Why Does God Create Disbelievers if Islam is the Only Path to Praise God?

Introduction

The question of why God creates disbelievers in a world where Islam is deemed the preferred path to please Allah is a common point of confusion and debate among believers and skeptics alike. Many individuals wonder how a just and merciful God can allow such disbelievers to exist if Islam is the only acceptable path of submission to God. This article aims to explore this question within the context of Islamic theology and the concept of free will.

The Non-Existence of God Argument

Before delving into the theological aspects of the question, it's important to address the premise of the original argument. The claim that God did not create anything and does not exist is a form of atheism. From a religious perspective, this position is firmly rejected. In Islam, it is believed that God created everything, and it is He who establishes and maintains the laws of the universe. The belief is that human beings are accountable for their actions and must adhere to the commandments of God as described in the Quran.

The Role of Prophets and the Creation of Believers

A key passage in the Quran that addresses the creation of believers is in Surah Baqarah (2:213):

“Humanity had once been one community of believers before they lost faith. Then Allah raised prophets as deliverers of good news and as warners and revealed to them the Scriptures in truth to judge among people regarding their disputes.”

This verse indicates that humans started as believers and then deviated over time. The role of prophets is to guide people back to the straight path, which is submission to God. The creation of disbelievers is not intended by God but rather stems from human actions and choices. The Quran further asserts that God did not create non-believers initially; instead, people have chosen to follow a different path due to human attributes such as pride, jealousy, and ignorance.

The Concept of Free Will in Islam

One of the central concepts in Islamic theology is the idea of free will. The Quran and Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) emphasize that God has given human beings free will to choose between right and wrong. Surah Al-Azhab (17:70) highlights this:

“Indeed, We have made you a just community that will be the example of guidance and righteousness for all the nations.”

Another crucial verse in this context is Surah Al-Kafirun (10:99):

“And had your Lord so willed, those on earth would have believed—All of them. Would you then [Muhammad] force guidance upon the people?”

This verse suggests that it is impossible for God to compel anyone to believe; only human choice and free will can lead to belief. Another important verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256) further reinforces this idea:

“There is no compulsion in religion. Indeed, the correct path has become distinct from the crooked path. And whoever disbelieves in the false deities and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”

These verses outline the principle of free will and the fact that God does not force people to believe. Instead, God has set up a world where truth can be discerned through reason and wisdom, and it is up to individuals to accept this truth.

A Test of Faith

The Quran also describes the purpose of human existence as a test. Surah Al-Ghashiyah (87:2) indicates:

“He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed—and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.”

This verse explains that the purpose of human life on Earth is a trial. The test is not about creating disbelievers but evaluating the actions and intentions of individuals to see who remains steadfast in their submission to God (Islam).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of disbelievers in Islam is not a result of God’s creation but rather the outcome of human actions and choices. God has given everyone free will and the ability to choose between right and wrong. The question of why God creates disbelievers can be resolved by considering the role of free will, the need for a test, and the principles outlined in the Quran. It is up to individuals to choose the path of submission to God, and God has not created individuals to be disbelievers but has provided them with the means to discern the truth.