Now we come to the proper subject matter. Anyone who does not believe in God could naturally ask why he should waste time and energy in finding out whether or not there is a God. Therefore, it is vital to answer this question at the very outset.
Let us first understand that there are only two ways of finding out if we need to do something or not. First, we see whether what we need offers us any benefit. If so, we adopt it, otherwise, we abandon it. Second, we consider whether it is something by ignoring which we disadvantage ourselves. If so, we take it on, otherwise we let it go.
Therefore, if it is established that undertaking a task is beneficial for us or that we risk harm in leaving that particular task, then every wise person will conclude that it is not only appropriate but essential to undertake that task. Using the same principle, we can determine the degree of importance of any particular task. That is to say, if we expect great benefit from undertaking a task or risk a great loss by leaving it, it becomes increasingly necessary for us to undertake it.
In view of these two principles, let us answer the question as to whether we need to inquire into the existence of God. If it is proven that God does exist, then: 1) Is there any benefit for us to believe in Him? 2) Do we disadvantage ourselves in any way by denying Him? Now, the answer to these questions would depend on how the question is put before us. If it is presented to us in such a way that it makes little difference to us whether we believe in God or not, then it would merely be a hypothetical question, and everyone, with the exception of those who are interested in such hypothesis would be justified in refusing to go into this research. People would of course want to concentrate upon matters which directly benefit or harm them. For example, if someone were to claim that he had discovered a new star billions of light years from the earth and which did not have the slightest effect on our solar system or on our planet—we would expect none but astronomers to be interested in it. But if someone were to claim that he has discovered a new drug which could rejuvenate the human body, remarkably prolong life to an average of 150-200 years, and delay the effects of old age, and if the man who makes such a claim is no charlatan, then the whole world would be captivated by the idea. Were such a claim to be true it could affect every man’s life significantly.
When we return to the question of God, we find that there are three sources which put the question before us: 1) Human Nature, 2) Reason, 3) Religion.
I shall first of all take up human nature. Everyone who has a mind prone to analysis and whose true nature is not covered by veils of darkness and ignorance, does occasionally feel in his heart of hearts that there is likely to be a God who has created him and who governs this universe. Likewise, if we did not come into this universe by ourselves and if there is someone who has created us, then would there not be a purpose in the mind of the Creator? Though I do not imply that human nature also provides answers to these questions, what is certain is that it does bring them up in our minds and in such a way that we cannot dismiss them as irrelevant. One has the right to investigate and come to the conclusion that there is no God and that this world and all that exists has really come into existence from nothing and is running on its own, but after all these questions no one can deny the right to research this matter.
The same is true of human reason, which, even though it might eventually come to the conclusion that there is no God, poses these questions to us very forcefully. In fact, it presents these questions much more clearly and elaborately than human nature does. It warns us to reflect and consider lest there be a God who has sent us to this world for a particular purpose and lest we should die without knowing Him and being unaware of the purpose of our creation. We must therefore wake up and try to find Him! We have not come to this world merely to eat and drink and fulfil our sensual desires, and to leave behind a progeny that plays the same role in the world as we have done! Let us open our eyes and reflect whether we have come into existence out of nothingness. Is the complex and comprehensive system of your body its own creator? Is the cosmos, with its intelligently organised and balanced system operating throughout its length and breadth, merely a result of chance? If this is not the case, and this system is in fact the manifestation of the great power of a Supreme Being, then is it possible that He has produced this vast universe merely as a toy to please His eyes so that when He has had enough of it, He should destroy it with one stroke of His mighty hand and set about creating a new one?
Is it not likely that there is a purpose for man’s life? Is it not likely that he shall be answerable for his deeds? These are the questions, which arise in every man’s mind. Now, ask yourself honestly, are these questions so irrelevant and meaningless that we should not even bother to think about them? I do not ask you to answer these questions, as their answers can vary according to the investigative prowess of every individual, and no honest researcher can tell beforehand what the outcome of his investigation will be. But one thing I can say for certain: The manner in which these questions come up in our minds demands that we should not waste any time before trying to find out their answers. We should not rest for a moment until our independent and honest investigation has led us to a final conclusion.
In summary, human nature and intellect both present this issue—the existence of God—in such a manner that provokes us undeniably to seek the truth about the existence of God. Is it really irrelevant for us to seek an answer to the question of whether or not we have a Creator? And is it so irrelevant to ask, ‘If someone has created us, who and where is He, and what are His attributes?’ Does it not matter that we learn—if we have a Creator—what is the purpose of our creation and how can we attain it? If these questions are relevant, and certainly they are, then no wise person can refuse to seek their answers.
