In Islamic theology, a central concept lies in the fundamental distinction between the Eternal (al-Qadīm) and the created. This concept underscores the unique nature of God, who exists eternally without beginning or cause, in contrast to the finite and contingent nature of creation. This article explores this theological distinction and its implications, examining how it defines God’s absolute nature, the nature of divine attributes, and the understanding of contingent beings. The discussion affirms Islamic theology’s commitment to the principle of Tawḥīd, the oneness of God, and highlights the necessity of God as the uncaused, self-sufficient foundation of all existence.

The Eternal Versus the Created: A Fundamental Distinction

The differentiation between God, the Eternal, and the created world forms the backbone of Islamic theology. In this view, God’s eternal nature signifies that He exists without any beginning, cause, or preceding factor. His existence is absolute, independent, and necessary, meaning it does not rely on anything else. In contrast, created entities are finite, having come into existence at a certain point after a period of non-existence. Their existence depends on various external causes and conditions, making them inherently contingent and reliant on external sources.

This distinction is not merely one of temporality but also one of essence. While God’s existence is intrinsic, unchanging, and necessary, the created world exists contingently, relying on other factors for its existence and being subject to change. This theological principle highlights the attribute of al-Ṣamad (the Self-Sufficient, upon whom everything depends), as affirmed in the Qurʾān in Chapter 112, for example:

Say,

“It is God, Unique,
God the Ultimate.
God does not reproduce
and is not reproduced.
And there is nothing at all equivalent to God.”

The belief that God exists independently while creation exists dependently underlines the unique status of the Divine as the only uncaused and necessary existence.

The Independence of the Eternal from Cause

A critical theological implication of God’s eternality is His absolute independence from any cause or external factor. If God required a cause for His existence, this would introduce a limitation or contingency into His nature, directly contradicting the idea of an absolute, self-sufficient being. Thus, in Islamic theology, God’s independence from any external cause is essential to preserve His divine status as the necessary being (wājib al-wujūd). His existence is inherently absolute, not contingent upon anything outside Himself.

This idea reinforces the concept of Tawḥīd, the oneness of God, by establishing that God alone exists necessarily and without any dependency. The created universe, by contrast, is contingent, meaning it is dependent on God as the ultimate cause of its existence. This view holds that anything eternal must inherently be free from dependency or change, a condition met only by God’s existence. This distinction further emphasises that while created entities require sustenance, support, and continuous causation to maintain their existence, God exists perpetually, unchangingly, and without reliance on any external factors.

Divine Attributes and Their Relationship to God’s Essence

Another significant aspect of Islamic theology is understanding the nature of God’s attributes, such as knowledge, power, and will, and their relationship to His essence. Islamic scholars debate whether these attributes are distinct from or inherent within God’s essence. This perspective aligns with the belief that divine attributes are expressions of God’s essence rather than separate entities. According to this view, attributes like knowledge and power are not qualities added to God; instead, they are intrinsic expressions of His essential nature.

This theological stance is essential for preserving Tawḥīd, as it prevents any notion of division within God’s essence. By understanding God’s attributes as expressions of His essence rather than as independent qualities, Islamic theology maintains the unity and indivisibility of God’s being. For instance, God’s knowledge is not an attribute that exists independently of Him but rather an intrinsic aspect of His essence that encompasses all knowledge. This view also guards against anthropomorphism—the attribution of human qualities to God—by emphasising that divine attributes are unique and unchanging, unlike human qualities, which are mutable and develop over time. God’s knowledge, unlike human knowledge, does not grow or diminish but is complete and absolute from the outset.

Furthermore, these divine attributes are understood to be independent of anything external. God’s knowledge, power, and will are inherent within Himself, not reliant on any external factors to actualise or validate them. This belief affirms God’s status as al-ʿAlīm (the All-Knowing), whose knowledge and attributes are complete within Himself, transcending all limitations and dependencies.

Implications for Created Entities

This theological framework has implications for understanding the nature of created entities. While created beings may possess qualities such as knowledge, strength, or wisdom, these attributes are contingent, variable, and dependent on external factors. Human knowledge, for instance, is acquired through experience, grows with learning, and can fade with age or forgetfulness. This variability reflects the contingent nature of created beings, reinforcing their need for a sustaining cause—ultimately, God.

Thus, while created things may have qualities or attributes, these are not intrinsic to their essence but rather conditional and subject to change. In contrast to God’s unchanging and perfect attributes, the attributes of created entities are finite, limited, and reliant on God’s will. This emphasises the absolute distinction between the eternal, independent nature of God and the mutable, dependent nature of creation.

 Conclusion

In conclusion, the Islamic theological framework establishes a clear distinction between God’s eternal, uncaused, and self-sufficient existence and the contingent, dependent nature of creation. God’s essence is marked by intrinsic and necessary attributes, such as knowledge and power, which are expressions of His unified essence. This view safeguards the principle of Tawḥīd by upholding the absolute transcendence of God above all creation and reinforcing His role as the ultimate, necessary being upon whom all existence depends.

This theological model not only affirms God’s oneness and independence but also shapes the understanding of the contingent nature of the created world. Through this distinction, Islamic theology offers a coherent model that maintains both the unity of God and the dependency of creation. The differentiation between the eternal and the created remains a cornerstone of Islamic theology, guiding Muslim belief in God’s perfection, transcendence, and the self-sufficient nature of His divine attributes. By affirming God’s status as the necessary being, Islamic theology constructs a sophisticated understanding of God’s relationship with the world, a model that continues to resonate within Muslim thought and practice.

And only God knows best.