Najmuddin A Farooqi
THE long-standing and often circular debate over the scientific evidence for the existence of God may, from a strictly intellectual standpoint, appear to yield no definitive conclusion. Yet such debates are rarely remembered for their logical outcomes alone. Sometimes, their true significance lies in the social, psychological and spiritual responses they evoke.
One such debate conducted between an Islamic cleric and a self-proclaimed atheist stands out precisely for this reason. Ironically, it unfolded as one of the most secular discussions within a deeply non-secular environment. Broadcast live and watched by millions online, it became one of the most viewed programmes on YouTube within a short span of time. While some observers regarded it as an exercise in futility particularly for viewers who invested nearly two hours listening to familiar arguments, it nevertheless proved to be an engaging and absorbing public spectacle.
The Islamic scholar, a relatively unknown figure before the event, appeared well-prepared and deeply motivated by his faith and devotion to Allah. His objective was not merely to defend belief, but to inspire and instil faith in his audience. The aftermath of the debate was telling, the cleric emerged as a widely recognised public figure, sought after by media outlets and embraced by the Muslim masses, while his already well-known opponent remained where he was: unchanged in stature or influence.
From a critical perspective, a person who professes no faith has little need to promote disbelief unless driven by a desire to advance scientific temperament, particularly among the youth. Such advocacy is often linked to aspirations for material progress and success in a modern, materialistic world. There is nothing inherently wrong with this pursuit; material success is a legitimate aspiration and a right for everyone, including Muslims.
However, human life cannot be reduced solely to material achievement. Faith in the existence of God becomes indispensable precisely at the point where logic, reason and scientific explanation reach their limits. In a world of nearly eight billion people, those who identify as having “no faith” constitute a relatively small minority. While it is impossible to quantify faith or measure the depth of one’s belief or love for God, it is evident that a vast majority of people, even while striving for worldly success, quietly seek divine help and reassurance.
Those who love God purely for spiritual fulfilment and the hope of a better hereafter may indeed form a small minority, but their presence underscores an essential truth that faith serves purposes beyond measurable outcomes.
Notably, belief in God is not confined to religious communities alone. A significant number of scientists and more strikingly, medical professionals despite practising evidence-based medicine, often encourage patients to pray for health and recovery. This reflects an implicit recognition that healing is not purely mechanical and that the human mind and spirit play vital roles in recovery.
Religious individuals, by and large, tend to display greater emotional and psychological resilience. They are often less stressed, more disciplined and better able to cope with adversity, even in conditions of limited resources or wealth. Statistically, they exhibit lower rates of suicide and severe mental breakdowns, and they often report greater inner peace and better sleep.
Modern medical science itself acknowledges its limitations. Despite remarkable advances, the human brain remains one of the greatest frontiers of scientific inquiry. Neuroscience has yet to fully understand the intricate network of approximately 86 billion neurons and their hundreds of trillions of connections. Until this mystery is unravelled, claims of complete understanding of human consciousness, belief and faith remain premature.
In this space of uncertainty, where science pauses and wisdom humbly acknowledges its limits, faith continues to endure, heal, and guide. Submission, it seems, does not weaken humanity; rather, it sustains it.
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The views expressed here are author’s own and Clarion India does not necessarily subscribe to them.
