Why is there no proof of God?
Watch the following video, which by itself is sufficient to address the question. There is a supplementary discussion below it if you are interested.
Life is like multiple choice exam. If you pick the wrong choices throughout the test, you will be punished; if you pick the right choices throughout the test, you will be rewarded. The exam is going to have many tricks in it to test you. This is like life. Make the right choices. If the Quran was presented with clear 100% proof of God, then everyone believes in the Quran and God. It's like the professor decides to give everyone the answers to the exam--What's the point of the exam? It's not even an exam anymore.
If someone puts a gun to your head and tells you "say you love me, or I'll kill you" and you say "I love you", those words are not meaningful. They're only meaningful when you have a perceived opportunity to reject that relationship with God. There is an area in the world where either condition can seem plausible to you (believe in God or reject God). If there was no inclination to disbelieve (or do what is wrong), then wicked people with a heart made of stone would be compelled to believe in God. There has to be enough information in the world where those who are loyal or have an open heart to God can see the truth and pursue a relationship with God, but there has to be sufficient ambiguity in the world that enables those with a heart of stone to reject God. The extent of the ambiguity (ie. the difficulty of the exam) is determined by God (similar to how a professor decides the difficulty of the exam).
If someone puts a gun to your head and tells you "say you love me, or I'll kill you" and you say "I love you", those words are not meaningful. They're only meaningful when you have a perceived opportunity to reject that relationship with God. There is an area in the world where either condition can seem plausible to you (believe in God or reject God). If there was no inclination to disbelieve (or do what is wrong), then wicked people with a heart made of stone would be compelled to believe in God. There has to be enough information in the world where those who are loyal or have an open heart to God can see the truth and pursue a relationship with God, but there has to be sufficient ambiguity in the world that enables those with a heart of stone to reject God. The extent of the ambiguity (ie. the difficulty of the exam) is determined by God (similar to how a professor decides the difficulty of the exam).
Let's discuss a Quranic Exegesis:
[Quran 76:2] Verily, We created man from a drop of mingled sperm so that We may test him; and therefore We made him hearing and seeing.
First and foremost, this verse discusses why we were created. We were created to be tested. And this verse says that therefore we have made humans conscious (hearing and seeing refers to awareness) so that we can actually engage in this test. This test is an intellectual exercise and that is why we have been given such developed intellect.
Now what is the significance of life being a test? As per the discussion above and the video, in order for the test to actually be a test, the answers of the test must not be given to us, otherwise, it is not really a test. This is a necessary conclusion that follows from life being a test. We are supposed to reason to find our way to Allah and be devout/obedient to him.
[Quran 26:3] Perhaps, [O Muhammad], you would kill yourself with grief that they will not be believers.
[Quran 26:4] If We willed, We could send down to them from the sky a sign so they would bend their necks to it in humility
This verse sequence is reassuring the prophet Muhammad not to grieve over the disbelievers. If Allah wanted, he could've sent them a massive sign that would have them prostrate their necks to Allah in humility. But clearly, Allah did not will for this. Allah has declined to send such a strong sign from the sky to make everyone a believer. As discussed above that would invalidate the test. That would be akin to giving the answers to the test. The test is for you to use your intellect and the guidance of the Quran to reach your own conclusions about God and to then be obedient to him. Such a strong piece of evidence given to them by Allah would invalidate the test.
[Quran 3:7] It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah . But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.
This verse makes it clear that there is deliberate vagueness to some aspects of the Quran. And this vagueness can allow people who have a bias to seek a desired interpretation out of that vagueness and attribute this to the Quran. This is part of the test of the Quran. As Allah explains that life is a test in [Quran 76:2].
[Quran 2:26] Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient.
This verse is specific to the vagueness of the Quran. In this verse, Allah makes a deliberately vague statement as an example for why he does this and has parts of the Quran being vague. Those who disbelieve will say "This doesn't make sense, what did Allah mean by this?". And Allah explains that it is so that he could mislead many by it and guide many by it. This deliberate vagueness sorts out those who fail the test and those who are successful in the test. Those who believe understand why Allah gives this vague example, it is a test of belief. Many who in their hearts are defiant would mock the Quran, say it is vague and doesn't make sense, and point out alleged contradictions because they decided to take a specific interpretation in a verse that is deliberately vague and non-specific (See Quran 3:7). It allows those who want the Quran to be false to believe that the Quran is false. It allows them to follow their defiant desires and feel certainty that the Quran is not from God. That is part of the test. Guidance and misguidance. As we discussed in our article "Why is the Quran Vague", the Quran must be sufficiently compelling to guide those whose hearts are open and unbiased, but at the same time sufficiently vague to not compel and even miguide those whose hearts are closed and biased against it. Also note that as we discussed in that article, the Quran must have deliberate vagueness so that it supports 7th century belief while at the same time not contradicting modern scientific understandings. Vagueness is a feature of the Quran, not a flaw, as the Quran itself states.
