As soon as we are born as human beings, we begin to see the world around us in a blur. Over time, the world we are born into becomes more colorful, and everything around us starts to feel vibrant and full of life. What a wonderful place! But… there’s a problem. In this magnificent world, will my loved ones and I live only a short life and then run into the arms of death? Is that the end of everything? How much joy can a world with an end truly offer me? Isn’t there more?
The answers to all these burning questions in our minds are right here. And the one that provides us with these answers is the Qur’an.
Let’s explore a few key reasons why one should be a Muslim.
Before embracing Islam, the first thing we must be certain about is the existence of Allah. That’s why, before anything else, we will prove this with a few examples.
- The Universe Has Laws of Nature
If the universe were a chaotic, disorderly place, humans would never outgrow the confusion of infancy. Imagine if one day the ice cream we ate turned into a pebble, if gravity disappeared and reappeared unpredictably, or if every time we slept and woke up, we found ourselves in a different place. In short, if we lived in a universe with no natural laws, our minds wouldn’t be able to use language as a tool for communication, nor would we be capable of reasoning about anything.
The laws of nature enable us to think, reason, and engage in science. This is why the very first command in the Qur’an is “Read”—a call to knowledge and understanding.
- The Argument from Design
The order in the world must have a designer. If the force of gravity were even slightly stronger, stars would collapse under their own weight and be swallowed by black holes. Some argue that the formation of things is purely coincidental, but let’s consider an example:
Imagine you are a thief, and a hundred snipers are aiming at you. They all fire, yet you remain completely unharmed. Would you simply say, “Since I’m alive, there’s nothing surprising about it. If I were dead, I wouldn’t be able to observe this situation”? Or would you think, “There must be an explanation for why all 100 snipers missed me at such close range—perhaps their guns were intentionally loaded with blanks”?
Without a doubt, the probability of the universe’s fine-tuning happening by chance is far lower than the likelihood of a hundred snipers missing their target from close range. This precise order and balance point to the deliberate design of an All-Knowing Creator.
- The Origin of Living Beings
Thousands of years ago, people believed that living beings came into existence spontaneously. It was widely accepted that life could emerge from garbage, and even Aristotle thought that flies originated from decaying matter.
In the 17th century, with the advent of the microscope, the idea of spontaneous generation was disproven. However, this time, scientists argued that single-celled organisms spontaneously generated. Yet, as microscopes advanced in the 19th century, even this claim was abandoned, and no scientist remained who supported the idea that any life form could arise by itself.
Allah is the Creator of both the micro and macro worlds, possessing infinite power. The complexity and intricate design of microscopic life are clear signs of His artistry and divine creation.
- The Argument from Reason
As we go about our daily lives—walking, talking, debating ideas, reading books—everything we do proves that we are rational beings. Yet, we rarely stop to notice the existence of our own intellect. We cannot see it, but no one would ever claim to be without reason.
Our intellect and will exist because they were given to us by Allah, the All-Knowing and All-Wise. Just as our intelligence exists because it was created by an intelligent being, our free will exists because it was granted by a being who Himself possesses will.
No one can claim that their mind and willpower appeared by chance or disappeared without reason. They are signs of Allah’s creation and His divine wisdom.
- The Importance of Believing in Allah
The decision we make about whether Allah exists or not is so profound that it shapes our entire perspective—on ourselves, our loved ones, the world, and all existence. Fundamental questions such as:
- Where did I come from?
- Why am I here?
- Who am I?
- What will happen to me and my loved ones after we die?
all depend on this matter.
If Allah exists, it means that everything, including human beings, was created with intention and purpose. Our existence in this world has meaning, and if Allah wills, there can be life after death.
On the other hand, if someone denies the existence of Allah, then religions are seen as mere human inventions, and ultimately, we and our loved ones are destined to cease to exist forever.
For those who believe in Allah, however, He has sent divine guidance through His religions, answering where we came from, why we are here, who we are, and what happens after death. And just as Allah created us once, it is easy for Him to bring us back to life after death.
The Qur’an provides clear examples of this truth:
78. He presents an example for Us, forgetting his own creation. He asks, “Who can bring these decayed bones back to life?”
79. Say: “The One who created them the first time will resurrect them. He has knowledge of all creation.”
81. Is the One who created the heavens and the earth not capable of creating the likes of them again? Indeed, He is the Creator, the All-Knowing. (Surah Ya-Sin: 78-81)
Now, Let’s Get to the Main Question: Why Should I Be a Muslim?
Earlier, I mentioned that the Qur’an provides answers to the deep questions in our minds. And what does the Qur’an tell us?
