Why Would God Create a Vast Universe Seemingly “Empty” if Humans Are the Central Purpose?

The sheer scale of the universe often humbles us. Billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars and planets yet when we look at the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, we find that human beings occupy a uniquely honored place in creation. This leads to a profound question: Why would Allah create such an immense universe, seemingly empty, if the central purpose is the human being?

To explore this question, we turn to the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, a record of the sayings, actions, approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Together, they provide us with a framework to understand the majesty of Allah’s creation and our role within it.

The Qur’anic Perspective: A Universe Full of Signs

The Universe as a Sign of Allah’s Greatness

Allah describes the universe not as empty, but as full of signs for those who reflect:

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night are signs for people of reason.”
(Qur’an 3:190)

This verse shows that the heavens the galaxies, stars, and cosmic phenomena exist as signs of Allah’s power and wisdom. Even what appears empty to us holds purpose: it reminds us of our smallness and Allah’s greatness.

Created with Truth and Purpose

Allah emphasizes that the universe is not created in vain:

“We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything in between without purpose…”
(Qur’an 38:27)

The seemingly “empty” expanses of space still carry meaning because everything reflects divine wisdom, even if humans cannot fully perceive it. What appears vast and silent to us may hold realities beyond our comprehension.

The Human Role in Creation

Honored Above Much of Creation

Humans are indeed central in one sense: Allah granted us a special status.

“Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, provided them with good things, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures.”
(Qur’an 17:70)

This verse establishes humanity’s elevated position, not because the rest of the universe is meaningless, but because we are the ones entrusted with moral responsibility and the gift of free will.

The Universe in Service to Humans

Allah also informs us that much of creation has been subjected for our benefit:

“Allah is the One Who created the heavens and the earth and sent down rain from the sky, producing fruits as provision for you. He has subjected the ships to you, sailing through the sea by His command, and subjected rivers to you. He has subjected for you the sun and the moon both constantly orbiting and has subjected the day and night to you.”
(Qur’an 14:32–33)

The universe’s vast systems sun, moon, seasons, gravity are not random. They are finely tuned for human life on Earth. The expansiveness of the cosmos magnifies how delicately our small place within it is designed.

The Cosmic Scale: A Reminder of Allah’s Majesty

The Heavens Compared to the Kursi and Throne

Hadith and Qur’anic references also highlight that the universe, vast as it seems, is still minuscule compared to Allah’s Throne:

Ibn Hibban and al-Bayhaqi report (authenticated by al-Albani) that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The seven heavens compared to the Kursi (Footstool) are like a ring thrown into a desert. And the superiority of the Throne over the Kursi is like the superiority of that desert over the ring.”

This Hadith reveals perspective: what feels infinite to us is but a speck before Allah’s majesty. The enormity of creation is not wasted space, it is a demonstration of Allah’s limitless power, reinforcing that He is beyond our imagination.

Is the Universe “Empty”?

The Concept of the Unseen (Al-Ghayb)

The Qur’an repeatedly reminds us that much of reality lies in the unseen:

“…those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and donate from what We have provided for them.”
(Qur’an 2:3)

What we call “empty space” may contain realities beyond human detection. Angels, realms of the unseen, and dimensions of existence are veiled from our senses but affirmed by revelation. The emptiness may be our limitation, not an absence of purpose.

A Space for Reflection and Humility

Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) encouraged reflection on creation:

In a Hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Reflect upon the creation of Allah, but do not reflect upon Allah Himself.”

This Hadith highlights that the vastness and mystery of the universe are not meant to confuse or overwhelm us, but rather to inspire deep reflection. When we witness the immensity of creation stars, galaxies, and worlds far beyond our reach it reminds us of our own smallness and dependence on the Creator. The cosmic scale becomes a mirror, showing us both the limits of human power and the infinite greatness of Allah. Instead of leaving us lost in wonder, it directs our hearts toward humility, gratitude, and submission, knowing that everything has a purpose, even if it lies beyond our immediate understanding.

Lessons from the Vastness of Creation

1. To Recognize Human Limits

The grandeur of the cosmos teaches us our limited knowledge and power. Even with modern telescopes, we only glimpse fragments of the universe. Allah reminds us:

“…You have been given only little knowledge.”
(Qur’an 17:85)

The vastness is a classroom in humility, steering us away from arrogance.

2. To Encourage Gratitude

By realizing that the universe is orchestrated to allow life on Earth, gratitude grows. The balance of forces, distances, and elements all testify to divine care. As Allah says:

“If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them.”
(Qur’an 16:18)

3. To Highlight the Reality of the Hereafter

The expansiveness of creation also points to Allah’s ability to resurrect us after death. If He can create galaxies and universes, surely He can recreate life:

“Do they not realize that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, can easily re-create them? He has already set for them a time about which there is no doubt…”
(Qur’an 17:99)

The vastness, then, is a reminder of divine power, especially concerning the Day of Judgment.