Last, but not least, this question is also raised by religion. All religions in the world invariably raise the question of God Almighty before us. God and His attributes form the very core of the teachings of every religion and billions of their followers believe their religions to have originated from God and to be based upon the Divine Word which has been revealed throughout the ages and has kept the world illuminated. Though some teachings of these religions have been interpolated and corrupted, they were originally based on Divine Revelation. Hence, religions provide much more detailed, clear, and definite descriptions of the Being of God, than human nature or human reason. In other words, the brief message contained in human nature and reason has been elaborated by revelation. Human nature and reason only hint at the possibility of the existence of God, but religion tells us as a matter of absolute certainty that we do have a God, who is our Creator and Master and who has sent us to this world for a special purpose. The different religions may differ on many of their teachings, but they are in total agreement on the basic points. For example, they agree that the universe has a Creator and Master with complete control over our lives and that He has ordained some purpose for our lives and also taught us the ways and means to achieve it. Religions teach that death is not the end of man’s life, rather there is another life after death in which we shall get a reward for the deeds of our present existence. This unanimous testimony of all religions brings forth the question of Almighty God in such a way that we are compelled to investigate and find answers. If all the above claims made by different religions are true, then being unaware of God is the greatest loss we can possibly suffer in this world, for such ignorance would mean that we have lived our lives in vain. On the other hand, all religions claim that recognition of God and a strong relationship with Him is greater than all the gains which we can possibly acquire in this world. Establishing this relationship means that we have achieved the goal for which we were created, and that we have fulfilled the purpose of our lives. Hence we conclude that the search for God is so important that no sensible person can afford to ignore it for an instant.
After discussing the unanimous testimony of religions, I would like to say something in particular about the teachings of Islam. Islam tells us that we have One God, who is our Creator and Master, and that He has brought us into existence from nothingness and it is He who controls our lives. He wants us to achieve a higher status. He has made all kinds of provisions for our welfare. Islam says that we have One God who is Gracious—i.e. He takes care of all our needs and He provides us with our requirements without our asking or striving for them. Islam says that we have One God who is Merciful—i.e. He produces the best reward for our efforts and does not let them go in vain. Islam says that we have One God who is the ‘Lord of the Day of Judgment’—i.e. He pronounces reward or punishment for our deeds. He warns us of the consequences of following the wrong path, so that we do not become heedless and forget the goal of our life that He has ordained for us. One day we will be held answerable before Him. Islam says that we have One God who is Most Forgiving—when we strive in His path, He forgives our mistakes and shortcomings and protects us from their ill consequences. Islam says that we have One God who is the Acceptor of repentance—i.e. when we feel true remorse for our sins and turn towards the right path with true sincerity and wholeheartedly pledge to get rid of consequences of sins and to do good deeds, God too comes to our help, accepts our repentance and covers our sins with His mercy. Islam says that we have One God who is All-Powerful—i.e. nothing is beyond His power, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem to us. Islam says that we have One God who is All-Hearing—i.e. He hears the call of everyone and there is no voice that does not reach Him. Islam says that we have a God who is All-Knowing—i.e. no deed or thought, whether overt or covert, is beyond the sphere of His knowledge. Islam says that we have One God who is the Helper—i.e. at times of crisis and difficulty, He comes to our aid, provided we have a true relationship with Him. Islam says that we have One God who is Eternal—i.e. He has always been and shall always be; time does not have any effect on Him. Islam says that we have One God who is the Most Majestic—i.e. He is the perfect blend of all that is perfect and all that is good, and He alone is worthy of our adoration. Islam says that we have One God who is very Loving—i.e. He loves those who establish personal communion with Him, and He shows more love and loyalty towards them than any other lover. Islam says that we have One God who Speaks—i.e. He bestows His speech upon those who have established communion with Him. Though He is invisible to our eyes by virtue of being the Most Subtle, He sprinkles the pure water of his loving speech upon those whose hearts are ablaze with the fire of His love, lest it should burn them to ashes. How beautifully the Promised Messiah(as), the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement, has expressed:
But for Your Grace, I would have perished and turned to dust;
God only knows where this dust might then have been discarded.
Dear ones! This is the God presented by Islam. I do not ask you to believe in Him. All I say is that these are the attributes of our God as proclaimed by Islam. Islam goes further and proclaims that we can find this God if we seek and strive for Him. Do you now consider this search and investigation to be useless and irrelevant? If you have a mind that ponders and a sensitive heart, you will never consider this quest futile.
Awake my friends, and strive to find your God! Rush towards the fountain of life. Hasten towards that treasure which will set you free from the shackles of the world. I cannot describe in words what you will attain were you to find Him. Listen to these holy verses of the Promised Messiah(as):
Lord! All might and power belongs to You;
By finding You, we attained fulfilment of all our desires.
Every lover has carved for himself an idol;
But our Beloved alone has captivated our hearts.
He alone is the Comfort of our soul and the Darling of our heart;
He is the One whom we call the Lord of Creation.
He has dawned upon me through His blessings;
Holy is He who has humbled my opponents.
I am bound to that Friend with my very life;
He alone is Paradise and the Ultimate Refuge.
To glorify Him, wherefrom can I seek the power?
A sea of love flows in my heart.
How great is Your Benevolence, O my Guide;
Holy is He who has humbled my opponents.
There is no limit to Your Mercy;
Not a moment is devoid of Your Grace.
There is no counting Your Blessings and Your Mercy;
I no longer have the strength to thank You enough.
How great is Your Beneficence, O my Guide;
Holy is He who has humbled my opponents.
If you try to find your Lord and fail, then your failure itself proves that your life has no purpose because something that has come into existence by accident can have no real purpose. If such were the case, then your existence has been pointless. Would this defeat not be better than all the successes you achieve in your aimless life? But, let me assure you, you will never fail in this search. Set off in this quest, therefore, with sincerity, love and true zeal, and you will soon find the pleasant winds of success welcoming you. Have you not heard these verses of the Promised Messiah(as)?
Who in the world ever besought You,
And returned empty handed, the unfortunate one!
How assured must then he be,
Whose greatest love is You alone.