It tells us that we were created by Allah, who is Most High, infinitely knowledgeable, eternal, and the Most Merciful of all who show mercy. He created us, our loved ones, everything we own, and the world itself.
However, this world is a place of testing—every one of us has a trial to face. And death is not the end, but rather a new beginning.
The same Allah who created everything from nothing will bring us back to life on the Day of Judgment. Those whom He loves will be rewarded and blessed in the afterlife, reunited with their loved ones in eternal peace and joy.
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Is the Qur’an Truly from Allah?
A person questioning whether the Qur’an is from Allah can find the answer by considering two key questions.
Before we get to them, let’s use an example:
Imagine arriving late to a quiz competition. The contest has already ended, and you see Group A celebrating while Group B looks disappointed. Who do you think won? Using logical reasoning, the obvious answer is Group A. Accepting the most probable and logical explanation is a valid form of reasoning.
Now, let’s apply this logic to the Qur’an by asking two questions:
- If the Qur’an is truly from Allah, what characteristics should it have?
- If the Qur’an is not from Allah, what characteristics should we expect to find in it?
If the Qur’an is truly from Allah, then we would expect it to:
- Describe Allah’s existence in a way that aligns with the observed universe and human nature.
If the Qur’an were man-made, we would expect its core message to contain errors.
The fact that the universe and human nature confirm the Qur’an’s description of Allah is a powerful proof that it is divine in origin. Even if there were no other evidence, this alone would be sufficient reason to become a Muslim.
2. Examining Islam’s View on the Universe
Anyone who wants to be sure whether Islam is truly from Allah should study its perspective on the universe.
The Qur’an encourages Muslims to observe and analyze the universe, urging them to draw conclusions from what they see.
While inviting us to study the universe, the Qur’an also makes profound claims about it. Some of its key assertions include:
- The universe had a beginning.
- The universe is designed with precision.
- The universe will eventually come to an end.
These claims align with modern scientific discoveries and serve as further evidence of the Qur’an’s divine origin.
3. Scientific Observations in the Qur’an
Some verses in the Qur’an reveal that its descriptions of the universe align with scientific discoveries that were made many centuries later. For example:
21. Al-Anbiya, 30:
“Do those who disbelieve not see that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass, then We opened them out? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?”
This verse describes the initial state of the universe as a singular mass, which later separated into planets, the Sun, and Earth. How could the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) have known this 13 centuries ago without the aid of modern telescopes or space satellites?
Another example is found in: 51. Adh-Dhariyat, 47:
“And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander.”
In the 1920s, scientists, based on Einstein’s formulas, proved that the universe is indeed expanding. This discovery aligns perfectly with the Qur’anic description, showing the consistency between ancient revelations and modern science.
These verses highlight the remarkable accuracy of the Qur’an, which reflects knowledge beyond the scope of its time, suggesting its divine origin.
4.Natural Phenomena Described in the Qur’an
There are numerous verses in the Qur’an that describe natural phenomena which align with modern scientific discoveries.
For example, in 15. Al-Hijr, 22:
“And We sent the winds as fertilizing agents…”
This verse refers to the role of winds in pollinating clouds and facilitating the reproduction of plants, a process that is now understood by science. The Qur’an, describing this centuries ago, foreshadows what we now know about the natural world.
Another example is in 6. Al-An’am, 125:
“And whomsoever He wills to guide, He opens his heart to Islam; and whomsoever He wills to misguide, He makes his chest tight and constricted, as if he were climbing into the sky.”
When this verse was revealed, aircraft did not exist, yet it describes the phenomenon of atmospheric pressure. As we ascend into higher altitudes, the air pressure decreases, causing difficulty in breathing, a sensation that the Qur’an beautifully captures.
These descriptions serve as clear signs of the Qur’an’s divine knowledge, showing a deep understanding of natural processes that were later confirmed by science.
5.Descriptions of Living Beings in the Qur’an
The Qur’an contains verses about living beings that could not have been known by the people of the 7th century, which is a clear indication of its divine knowledge. Here are a few examples:
- 81. At-Takwir, 18:
“And [by] the night when it starts to breathe.”
At first glance, breathing is something we do throughout the day, at night, and even during sleep. However, this verse is understood to refer to photosynthesis, a process that starts with the arrival of sunlight in the morning, as plants begin to absorb energy from the sun. This scientific phenomenon aligns with the Qur’anic description, even though it wasn’t known at the time.
- 29. Al-Ankabut, 41:
“The example of those who take allies other than Allah is like the example of the spider who takes a home. And indeed, the most fragile of homes is the home of the spider. If they only knew.”
This verse describes the female spider and her web. In Arabic, “ankabut” refers to a female spider, and it is scientifically accurate that only female spiders build webs. This discovery, made centuries later, serves as another proof of the Qur’an’s divine wisdom.
