Where Did God Come From? Science and Religion

Being a student of science, I always wondered: Why are we here? Who created us? Where did God come from? These questions have likely crossed your mind too.

I decided to search for answers without jumping to conclusions. I studied major religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.

Each time I found contradictions or unanswered questions, I paused my exploration. Finally, only Islam gave me clear, logical answers to these deep questions.

In this article, I want to share what I discovered, specifically from an Islamic perspective. I want you to read this with an open mind, just as I approached my own journey.

Are Science and Religion Two Different Things?

Let’s start with a common belief:

“Science is based on facts and experiments, while religion is based on faith and beliefs that can’t be tested. Therefore, they’re completely different.”

Many people agree with this statement. But the truth lies in understanding the limitations of science and how religion complements it.

Limitation of Science

Science focuses on understanding natural phenomena. For example, the Big Bang Theory explains that the universe began about 13.8 billion years ago from a hot, dense point. It expanded rapidly, forming stars, galaxies, and planets over time.

Science even provides evidence for this, like cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) that shows the universe is still expanding.

But here are questions science cannot answer:

• What caused the Big Bang?
• Why did the universe come into existence?
• What was there before the Big Bang?

This is where science reaches its limits, and where religion begins to provide answers.

How Religion Complements Science

Islam doesn’t oppose science. In fact, the Quran complements scientific discoveries by providing signs that align with modern findings. Here are a few examples:

The Big Bang: The Quran mentions the heavens and Earth were once joined before being separated, resembling the Big Bang theory​.

Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and then We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?

(Quran 21:30)

Primordial Smoke: It describes the early universe as “smoke”, reflecting the gaseous state post-Big Bang​:

Then He turned towards the heaven when it was ˹still like˺ smoke, saying to it and to the earth, ‘Submit, willingly or unwillingly.’ They both responded, ‘We submit willingly.’

(Quran 41:11)

Expanding Universe: The Quran states the universe is expanding, a fact confirmed by modern astronomy​.

We built the universe with ˹great˺ might, and We are certainly expanding ˹it˺.

(Quran 51:47)

These verses highlight concepts that modern science has only recently confirmed.

The Quran also answers those leftover questions:

• The Big Bang was initiated by Allah’s command.
• The universe exists because Allah created it to test which of you is best in deeds.“
• Allah is eternal, existing beyond time and space, which He created.

By understanding this harmony, we see that science explains “how” things happen, while religion explains “why” they exist.

“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

Albert Einstein

So what is the right approach? Consider science and religion as working together. Reflect upon signs of Allah by learning about the universe. And Balance knowledge with Purpose

Allah will continue to reveal His signs to all of humanity until the end of time.

“We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this ˹Quran˺ is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a Witness over all things?”

(Quran 41:53)

Now it’s time to answer the most-debated question for centuries.

Where Did God Come From?

This question has puzzled people for centuries. In his book The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins challenges the idea of a creator, asking: “If God created everything, then who created God?” He argues that believing in God only adds another layer of complexity without solving the mystery.

But this leads to an infinite loop of creators. For example:

• A product is created by a machine.
• The machine is created by a human.
• The human is created by another creator.

If this chain continues forever, it’s impossible to reach the origin. We must stop at a Supreme Creator—an uncaused, eternal being who exists beyond the limits of time and creation.

Why There Must Be a Creator?

After the “Steady State” theory was disproven, scientists agreed that the universe had a beginning. It wasn’t always here, and something caused it to exist.

The concept is simple:

• Creation exists.
• For creation to exist, there must be a Creator who doesn’t need to be created.

The Quran beautifully sums up this understanding:

“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

(Quran 112:1-4)

This stops the endless cycle of “Who created whom?” and gives us clarity about Allah’s eternal nature.

The Bigger Picture: Why Does It All Matter?

Why is this important?

The creation of the universe, including the heavens, Earth, and everything in between, wasn’t done without purpose:

“And We did not create the heaven and the Earth and everything between them in play.”

(Quran 21:16)

Understanding your purpose is essential. Without it, life can feel empty, like wandering without direction. When you know your purpose, decisions become easier, challenges feel meaningful, and life gains clarity and peace.

In Islam, our purpose is to worship Allah and live in a way that pleases Him. This gives life meaning and connects us to something greater than ourselves.

Conclusion

Life’s big questions about existence and purpose can feel overwhelming, but seeking answers brings clarity and fulfillment. Science explains how things work, while Islam explains why we’re here. Together, they provide a complete understanding of our world and our place in it.

Believing in Allah as the eternal Creator removes endless doubts. It gives us peace, direction, and hope. By understanding our purpose, we can live with focus, gratitude, and confidence in what’s to come.

I hope this article helps you find answers and inspires you to explore further. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments. Let’s learn and grow together.