Are there not any flaws in the universe? What are the criteria showing that the universe is functioning and operating in incredible harmony?

A Brief Description of the Question: 

Are there not any flaws in the universe? What are the criteria showing that the universe is functioning and operating in incredible harmony?

The Answer: 

The criterion showing whether something is beautiful or ugly depends on the perfection of that thing. The perfection of something depends on the fact whether that thing functions and serves in accordance with the purpose of its existence. Whether something functions and serves in accordance with the purpose of its existence depends on the fact whether its outward state is orderly or not. Whether something is orderly or not depends on the fact whether it respects the rights of the mass it is located in.

For instance, the perfection of an eye is to see the beings, which is the purpose of its creation. It can see beings only if it obeys the rules of the reflection of the sunlight. Thus, an eye that sees things also indicates the perfection of the sun, the atmosphere and the solar system. For, it is necessary for this system to operate perfectly for the eyes to see properly. The eye needs to have flexibility in the presence of little or much light; in addition, the light waves, the refraction of light and the frequencies of sight need to be adjusted very well for the act of seeing to take place.

Similarly, the perfection of an ear depends on its hearing sounds very well, which is the purpose of its creation. In order to hear sounds, it is necessary for the ears to be in the frequency that will enable them to hear in the atmospheric system they are located in, apart from being created in the available system. Since the system that is available serves to realize this person, it means a perfect system is functioning.

For instance, if it were not for the law of gravity, we would not only face the danger of being thrown into space but also we would not be able to swallow food. That is, the proper operation of our inner system depends on the existence of the law of gravity and on Allah, who created this law. This is perfection. All of the elements and systems of the universe have been functioning perfectly for billions of years. Otherwise, Doomsday would have struck so many times up to now.

The phenomena like beauty and ugliness have two aspects: Firstly, the state that is existent in their own beings; secondly, the position that they have compared to others.

When we look at the universe in accordance with the criteria presented above, we will see that it is a perfect system that operates without any flaws. The greatest evidence for it is the facts found by the present exact sciences as a result of long researches. The conclusion that each one of the present exact sciences has drawn is as follows, as Imam Ghazali puts it:

“It is impossible to have a better system and order than the one that is available.”

As it is expressed in the question, whether something is ugly or beautiful is relative based on the viewpoint of people. A person who is sad will see everybody, even the whole world, crying; a person who is happy will see everybody, even all beings, happy; it is something relative.

Beauty is essential in the universe. Some phenomena that are seen as ugly have been placed here and there among beings in order to show the beauty of the beautiful things; they are also elevated to the rank of relative beauties since they become a means of showing the beauties. The number of ugly things is really small in the ontological mechanism. For instance, the movement of a comet that zigzags can be regarded as deficient / ugly. However, this movement contributes to our understanding of the beauty of the millions of celestial bodies that move regularly on the one hand; and it shows a very nice talent of maneuvering existent in comets on the other hand.

Similarly, a person who looks at the digestive system of man can think that the bends and crooked ways in it are a disorder. However, the experts on the issue know very well that it is not so.

“With Him are the keys of the Unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He. He knoweth whatever there is on the earth, and in the sea. Not a leaf doth fall but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the darkness (or depths) of the earth nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered) but is (inscribed) in a Record Clear (to those who can read).”(al-Anam, 6/ 59)

The verse above indicates that the system and design of everything is prepared by Allah’s knowledge and wisdom and therefore, everything will be nice and perfect.

“Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil).”(ar-Rum, 30/41)

It is emphasized in the verse above that the most important being that causes the negative incidents in the world is man. This fact, which was emphasized by the verse fifteen centuries ago, has been accepted by experts today and they have rolled up their sleeves to stop this inattention.

In conclusion, we can say that the whole universe reads the following verses with its tongue of disposition and makes those who are conscious read them:

“He Who created the seven heavens one above another; no want of proportion wilt thou see in the Creation of (Allah) Most Gracious. so turn thy vision again: Seest thou any flaw? Again turn thy vision a second time; (thy) vision will come back to thee dull and discomfited, in a state worn out.” (al-Mulk, 67/3-4)

May our Lord make us read them, too. Amen!

ALLAH Knows Best.