- 76. Al-Insan, 2:
“We created man from a sperm drop mixed with [other] substances so We may test him; and We made him hearing and seeing.”
Modern science reveals that human semen is a mixture of various components from the glands in the human body. The Qur’anic description of the creation of man from a “mixed drop of fluid” aligns perfectly with the scientific understanding of human development.
These examples illustrate that the Qur’an contains knowledge about living beings that could not have been understood without modern scientific tools and research. This emphasizes that the Qur’an’s source is divine.
6.Historical Examples from the Qur’an
- 10. Yunus, 90-92: The Preservation of Pharaoh’s Body
The Qur’an narrates the story of Pharaoh’s pursuit of the Israelites after they were led across the sea. As Pharaoh and his army were about to drown, Pharaoh repented and proclaimed belief in the God of the Israelites, but it was too late. The verses then state:
“Today We will save your body, that you may be a sign for those who come after you. But indeed, many people are heedless of Our signs.” (10:92)
This promise of Pharaoh’s body being preserved as a sign for future generations came true centuries later, when Pharaoh’s mummified body was discovered, preserved in Egypt. This event happened 1200 years after the Qur’anic revelation, a fact that was impossible for the people of the 7th century to foresee. This serves as evidence of the Qur’an’s divine nature, as such knowledge could only have come from God.
- 61. As-Saff, 6: The Prophecy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
In this verse, Prophet Isa (Jesus) speaks of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“And [remember] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, ‘O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you, confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.'”
This prophecy is found in the Gospel, in the following passages:
- John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Paraclete), to be with you forever.”
- John 14:26: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
- John 16:7-14: “But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away. For if I do not go away, the Helper (Paraclete) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.”
These references in the Gospel speak of the coming Paraclete, a term that Muslims believe refers to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Qur’an and the Bible both indicate that Jesus foretold the coming of Prophet Muhammad, with the name “Ahmad” mentioned in the Qur’an and the idea of a new prophet coming after Jesus in the Gospel.
The Qur’anic prophecies, including the preservation of Pharaoh’s body and the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad made by Jesus, demonstrate that the Qur’an contains knowledge that could not have been known at the time of its revelation. These are clear signs that the Qur’an is divinely inspired.
7.The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and His Role
1. His Starting Point
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began his mission with no formal education or academic background. He was not an intellectual scholar or trained in philosophy, nor did he have access to advanced scientific knowledge like the great minds of that time such as Aristotle. He was illiterate and came from a modest background. Despite these humble beginnings, he was chosen as the final messenger to convey the message of Allah.
2. The Impossibility of Creating the Qur’an
It is often claimed by some that the Qur’an could have been written by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself. However, looking at the circumstances of his life, it is clear that this could not have been the case. There were no observatories, no universities where scientific or philosophical research took place. There was no access to the vast knowledge of the world at the time. Yet, the Qur’an contains information about the universe, human biology, and events that were unknown at that time.
If Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had fabricated the Qur’an, we would expect to find inconsistencies or contradictions in the text, especially given the complexity and scope of its content. But, instead, the Qur’an stands as a remarkable document without error, which suggests its divine origin.
3. His Role as a Messenger and Example
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not just a messenger conveying Allah’s message. He was a perfect example of its application in real life. He didn’t merely preach the message; he lived it meticulously. Whether it was the practice of prayer (salat), fasting (sawm), giving charity (zakat), or abstaining from forbidden (haram) actions, he followed the divine guidelines with the utmost sincerity.
For someone who would claim to be a messenger for personal or worldly gain, such behavior is inconsistent. A person who seeks power, wealth, or influence would not exhibit the level of sacrifice, commitment, and self-discipline that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated in his life.
4. The Special Command for His Worship
A significant aspect of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life was the additional acts of worship he was commanded to perform, which were not obligatory for the rest of his followers. One such command is in Surah Al-Isra (17:79), which says:
“And during the night, prostrate to Him and glorify Him a long part of the night.”
This command reflects that, in addition to his role as a messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was specifically required to dedicate himself to extra acts of worship to maintain his connection to Allah, setting an example for the entire Muslim community.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started from nothing—without education, wealth, or political power. Yet, he became the most influential figure in human history. His role as both a messenger and a practical example of divine guidance is unparalleled. The Qur’an that he delivered and his actions, which were in perfect alignment with it, serve as a miracle of their own, further validating the divine source of his message.
