(Das Dalail Hasti Bari Ta‘ala) before being reproduced in Volume I of Anwar-ul-‘Uloom.The quest to find the truth about the existence of God is one of the most fundamental endeavours of human history and the foundation from which other essential questions about life can be examined. Where did we come from? Why are we here? Do our lives have a purpose? What happens to us after we die?
Ever since this search began, oceans of ink have been written on the subject and no less blood has been spilled in seeking answers to the question of whether God exists. From the primitive belief systems of our early ancestors to the sophisticated religions of the contemporary world by way of the philosophical inquiries of figures like Thomas Aquinas, the pursuit of a supreme, perfect and transcendent being continues to this day.
In Ten Proofs for the Existence of God, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad(ra) turns to one of atheisms most basic premises—if God exists why cannot we see Him—to undertake his own exploration of this question.
For this, Huzoor begins by demonstrating through reason and logic that sight alone is not the ultimate arbiter of truth, rather human beings are able to determine objects, concepts and information by the other five senses and also through such things as intelligence and intuition.
After demonstrating the falsity of this assertion, Huzoor then turns to the verses of the Holy Qur’an to posit ten arguments in support of the belief in the existence of God. Some of the proofs he offers are similar in nature and content to the established arguments that theists have used for centuries. For example, the intricate complexity of our universe and the idea that something as well-ordered, functional and beautiful must be seen as irrefutable evidence of a creator. Outside of these more traditional arguments, Huzoor also uses other proofs from the Holy Qur’an, primarily the promise of divine support for all messengers and prophets as well as the truth and fulfilment of revelation to show that God exists. Bold, compelling and extensive Ten Proofs for the Existence of God is a thought-provoking read which will cause the reader to once again ponder over this most important of questions.
This essay was originally published in March 1913 in the magazine Tashheez-ul-Azhan under the title (Das Dalail Hasti Bari Ta‘ala) before being reproduced in Volume I of Anwar-ul-‘Uloom.