From a limited and finite universe...

From a limited and finite universe, therefore, we can never arrive at a limitless and infinite creator.[^4] Reply Every proof or argument has an intended purpose, and the argument of design is intended for nothing but to refute the materialists’ view and prove that the world of nature is an effect and is created, and has come into being according to a conscious and wise design and plan.

But as to whether the Creator of the universe is finite or infinite in terms of existential perfections, whether He is indivisible or composite, whether He has essence or not, whether His Attributes are identical with His Essence or extraneous to it, and the like are beyond the scope of the argument of design. [As Professor Muṭahharī says,] “The value of the argument of design is solely limited to the extent of elevating us to the frontiers of the supranatural.

This argument only proves that nature has something beyond itself to which it is subject and that Beyond is conscious of Itself and Its acts. As to whether this transcendent is necessary or contingent, eternal or emergent ( ḥādith ), one or multiple, finite or infinite, omniscient and omnipotent or not, this lies outside the limits of this argument.

These are issues which wholly and solely belong to the domain of metaphysics, and metaphysics proves them with the help of other arguments.”[^5] Third Objection From the order and stability of the world of nature, one cannot conclude about the perfection of knowledge and wisdom of its creator because it is possible that the present order might have come into being after a series of trial and error “acts” by its creator for a long period of time.

If we see a ship, initially we conclude about the intelligence and excellence of its builder, but after knowing that he copied its design from others and that the said design has undergone a series of trial and error designings for the past centuries, our amazement for the ship’s builder will soon vanish.[^6] Reply The said objection – as in the case of the previous one – stems from a mistaken understanding of the function of the argument of design.

Once we accept that the argument of design indicates the world of nature’s connection to the supranatural world and testify to the involvement of knowledge and willpower in the emergence of the order of nature, we have confirmed the correctness of the argument of design.