8.The Purpose of Life and Our Journey Beyond
The most accurate and real thing about this life is that one day we will face death, and this truth raises some questions in our minds, such as “Why was I created?”, “What is the meaning of life?”, “Where am I going?”. To answer each of these questions, Allah shows Islam as the way. According to Islam, humans are created to establish a relationship with Allah. “Worship” is a term in the Quran that refers to a person’s relationship with Allah. In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56, it is stated that humans were created “for worship.” This relationship includes acts of worship as well as all other relationships. As for the question “Where am I going?”: Islam says that the place we go after death is “the Hereafter”. To explain this with a short example, let’s consider two twin babies, one girl and one boy, in their mother’s womb:
Girl: Do you think there is life after birth? Boy: Why not? There must definitely be life after birth. Maybe we are preparing for something that will come later. Girl: Nonsense, there is no life after birth. What kind of life could there be? Boy: I don’t know, but maybe there could be more light than here. Maybe we will eat with our mouths and walk with our legs. Girl: This is absurd. Walking is impossible, and eating with our mouths is nonsense. The umbilical cord provides all the nutrients we need. Also, no one has ever come back from there. Birth is the end of my life. Boy: Well, I don’t know, but we will definitely see our mother, and she will take care of us. Girl: Mother? Do you really believe in mother? Where is she now? Boy: She is around us. Girl: I don’t see her, so the logical thing is that she doesn’t exist. Boy: Sometimes, when it’s quiet, you can hear her, you can sense her, and you can feel her.
Yes, as we see in the example, our life is not an end, but rather the opposite—a beginning.A person experiences separation even from their loved ones at certain times of the day. However, the relationship we have with Allah does not separate at any specific time of the day or at any part of our life. On the contrary, He is always with us. “Wherever you may be, He is with you” (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:4). Islam teaches that Allah is constantly with us, that He is concerned with His servants, and that only a life in connection with Allah is meaningful. “Allah is the protector of those who believe” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:257).
9.Freedom of Belief in Islam
The religion of Islam encourages each individual to believe or disbelieve by their own free will. There is no punishment for those who disbelieve in this world.
Surah Yunus 99: “If your Lord had willed, all those on earth would have believed together. Will you then force people to become believers?”
In another verse, we see the aspect of Islam that promotes freedom of thought and encourages patience, without causing harm:
Surah Al-Imran 3:186: “Certainly, you will be tested with your wealth and your lives, and you will hear many hurtful things from those who were given the Scripture before you, and from the idolaters. But if you remain patient and fear Allah, then surely, this is the most resolute course to follow.”
Let’s examine the following verse examples:
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256: “There is no compulsion in religion. Indeed, the right way has become distinct from the wrong way. So whoever renounces false gods and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the firmest, unfailing handle. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
Surah Al-Isra 17:15: “Whoever is guided is only guided for himself; and whoever goes astray is only going astray to his own loss. No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.”
Surah Al-Ghashiyah 88:21: “Give admonition, for you are only an admonisher.”
88:22: “You are not over them a controller.”
10.The Preservation and Mathematical Structure of the Quran
Lastly, we will discuss the preservation of the Quran and its mathematical structure. The verse confirming that it cannot be changed is as follows:
Surah Al-Hijr 15:9: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
The verses of the Quran were first written down from the time of its initial revelation. Among the first verses revealed is, “He (Allah) taught by the pen” (Surah Al-Alaq 96:4). In short, the Quran has been preserved through both writing and memorization, and it has become a book that is always watched over. Additionally, the Quran’s structure contains ”symmetries and a circular system,” which serves as proof that it could not have been written by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and those around him in the 7th century. Scientists who have researched this have converted to Islam because of this reason. Moreover, the frequency of words in the Quran aligns with the universe’s words. For example, there are 30 days in a month, and the word “days” appears 30 times. The moon’s elliptical orbit lasts 27 days, and the word “moon” appears 27 times. Similarly, opposites in the Quran are mentioned the same number of times. The words “angel” and “devil” both appear 88 times, while the words “near” and “far” each appear 10 times, and so on.
Surah Al-Isra 49: They said, “When we have become bones and dust, will we then be raised up as a new creation?”
Surah Ya-Sin 77: Does man not see that We created him from a drop of sperm, yet he becomes an open opponent?
The origin of the Quran is divine; however, the people who interpret it may make mistakes or think differently. What is important is that when we listen to each other, we should not criticize the other side, but rather be in pursuit of learning the truth.
Surah Az-Zumar 18: They are those who listen to the speech and follow the best of it. It is they whom Allah has guided, and it is they who are the people of understanding.’’
Islam is from Allah, and this means that everything has a purpose, that nothing ends after death, and that we meet with our Creator, whom we seek by our very nature, along with our loved ones. I entrust you all to Allah, who does not waste His trusts.
