Teleological Argument for the Existence of God: Critical Analysis of Atheism Objections from an Islamic Perspective

Abstract

"Existence of God" has been part of the common intellectual quest of every human civilization. Human intellect (Philosophy) put forward three arguments for the existence of God. These are: Cosmological, Ontological and Teleological. The Teleological Argument had its roots deep in ancient history and can be traced in the modern era. This argument is also known as an argument from design, posits that the order, complexity and purpose observed in the universe suggest the existence of an intelligent Designer - God. On the other hand, atheists have always objected to this argument. This paper offers a critical analysis of atheists’ objections to the Teleological Argument, focusing particularly on how Islamic philosophy and theology respond to such critiques. After careful study of classical and modern Muslim Thinkers, the study explores how design in the universe is interpreted through Quranic Revelation and rational theology. The study highlights how Islamic and some Western philosophers articulated arguments that parallel and transcend classical Western theistic perspectives.