CONCEPTS OF CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE IN WORLD RELIGIONS

مذاہب عالم میں تخلیقِ کائنات کے نظریات

Abstract

The concept of the universe holds profound significance in various religious traditions, each offering distinct interpretations of its creation, structure, and purpose. In Hinduism, the universe is seen as cyclical, undergoing endless cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction, with a focus on the ultimate reality of Brahman. Buddhism, on the other hand, emphasizes a universe without a permanent creator, where existence is governed by the law of dependent origination and an endless cycle of rebirth. Christianity and Islam share the belief in a divinely created universe, with Christianity focusing on the purposeful creation by God and Islam emphasizing the signs of Allah’s power in the natural world. Judaism also teaches of a universe created by God, where the fulfillment of divine commandments leads to the ultimate purpose of the universe. Ancient Egyptian beliefs present the universe as the creation of gods who maintain cosmic order, while indigenous religions often view the universe as an interconnected system where humanity and nature are deeply spiritual. Lastly, some scientific or deistic views suggest that the universe was initiated by a divine entity, but functions according to natural laws without ongoing divine intervention. This diversity in understanding the cosmos highlights the varied spiritual and philosophical interpretations of the universe across cultures, revealing the deep connection between religious beliefs and human perceptions of existence.