Basics of Pre-algebra

 

Tawheed and Infinity: The Limitless Character of Allah’s Knowledge

By Math-o-Deen World

Overview:

One of the most profound and mysterious ideas in mathematics is infinity (∞) — something with no beginning, no end, no boundary, and no limit.
Mathematicians use it to describe endless sequences, boundless quantities, and processes that never stop.
But long before mathematics tried to describe infinity, Islam had already revealed the Infinite — Allah — the Eternal, the Boundless, and the Ever-Living.

Infinity and Tawheed:

The essence of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) lies in recognizing that Allah alone is infinite in His wisdom, mercy, power, and existence.
Mathematical infinity is only a symbol (∞) — a human attempt to express, in numbers, what the Qur’an revealed in divine language.

Mathematical Infinity:

Infinity in mathematics is an idea, not a number.
It expresses the concept of something that never ends, such as:

• A line extending infinitely in both directions

• An endless series of numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …)

• Infinite expansion, division, or repetition

Mathematicians use infinity to describe ideas that go beyond computation, for example:

• Parallel lines meeting “at infinity” in geometry

• Limits approaching infinity in calculus

• Infinite sets in number theory

Yet, mathematical infinity remains symbolic, reminding humanity of the vastness of creation and the limits of human understanding.

Islam’s Infinity — The Unending Creator:

In Islam, infinity is not symbolic but real — and it belongs only to Allah.

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255)

Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) and Al-Qayyum (The Sustainer) represent infinite life and infinite power — qualities that never diminish.

Mathematical infinity may be abstract, but Allah is the embodiment of infinity, with boundless knowledge, mercy, and might.

Expressions of Infinity in the Qur’an:

“If all the trees on earth were pens and the sea were ink, refilled by seven more seas, the words of Allah would not be exhausted.”
(Surah Luqman 31:27)

 This verse beautifully reflects true infinity — beyond measure, beyond human comprehension. Even if all trees became pens and all oceans turned to ink, Allah’s wisdom and knowledge could never be fully written.

Comparing Mathematical and Divine Infinity:

Concept	Mathematical Infinity	Divine Infinity (in Islam)
Definition	A limitless process or quantity	The limitless essence and attributes of Allah
Existence	Abstract and symbolic	Real, eternal, and absolute
Scope	Exists within logic and numbers	Exists beyond creation and comprehension
Understanding	Approximated by intellect	Known only to Allah
Dependence	Created a human concept	Self-existent — Allah depends on none

Mathematical infinity helps humanity grasp the immensity of numbers,
But Divine Infinity guides believers to understand the greatness of their Creator.

Tawheed and Infinity — The Ultimate Unity:

Tawheed teaches that Allah is One, unique and incomparable.
His Oneness is not like the number “one” — it transcends all division and limitation.

Just as no number equals infinity, no creation equals Allah.

لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ
“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”
(Surah Ash-Shura 42:11)

Allah’s infinity exists beyond creation, while mathematical infinity exists within it.
One is the source of all light, and the other — merely a shadow.

Infinity in Mathematical Reality:

Infinity appears in many areas of modern mathematics:

• Calculus: Limits that approach infinity describe continuous growth.

• Geometry: A circle has a finite circumference but an infinite number of points.

• Cosmology: Scientists believe the universe expands infinitely, yet its true boundary is unknown.

These paradoxes remind us:
Human intellect reaches a limit — and beyond that limit lies Allah’s perfection.
Mathematical infinity is like a signpost pointing toward Tawheed, revealing the One who is truly without limit.

Creation’s Infinity — Allah’s Signs:

Everywhere in creation, infinity manifests as a reflection of divine design:

• Endless galaxies scattered through the cosmos

• The micro-universe within every atom

• The continuous flow of time

إِنَّا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ
“Indeed, We have created everything according to a precise measure.”
(Surah Al-Qamar 54:49)

Even measurement itself is a creation of Allah — and mathematics helps us appreciate that divine precision.

Faith Through Infinity — Lessons for the Believer:

وَمَا أُوتِيتُم مِّنَ الْعِلْمِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
“You have not been given of knowledge except a little.”
( Surah Al-Isra 17:85)

Infinity teaches humility.
The more we learn, the more we realize how limited our understanding is.

Lessons from Infinity:

1. Endless Mercy:
   “My mercy encompasses all things.” — Surah Al-A‘raf 7:156

2. Unending Forgiveness:
   Allah’s pardon is limitless for those who sincerely repent.

3. Infinite Knowledge:
   Every new discovery reflects Allah’s wisdom.

4. Eternal Reward:
   “They will dwell therein forever.” — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:25

Linking Faith and Reason:

Mathematical reasoning helps us see patterns in creation,
while faith helps us understand their purpose.

إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding.”
(Surah Aal Imran 3:190)

Together, reason and revelation form the path of Hikmah (wisdom).

The Infinite Journey of Knowledge:

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever travels a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”
— Sahih Muslim

Knowledge — like numbers — is endless.
Every discovery brings us closer to understanding the infinite design of Allah.

Conclusion — From Numbers to Oneness:

Mathematics reveals infinite patterns.
Islam reveals the Infinite Creator behind them.

Infinity in numbers reflects humanity’s longing for eternity —
a desire that only Allah, the Truly Infinite, can fulfill.

هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
“He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden; and He has knowledge of all things.”   (Surah Al-Hadid 57:3)

Every mathematical equation is a window into divine order,
and every reflection on infinity can become an act of worship.

When faith and mathematics unite,
reason becomes remembrance,
and knowledge becomes a pathway to Tawheed — the understanding that only Allah is truly limitless.

The World Message of Math-o-Deen

Infinity is not only a mathematical mystery —
It is a spiritual reminder.

The more we explore the infinite universe,
the closer we come to knowing the Infinite Creator.
For in the equation of existence, everything changes — except Allah.