Can the creator of the universe change?

For example, if an atheist were to ask you a question like this, or say: “The universe is changing; therefore, the being that changes it must also be changing. If it does not change, prove it to me”, what would your answer be?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Some people say, “If there is a being constantly changing and transforming the universe, then that being must also change.” In other words, if the universe is changing, does that mean that the being changing the universe must also change?

This question raises doubts in people’s hearts especially regarding the relationship between change and power.

a) It is impossible for Allah to change

Allah is pre-eternal and post-eternal; He has absolute perfection, and is free from matter and space.

If a being changes, it is due to either deficiency or weakness. However, Allah is absolutely perfect, complete, and in need of nothing. In other words, Allah does not change because change is a sign of deficiency.

b) The change in the universe is not evidence of Allah’s change.

The universe is constantly changing: day, night, seasons, the birth and death of stars…

However, this change is merely a manifestation of Allah’s names and attributes; that is, Allah is constant, but various aspects of His power (creation, organization, administration) are revealed in the universe in different ways.

Badiuzzaman Said Nursi illustrates it with the following example:

For example, if you spin a large number of globes and balls which have each been tied to a piece of string and cause them all to move unceasingly within an order, you have to remain in one place and not change or move, for if you did, it would spoil the order. (See Flashes, Thirtieth Flash, Sixth Point)

The logic here is this: He who creates change must remain constant so that the change is regular and continuous.

c) Change is peculiar to mortal beings.

Change, transformation and alteration are characteristics of created, imperfect, and weak beings.

The changes in the universe are a manifestation of Allah’s names and a demonstration of His power; Allah’s essence is unchanging.

This preserves the absolute perfection and permanence of Allah.

Other examples can also be given:

The example of the mirror and the sun: The mirror constantly changes the reflection of the sun. However, the sun itself does not change; only its reflection is renewed in the mirror. Therefore, change is a manifestation of a constant source.

The ball and string example: Balls connected by strings are constantly moving. If the strings are also constantly changed, the arrangement of the balls will be disrupted.

Similarly, the change in the universe stems not from a change in Allah, but from His constant power.

So, the universe is changing, but this change does not mean that Allah is changing; the source of the change is unchanging and it is a manifestation of Allah’s power.

To sum up:

The fact that the universe changes does not prove that Allah changes too. On the contrary, it shows that the One who changes others does not change.

Allah is absolutely unchanging, but change in the universe is a manifestation of His power. Change is peculiar to created, imperfect, and mortal beings.

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