge learned Arabic.” [16]
Continues…
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References:
Ahmadiyan, Abdullah, Analytical History of Ahl al-Sunnah Kalam, p. 103, Tehran, 1400 AH
- Bazi, Sheikh Musa, Al-Nujoom al-Nashti, p. 21, Pakistan, 1420 AH
- Ahmadiyan, p. 103
- Nokhbat al-‘Ulama’ al-Amrikiyin, John Clover Monsma, p. 73, Damascus, 1434 AH
- , p. 77
- Mitreling, Morse, God and Existence, p. 34, Iran, 1389 AH
- Sarton, George, Introduction to the History of Science, p. 331, Tehran, 1389 AH
- Midani, Abdulrahman Hassan, Discoverers of Life in Contemporary Thought, p. 189, Damascus, 1412 AH
- Ahmadiyan, Abdullah, Modern Kalam, p. 87, Tehran, 1391 AH
- Mitreling, p. 22
- Howi, Saeed, The Book “Allah”, p. 342, Tehran, 1388 AH
- Barshan, Abdulghafour, Islam and Contemporary Rationality, p. 366, Zahedan, 1399 AH
- Ahmadiyan, Abdullah, Analytical History of Ahl al-Sunnah Kalam, p. 281
- Rezaei, Abdulalim, History of World Religions: Existence of God, p. 92, Tehran, 1389 AH
- Sarton, George, Introduction to the History of Science, vol. 1, p. 41, Tehran, 1389 AH