A Central Yet Humble Role for Humans

So, why did Allah create such a vast universe if humans are central? The Qur’an and Hadith give a clear picture:

• The universe is not empty; it is filled with signs of Allah’s majesty.
• Humans hold a special responsibility but not because the cosmos is wasted, it exists to magnify Allah’s greatness.
• What seems purposeless is often beyond our perception, falling under the unseen realm.
• The vastness of creation is a tool for reflection, gratitude, and humility, drawing us closer to Allah.

Our role is not to assume everything revolves around us, but to realize that everything revolves around Allah’s will, and within that, we are honored with the duty of worship.

The Universe as a Stage for Worship

Everything Glorifies Allah

The Qur’an reveals that the entire universe, what we perceive as empty space, stars, and celestial bodies engages in worship:

“Do you not see that Allah is glorified by all those in the heavens and the earth the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, and the moving creatures, as well as many humans?”
(Qur’an 22:18)

Even the stars and galaxies are not idle. They are engaged in tasbih (glorification of Allah), whether we perceive it or not. The cosmos is thus alive with devotion, reminding us that existence itself is worship.

The Human Role in Joining Creation’s Worship

Our role as humans is not to see the universe as irrelevant but to join in this universal worship consciously. Unlike the stars or planets, we have choice and accountability. Our prayer, fasting, charity, and remembrance make us participants in this cosmic act of glorification.

Why So Vast, If Life Exists Only on Earth?

A Test of Faith

The vastness of space is also a test of perception. Do we see randomness, or do we see divine wisdom? The Qur’an addresses skeptics who see meaninglessness:

“And He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in truth. And whenever He says: ‘Be!’—it is. His command is only to be, and it is.”
(Qur’an 6:73)

The endless expanse challenges us to trust Allah’s wisdom, even when human exploration reaches its limits.

Possible Realities Beyond Our Knowledge

While the Qur’an and Hadith focus on Earthly human life, Allah reminds us that His knowledge extends to realities unseen:

“And He creates what you do not know.”
(Qur’an 16:8)

This verse opens the possibility that the universe holds realities beyond human discovery. The “emptiness” we perceive may hold creations known only to Allah, serving purposes hidden from us.

The Ultimate Lesson: Our Central Purpose is Worship

Allah Did Not Create Us Pointlessly

The Qur’an repeatedly clarifies the reason humans exist:

“I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.”
(Qur’an 51:56)

Thus, the vastness of creation is not meant to distract us but to direct us back to our purpose. Every galaxy and star is a reminder of the Creator we are meant to worship.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Night Sky

It is narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi that when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would wake for night prayer, he recited:

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for people of reason.” (Qur’an 3:190)

This shows how Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) connected the vastness of the universe directly to spiritual reflection. The grandeur of creation was not a mystery to ignore but an invitation to worship.

Conclusion: The Vast Universe Has Purpose

From the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, we learn that:

• The universe is not empty—it glorifies Allah and points to His greatness.

• Humans are central not because the rest is meaningless, but because we are accountable beings entrusted with worship.

• The apparent emptiness is part of the unseen, containing realities beyond human perception.

• The immensity of creation is a tool to humble us, awaken gratitude, and remind us of the Hereafter.

Thus, Allah’s wisdom in creating a vast universe is not diminished by human centrality; rather, it enhances our understanding of His power, mercy, and majesty.

FAQs 

1. If humans are the purpose, why is the universe so large?

The Qur’an teaches that the vastness is not wasted it is filled with signs of Allah’s greatness (Qur’an 3:190). Its scale humbles humans, reminds us of our limited knowledge, and magnifies Allah’s infinite power.

2. Is the universe truly “empty” according to Islam?

No. The Qur’an tells us that everything glorifies Allah (Qur’an 22:18). What appears empty may hold unseen realities (Qur’an 16:8). Emptiness is often a human perception, not a divine reality.

3. Do Hadith mention the size of the universe compared to Allah’s Throne?

Yes. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained that the seven heavens compared to Allah’s Kursi are like a ring in the desert, and the Throne is greater still. This Hadith (reported by Ibn Hibban, authenticated by al-Albani) shows the universe’s vastness is tiny before Allah.

4. Could there be other life in the universe according to the Qur’an?

The Qur’an does not confirm or deny this directly, but it hints at Allah creating beyond what we know: “And He creates what you do not know” (Qur’an 16:8). Thus, possibilities exist beyond human discovery.

5. How should Muslims respond to the vastness of the universe?

By reflecting upon it as a sign of Allah, increasing in humility, gratitude, and worship. As Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised in Sahih Muslim: “Reflect upon the creation of Allah, but do not reflect upon Allah Himself.”