See related article: Why is the Quran Vague?
The following is the text of the discussion section of the video in that youtube channel:
Firstly, Its very important to define what I mean by proof. When I say proof, I mean physical--clear 100% certain proof of Allah.
The whole point of your existence is to not have 100% proof of certainty that Allah exists. If Allah were to give you proof of his existence it would violate your purpose in life. Instead, he gives signs and hints that point to his existence!
But for those who would like to open their eyes and see, there is still SUFFICIENT evidence available. Evidence that exists in the Quran and in Nature. Look around yourself and reflect. It is your duty to find and INTERPRET, ANALYZE and APPLY that evidence in finding Allah.
The signs are there for those who think, ponder and wish to surrender to such a formidable force. While those who do not wish to obey, they are given their flimsy excuses to keep themselves aloof and a temporary satisfaction. A satisfaction which perhaps hardly exists. But combined with the temptation to disobey and feel otherwise, it works for them. Don't be like those people. Intellectual honesty is important.
IT IS YOUR DUTY TO LOOK AT BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT!
Don't just watch Atheist videos, watch both atheist and theist videos (like I did) and REFLECT!
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Allah created mankind to test them: [Quran 76:2] Verily, We created man from a drop of mingled sperm so that We may test him; and therefore We made him hearing and seeing. We have indeed showed him the way, now he be grateful or ungrateful
Since we believe that God knows everything, then why should He test us?
The test which we are to undergo is not meant to add to the knowledge of God. Although God knows everything, it still is necessary that all men and women be put to test so that the true form of God's justice and mercy may emerge on the Day of Judgement. If God were to send all persons to Paradise or Hell according to His own knowledge without putting them to test for their beliefs and deeds, then those sent to Hell could rightly complain that why were they being punished without any sin on their part while others enjoyed bliss of Paradise without any good deed in their credit? So in order to uphold the principle of justice and fairness, it was necessary for God to test all persons before sending them to Hell or Paradise.
NOTES: Allah specifically states that if he wills, he can send from the sky a sign that proves Allah exists. But he clearly doesn't want to do so, because life is a TEST. [Quran 26:4] If we will, we can send from the sky a sign that forces their necks to bow.
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Quran 2:155 could also be translated as [Quran 2:155] And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the 'steadfast', For the verse that states that God created humans and Jinns for HIS worship (Quran 51:56) The Arabic word for worship ALSO means "Obedience" / enslaved to. Ibada means being a slave to or being obedient to.
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The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) may or may not have been illiterate. The word "um mi" could also mean not-learned, gentile etc. We can't know for sure, so I apologize for stating he is illiterate. He may just not be learned but is able to read.
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Music by Uci-Tragik (feat. Fspecial, Jacksy)", sound recording administered by: Zimbalam
[Quran 76:2] Verily, We created man from a drop of mingled sperm so that We may test him; and therefore We made him hearing and seeing.
First and foremost, this verse discusses why we were created. We were created to be tested. And this verse says that therefore we have made humans conscious (hearing and seeing refers to awareness) so that we can actually engage in this test. This test is an intellectual exercise and that is why we have been given such developed intellect.
Now what is the significance of life being a test? As per the discussion above and the video, in order for the test to actually be a test, the answers of the test must not be given to us, otherwise, it is not really a test. This is a necessary conclusion that follows from life being a test. We are supposed to reason to find our way to Allah and be devout/obedient to him.
[Quran 26:3] Perhaps, [O Muhammad], you would kill yourself with grief that they will not be believers.
[Quran 26:4] If We willed, We could send down to them from the sky a sign so they would bend their necks to it in humility
This verse sequence is reassuring the prophet Muhammad not to grieve over the disbelievers. If Allah wanted, he could've sent them a massive sign that would have them prostrate their necks to Allah in humility. But clearly, Allah did not will for this. Allah has declined to send such a strong sign from the sky to make everyone a believer. As discussed above that would invalidate the test. That would be akin to giving the answers to the test. The test is for you to use your intellect and the guidance of the Quran to reach your own conclusions about God and to then be obedient to him. Such a strong piece of evidence given to them by Allah would invalidate the test.
