Author: Mohajer Azizi
Scientology; Its Origins and Beliefs (Part Seven)
Introduction
In the previous sections, we became familiar with the history and founder of Scientology and also examined Dianetics and its claims regarding mental health. From the Islamic perspective, true spiritual and psychological well-being is only possible through faith in Allah and adherence to divine guidance; therefore, methods such as Dianetics cannot replace it.
In this section, we intend to discuss the core beliefs and doctrines of Scientology and compare them with the authentic teachings of Islam. This comparison will help us better understand why Islam is a complete religion and how it provides a firm and unwavering response to human-made belief systems.
Beliefs and Concepts of Scientology and a Critical Review
Examining and analyzing the beliefs of religions and sects is one of the central areas of research. Such analysis holds great importance because it helps individuals and society recognize harmful and misguided beliefs and remain protected from their influence. A critical study of false religions and sects strengthens the Muslim’s conviction, helps consolidate faith, raises awareness regarding superstition and shirk found in deviant ideologies, and empowers one to reject them by comparing them with Islam.
When the study of religious beliefs is conducted fairly and based on authentic primary sources, it conveys real facts to the audience and protects them from misunderstandings or distortions caused by hearsay or biased sources.
Therefore, in this section, we aim to examine the essential doctrines of Scientology and, through comparison with Islam, present a critique and refutation of its claims.
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Tawhid and the Existence of Allah
The oneness and existence of the Almighty is an undeniable and established reality, confirmed by human nature, intellect, and insight. Knowledge, revelation, history, and the wonders of nature introduce this truth to us. Human reason also dictates that every effect requires a cause, and every creation requires a creator; nothing can come into existence without one. If a house is built, there must be a builder; if even a small object is produced, there must be a manufacturer. If this is the case, then how can this vast universe — the orderly rotation of planets, the alternation of night and day, snowfall, rainfall, and seasonal changes — exist without a wise and powerful Creator?
Every leaf on the green trees, to the mindful eye,
Is a page filled with knowledge of the Creator.
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The Concept of God in Scientology
Scientology has no clear stance on the existence of God; it neither affirms nor denies God but leaves the matter to personal experience.
The Church of Scientology does not provide any teaching regarding the existence of God as understood in Abrahamic faiths. Instead, its focus is on understanding spiritual nature, discovering inner potential, and cleansing the mind and spirit. When a person joins Scientology, they are taught methods of mental purification and achieving psychological comfort — but not belief in God or prophethood. Scientology shows indifference toward the God of the universe and does not acknowledge His existence, similar to materialists and atheists.
Hubbard, after reviewing various religions, concluded that successful global belief systems had some sort of connection with God. Therefore, he considered introducing the idea of a supreme being into Scientology. However, he stated that a Scientologist is free to reach any conclusion about God after a certain period or level. Clearly, Scientology is a product of Hubbard’s imagination, influenced by his background as a writer of science-fiction. The belief system he created has no real connection with the Creator of the universe and offers no proof for Him. Even the so-called “supreme being” mentioned in Scientology is undefined, and followers are free to interpret it however they wish.
Therefore, Scientology cannot be regarded as a theistic religion; rather, it is a materialistic, deviant system founded for commercial and personal gain.
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Tawhid and the Existence of Allah in Islam
Tawhid and belief in the One, unique God is among the foundational pillars of Islam. Success in this world and the Hereafter completely depends on affirming Tawhid. Denying the existence of the Almighty leads to misery in both worlds.
Islam teaches that salvation and prosperity are attained only through Tawhid. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called people by saying.
«قولوا لا إله إلا الله تفلحوا» Translation: Say: There is no god but Allah, and you will attain success.
Tawhid is the ultimate requirement for entering Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: «من کان آخر کلامه لا إله إلا الله دخل الجنة» Translation: Whoever’s last words are “There is no god but Allah” will enter Paradise.
Tawhid is the essence of spiritual life. Life without faith in the One God is meaningless and deprived of true joy. A person who does not believe in God is spiritually dead; therefore, Allah describes disbelievers as dead due to their rejection of Tawhid: «لینذر من کان حیا ویحق القول علی الکافرین» Translation: So that he may warn whoever is truly alive, and that the decree may be fulfilled against the disbelievers. (Surah Yasin 70)
The existence of God is a firmly established truth accepted by sound intellect and natural human disposition. However, atheists — and Scientologists — deny God by relying solely on human-made concepts and by claiming independence from a Creator.
Most atheists, according to philosophical reasoning, admit that there must be a starting point for the universe; however, because God is beyond physical perception and cannot be seen or touched, they deny His existence and instead claim that matter or nature is the creator.
Scientologists differ slightly from materialists; they claim that in the beginning, “thetans” — eternal spiritual beings — existed and created the material universe using mental power. Thus, while materialists attribute creation to nature, Scientologists attribute it to spirits. Both deny the existence of the One, Eternal Creator.
However, the inability to fully perceive something does not negate its existence. Many realities are not visible or tangible, such as gravity and electricity, but their effects prove them beyond doubt. Likewise, although God cannot be directly seen, sound reason, pure human nature, divine revelation, the natural world, and the existence of humanity itself serve as clear signs pointing to the Eternal Creator.
Continues…
Previous Part
References:
[1]. Scientology–Dianetics, p. 49.
[2]. Musnad Ahmad, vol. 25, p. 405.
[3]. Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim, vol. 1, p. 503.
[4]. Yaseen, 70.
[5]. Abdul Ghafoor Barshan, Islam and Contemporary Rationality, p. 51.
[6]. Ibid., p. 52.
