My religious teachers have insisted that I must never question the existence of Allah. Why is this so? Surely by questioning this issue my beliefs shall be stronger via personal reasoning.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

There is no evidence in the Islamic teachings that prohibits asking about the existence of Allah to strengthen one's belief. A believer can ask and seek signs and evidence that prove the existence of Allah to increase his belief and to be convinced of Allah's Greatness and Might. In fact, some texts of the Quran urge one to gain this knowledge.

Allah Says (what means): {And [mention] when Abraham said, “My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.” [Allaah] said, “Have you not believed?” He said, “Yes, but [I ask] only that my heart may be satisfied.” [Allaah] said, “Take four birds and commit them to yourself (91). Then [after slaughtering them] put on each hill a portion of them; then call them- they will come [flying] to you in haste. And know that Allaah is Exalted in Might and Wise.} [Quran 2:260]

A non-believer must search and seek the signs and proofs to believe in a true, One and only, God.

There are two kinds of signs indicating the existence of Allah, the only One true God:

1) Readable signs, and 2) Visual signs. The first comprise the true and clear signs in His Revelation in the form of His Book.

Allah Says (what means):

• {Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.} [Quran 3:18]

• {And He is Allah, [the only deity] in the heavens and the earth. He knows your secret and what you make public, and He knows that which you earn.} [Quran 6:3]

• {Or do they have gods to defend them other than Us? They are unable [even] to help themselves, nor can they be protected from Us.} [Quran 21:43]

The Creator witnesses to His existence that He is the Creator of universe and He is the only true God. Allah Says (what means): {We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?} [Quran 41:53]

The second includes looking at this vast universe, reflecting on its marvels and considering the wonders that exist in it.

Allah Says (what means):

• {Say, [O Muhammad], "Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent."} [Quran 29:20]

• {We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?} [Quran 41:53]

Allah encourages people to ponder this universe and discover its secrets to derive benefits from that. Allah Says (what means): {And on the earth are signs for the certain [in faith]. And in yourselves. Then will you not see?} [ Quran 51: 20-21]

Allah Says while elaborating on the signs of His existence (what means): {Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Rather, they are not certain. Or have they the depositories [containing the provision] of your Lord? Or are they the controllers [of them]? Or have they a stairway [into the heaven] upon which they listen? Then let their listener produce a clear authority [i.e. proof]. Or has He daughters while you have sons? Or do you, [O Muhammad ], ask of them a payment, so they are by debt burdened down? Or have they [knowledge of] the unseen, so they write [it] down? Or do they intend a plan? But those who disbelieve — they are the object of a plan. Or have they a deity other than Allaah? Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.} [Quran 52:35-43]

We know beyond doubt that mankind, heavens, and earth exist for a fact, and every existence needs a Creator so that is the True God.

A Bedouin, for instance, knows that dung is an indication of an animal in the area; the footprints are an indication of somebody having walked there; so, aren't the heavens full of stars and the earth full of mountains, signs of the One All-Knower, All-Aware?

If the archeologist finds a city that was buried into the ground due to the erosion factor, no sane person could have in mind that this city founded itself, or that it was created by nature and if any person says that, he will have been immediately considered as insane.

No wise man can claim that all the universe came into being by accident or by itself.

Allah Says (what means):

{Say, [O Muhammad], "To whom belongs the earth and whoever is in it, if you should know?" They will say, "To Allah." Say, "Then will you not remember?" Say, "Who is Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the Great Throne?" They will say, "[They belong] to Allah." Say, "Then will you not fear Him?" Say, "In whose hand is the realm of all things - and He protects while none can protect against Him - if you should know?" They will say, "[All belongs] to Allah." Say, "Then how are you deluded?"} [Quran 23:84-89]

Since it is proved that there is a Creator, so, everybody should worship Him.

May Allah bless us.

For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa ">22055, 389386, 347611, and 81529.

There are also many cosmic Signs proving Allah’s existence. We have highlighted some of these signs in Fataawa 85461 and 85823; so please refer to them.

Allah knows best.