[Quran 3:7] It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah . But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.
This verse makes it clear that there is deliberate vagueness to some aspects of the Quran. And this vagueness can allow people who have a bias to seek a desired interpretation out of that vagueness and attribute this to the Quran. This is part of the test of the Quran. As Allah explains that life is a test in [Quran 76:2].
[Quran 2:26] Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient.
This verse is specific to the vagueness of the Quran. In this verse, Allah makes a deliberately vague statement as an example for why he does this and has parts of the Quran being vague. Those who disbelieve will say "This doesn't make sense, what did Allah mean by this?". And Allah explains that it is so that he could mislead many by it and guide many by it. This deliberate vagueness sorts out those who fail the test and those who are successful in the test. Those who believe understand why Allah gives this vague example, it is a test of belief. Many who in their hearts are defiant would mock the Quran, say it is vague and doesn't make sense, and point out alleged contradictions because they decided to take a specific interpretation in a verse that is deliberately vague and non-specific (See Quran 3:7). It allows those who want the Quran to be false to believe that the Quran is false. It allows them to follow their defiant desires and feel certainty that the Quran is not from God. That is part of the test. Guidance and misguidance. As we discussed in our article "Why is the Quran Vague", the Quran must be sufficiently compelling to guide those whose hearts are open and unbiased, but at the same time sufficiently vague to not compel and even miguide those whose hearts are closed and biased against it. Also note that as we discussed in that article, the Quran must have deliberate vagueness so that it supports 7th century belief while at the same time not contradicting modern scientific understandings. Vagueness is a feature of the Quran, not a flaw, as the Quran itself states.
See related article: Why is the Quran Vague?
The following is the text of the discussion section of the video in that youtube channel:
Firstly, Its very important to define what I mean by proof. When I say proof, I mean physical--clear 100% certain proof of Allah.
The whole point of your existence is to not have 100% proof of certainty that Allah exists. If Allah were to give you proof of his existence it would violate your purpose in life. Instead, he gives signs and hints that point to his existence!
But for those who would like to open their eyes and see, there is still SUFFICIENT evidence available. Evidence that exists in the Quran and in Nature. Look around yourself and reflect. It is your duty to find and INTERPRET, ANALYZE and APPLY that evidence in finding Allah.
The signs are there for those who think, ponder and wish to surrender to such a formidable force. While those who do not wish to obey, they are given their flimsy excuses to keep themselves aloof and a temporary satisfaction. A satisfaction which perhaps hardly exists. But combined with the temptation to disobey and feel otherwise, it works for them. Don't be like those people. Intellectual honesty is important.
IT IS YOUR DUTY TO LOOK AT BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT!
Don't just watch Atheist videos, watch both atheist and theist videos (like I did) and REFLECT!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allah created mankind to test them: [Quran 76:2] Verily, We created man from a drop of mingled sperm so that We may test him; and therefore We made him hearing and seeing. We have indeed showed him the way, now he be grateful or ungrateful
Since we believe that God knows everything, then why should He test us?
The test which we are to undergo is not meant to add to the knowledge of God. Although God knows everything, it still is necessary that all men and women be put to test so that the true form of God's justice and mercy may emerge on the Day of Judgement. If God were to send all persons to Paradise or Hell according to His own knowledge without putting them to test for their beliefs and deeds, then those sent to Hell could rightly complain that why were they being punished without any sin on their part while others enjoyed bliss of Paradise without any good deed in their credit? So in order to uphold the principle of justice and fairness, it was necessary for God to test all persons before sending them to Hell or Paradise.
NOTES: Allah specifically states that if he wills, he can send from the sky a sign that proves Allah exists. But he clearly doesn't want to do so, because life is a TEST. [Quran 26:4] If we will, we can send from the sky a sign that forces their necks to bow.
----------------------------
Quran 2:155 could also be translated as [Quran 2:155] And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the 'steadfast', For the verse that states that God created humans and Jinns for HIS worship (Quran 51:56) The Arabic word for worship ALSO means "Obedience" / enslaved to. Ibada means being a slave to or being obedient to.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) may or may not have been illiterate. The word "um mi" could also mean not-learned, gentile etc. We can't know for sure, so I apologize for stating he is illiterate. He may just not be learned but is able to read.
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Music by Uci-Tragik (feat. Fspecial, Jacksy)", sound recording administered by: Zimbalam
