Divine Attributes of Perfection: A Deep Reading into the Implications of the Proofs of God's Existence - Part One -

Introduction

In our previous series of articles, we discussed in detail the strong proofs of the existence of God Almighty. We reviewed the proof of creation and origination, the proof of perfection, and its contemporary branches, such as the fine-tuning argument and the design argument. We also discussed the proof of subjugation, the proof of guidance, the proof of answered prayers, and the indication of miracles to the existence of God. But this evidence does not stop at proving the existence of God; it opens a window for us to learn about the attributes of the Great Creator. In this article, we will delve into the implications of this evidence for the divine attributes. We will discover together how each of these proofs indicates that God possesses the attributes of perfection, which increases our knowledge of God and our glorification of Him. This journey in exploring the divine attributes is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a way for a deeper understanding of our relationship with our Creator and the purpose of our existence. Every attribute we learn about brings us closer to God and increases our understanding of His greatness and wisdom. It also helps us better understand our role in this universe and how to deal with life's challenges. We will see how these divine attributes, which we derive from the proofs, form an integrated system that reflects the Creator's perfection and greatness. This deep understanding of God's attributes not only increases our faith but also positively affects our behavior and our dealings with others and the universe around us. So, are you ready for this intellectual and spiritual journey into the world of divine attributes? Let us embark on this exciting journey to discover the Creator's greatness through the effects of His attributes in His creation.

The Implications of the Proofs of God's Existence on His Divine Attributes

Each of the proofs of God's existence reveals to us an aspect of divine perfection, which increases our knowledge of our Creator and our glorification of Him. These attributes are not separate from each other; rather, they are integrated and interconnected, forming together a comprehensive picture of God's greatness and perfection. In this section, we will reflect on how each proof indicates a set of divine attributes and how these attributes necessitate singling out God for worship and glorification.

Primacy: The proof of creation and origination indicates that God possesses the attribute of Primacy. This attribute means that God Almighty has existed since eternity, with no beginning to His existence. This conclusion is not just an assumption but a logical and rational necessity. The existence of the created universe necessarily entails the existence of a Creator. This Creator must be eternal and uncreated; otherwise, He Himself would need a creator. If we assume that this Creator is created, it would necessitate the existence of another creator for Him, and so on, we fall into an infinite regression of creators, which is rationally impossible. Realizing the attribute of eternity deepens the believer's glorification of God and increases his humility in worship, as he realizes that God alone is the Eternal One who has no beginning, and this is one of the attributes of true divinity. God Almighty says,

He is the First and the Last, the Apparent and the Hidden, and He is Knowing of all things

al-Hadid: 3

As for the polytheists, they worship created beings; God Almighty said,

Do they associate that which does not create anything, and they are themselves created?

Al-A’rāf: 191

How can we not be humble in worshiping the One who was before everything and will remain after everything, and He is the source of all existence and all power, and leave the worship of the one who is created and unable to create?

Exaltation: The proof of creation and origination strongly indicates the attribute of Exaltation for God Almighty. God is the Creator of everything and cannot be part of His creation. This leads us to the natural question: Where is God? A sound mind requires that He is above His creation, transcending it. The mind realizes that exaltation is an attribute of perfection, and every attribute of perfection is affirmed for God Almighty. As for the natural disposition (Fitrah), it is a strong witness to the exaltation of God Almighty. Man, by his nature, raises his hands to heaven when he calls upon God, not to the earth or any other direction. Realizing the attribute of exaltation deepens the believer's faith and increases his humility in worship. He senses the greatness of God whenever he raises his eyes to heaven or contemplates the vastness of the universe. The Holy Quran affirmed this attribute in many verses, including the saying of God Almighty, "And He is the Most High, the Most Great" (Surah al-Baqarah: 255).

Omnipotence: The cosmic proofs - especially the proof of creation, the proof of perfection, and the proof of subjugation - indicate that God Almighty possesses Absolute Power. This attribute means that He is capable of everything.

• Proof of Creation: The creation of this vast universe with all its galaxies, stars, and planets, and the creation of life with all its complexities, clearly indicates an unimaginable superpower. Creation from nothing requires absolute power that only God possesses. God Almighty says, "Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth and did not fail in their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes, indeed, He is over all things competent" (al-Ahqaf: 33).
• Proof of Perfection: The amazing precision and delicate balance in the creation of the universe and in living systems testify to a superpower. The fine-tuning of the universe, the complexity of the living cell, and the harmony of the organs of living beings all indicate an infinite power. God Almighty said, "The workmanship of Allah, who perfected all things; indeed, He is Knowing of what you do" (al-Naml: 88).
• Proof of Subjugation: The subjugation of the universe with its laws and systems to serve humans and other creatures indicates a great power that controls everything. The subjugation of the sun and the moon, the night and the day, the winds and the rains, are all evidence of absolute power. God Almighty says, "And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, all from Him; indeed, in that are signs for a people who reflect" (al-Jathiyah: 13).

Realizing this absolute power of God Almighty deepens the believer's faith and increases his humility in worship. He realizes that God is capable of everything and that nothing is impossible for Him on earth or in heaven. This realization drives the believer to rely on God in all his affairs and trust in His ability to achieve whatever He wills. This absolute power also makes the believer sense the greatness of God in everything around him, which increases his glorification of God and fear of Him. This, in turn, is reflected in his behavior and ethics, as he always strives to please God and obey Him, realizing that He is capable of rewarding him for his deeds.

Omniscience: The cosmic proofs - especially the proof of perfection and the proof of guidance - indicate that God Almighty possesses Comprehensive Knowledge. This attribute means that God's knowledge encompasses everything, the apparent and the hidden, the past, the present, and the future, without any limits or restrictions.

• Proof of Perfection: The amazing accuracy and precise consistency in the creation of the universe and in living systems testify to comprehensive and accurate knowledge. The fine-tuning of the universe, the complexity of the living cell, and the harmony of the organs of living beings all indicate infinite knowledge of the smallest details and the most complex processes. God Almighty says, "Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Aware?" (al-Mulk: 14).
• Proof of Guidance: The guidance of creatures to what is suitable for their livelihood and their Hereafter indicates comprehensive knowledge of the nature of these creatures and their needs. The guidance of animals to the ways of obtaining their food and building their homes, and the guidance of humans to the ways of success in this world and the Hereafter, are all evidence of knowledge encompassing everything. God Almighty said, "Our Lord is He who gave each thing its creation and then guided it" (Surah Ta Ha: 50).

Realizing this comprehensive knowledge of God Almighty deepens the believer's faith and increases his humility in worship. He realizes that God knows everything about him, his outward and inward, his secret and his public. This realization drives the believer to observe God in all his conditions and to be keen on obeying Him and avoiding disobeying Him. This comprehensive knowledge also makes God alone the Knower of what is best for His servants in this world and the Hereafter. This necessitates referring to Him alone in legislation and judgment. God Almighty is the One who created man and knows what benefits him and what corrupts him, and therefore His law is the best and most suitable for humanity. God Almighty says, "Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Aware?" (Surah al-Mulk: 14). Thus, realizing the attribute of comprehensive knowledge of God Almighty has profound effects on the believer's faith and behavior, making him more fearful of God and more committed to His law and rulings.