The order and operation of the universe are occupying my thoughts. How does the universe operate? What kind of order does it possess? Who established this order, and who is responsible for its management?
To start with, let's address this inquiry based on the guidance from the Qur'an, sent by the Creator: “Have We not smoothed out the earth like a bed, and made the mountains as its pegs, and created you in pairs, and made your sleep for rest, and made the night as a cover, and made the day for livelihood, and built above you seven mighty heavens, and placed in them a shining lamp, and sent down from the rainclouds pouring water, producing by it grain and various plants, and dense orchards?” (Naba, 78:6-16)
If we can elaborate on this a little, what do these verses mean?
The order of the universe and the functioning of this order are explained in these verses. They illustrate the expanse of the earth likened to a resting surface, while mountains are depicted as stabilizing pegs. The diversity of humanity's colors, races, and tribes, along with the alternation of night and day, wherein night serves as reprieve and day as a means of sustenance, are also expounded. Furthermore, the process of rain and the resultant abundance of grains, foliage, and fruits, which cater to the nourishment of living beings, are meticulously described. The Almighty Allah states that He has prepared all these opportunities for the human being whom He addresses as “you”.
What is the connection between these events?
Every phenomenon and occurrence within the universe intricately intertwines. The above verses emphasize this reality, shedding light on the interconnectedness of the heavens, earth, and the entities existing between them. The verses underscore the necessity of these elements and emphasize the inseparability of one from the other. The order and interdependence within the universe are intricately woven, where each facet cannot exist in isolation from the rest. To make these truths more relatable to human understanding, the metaphor of a “tent (i.e. stake)” is chosen.
How so?
The analogy is drawn wherein the sky resembles a tent, the earth is akin to a mattress laid within the tent, and the sun is akin to a lamp suspended at the tent's apex. Furthermore, the verses emphasize the critical significance of rain for sustenance, the deliberate arrangement of night for rest, and daylight for livelihood. The fact that the earth cannot function without the sky, the sun, and rain is a source of connection between the sky and the earth, and that in the absence of one of these elements, the others cannot fulfill their essential functions is also highlighted.
Why would not one exist without the other?
Experience confirms this observation. Planets lacking an atmosphere and water, despite having sunlight, are devoid of life. Life cannot exist where the sun is absent. Indeed, the removal of any of these elements from the established framework would disrupt the harmony within the universe.
So what is the source of this order and mechanism?
This harmony and connection arise either from the preferences and potentials of the elements listed here or from an external will and authority. However, the elements we discussed lack such potential, as evidenced by our accumulated experiences. The most intelligent and experienced beings in the universe are human beings, and they obviously do not have the potential to create and manage such a structure. It is impossible for people to ensure the continuity of the elements existing in the universe with human intervention, and it is clear that they cause a deterioration of the connection and harmony established between the elements. Most of the recent environmental disasters are the result of thoughtless and outrageous human intervention in nature. International agreements and conventions made for this aim so far are unable to prevent this destruction. So, people appear as destructive and disruptive actors rather than being constructive factors in the universe. This is because the universe and its functioning are beyond the mental and biological power of people. The fact that some of the steps people took thinking that it would be for their own benefit led to the environmental disasters mentioned above, and this is the picture of people's inability to fully comprehend the universe and their weakness in the face of this great structure.
What is the human being's position in the universe?
When we think about this, we come face to face with the passive reality of human beings, who seem to be effective actors with their minds and wills in the universe, caught in the flow of the corridor of time and space. It is even possible to say that the human being is a prisoner who appears to be dominating. That is why some thinkers have claimed that the human being is a passive being dragged under the orders of some laws imposed from outside. However, it is undeniable that people are active and effective beings to a certain extent in the universe, with the mind and willpower given to them, as pointed out above. If we try to look at the issue objectively, that is, if both the order of the universe and the role of humans in this order are well observed and calculated, we can clearly observe that both God and humans affect human voluntary actions. In addition to all these, we cannot ignore the fact that the environment has an impact on human actions because Allah has created everything in the universe in an interrelated and interconnected way. Just as the sky is dependent on the earth and the earth is dependent on the sky, humans are also dependent on other beings. However, the universe, with its enormous structure, is beyond human knowledge and experience. Under these circumstances, it seems difficult for humans to play the sole regulatory and developer role in the universe and to assume such a responsibility.
So, what is the conclusion?
At this point, this complex and yet so harmonious structure points to an external entity with the power and will, and it draws the attention of people, who are intelligent and strong-willed beings, to this aspect. This being, possessing power and will, is beyond the whole of this structure. He is divine, unique, and independent of all conditions and prerequisites, especially in time and space, and beyond any limits and limitations. At the same time, He possesses the qualities of knowledge, power, and will, and does whatever He wants. So, only a being with these qualities can establish, maintain and run the universe. When we consider all these features, our attention is turned to Allah, who is the focal point of divine religions. Almighty Allah often states in the Qur'an that He is the owner and creator of the earth, the sky and all that is in it, and, warns, “And do not be inclined to the wrongdoers or you will be touched by the Fire. For then you would have no protectors other than Allah, nor would you be helped.” (Hud, 11:113) The term “wrongdoers” referred to in the verse pertains to individuals and jinn who fail to acknowledge Allah and the order He has established. Consequently, they engage in actions that disturb or seek to disturb the established order and harmony within the universe. Yet, these same beings, who are granted the capacity for intelligence and will as an essential aspect of the divine test, are placed within the constraints of the earth and heavens. As indicated in the verse, “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.” (Dhariyat, 51:56), their primary purpose is to acknowledge Allah and abide by the order He established. However, despite this purpose, differences persist among them, as mentioned in the following verse, “And We relate to you (O Prophet) the stories of the messengers to reassure your heart. And there has come to you in this surah the truth, a warning to the disbelievers, and a reminder to the believers.” (Hud, 11:119)
