Islam provides guidance for every time and place. It is a way of life that addresses all aspects of human existence—intellectual, spiritual, and moral. There is no situation we face except that Islam has an answer, a response, or a cure for it.
In today's world, discussions about science, atheism, and religion are more prominent than ever. Many young Muslims, especially students in universities, encounter ideas that challenge their faith. Figures like Stephen Hawking, widely celebrated in the scientific world, continue to be referenced in classrooms, books, and media. His views on the origin of the universe and the existence of God are often cited in debates, making it crucial to reflect on why he did not accept Islam and what this means for believers.
Social media discussions frequently resurface, questioning whether someone like Hawking—who denied the existence of a Creator—could still be granted mercy in the hereafter. Some argue, “Who are we to judge?” Others say, “Maybe Allah will forgive him.” These conversations raise important theological questions about Islam's stance on disbelief, salvation, and interfaith tolerance.
Who Was Stephen Hawking?
Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author. At one point in his career, he occupied the same academic seat once held by Sir Isaac Newton, a position of great prestige in the scientific world.
His expertise lay in two significant fields of physics:
- General relativity
- Quantum gravity
Hawking authored several books, one of the most famous being The Grand Design. In this book, he discussed the history of scientific knowledge, the nature of the universe, and the concept of M-theory, which proposes that the universe is composed of 11 dimensions.
A key argument in The Grand Design was that the existence of God is no longer necessary to explain the origins of the universe. Hawking explicitly denied the need for a Creator, asserting that science provides sufficient answers. He was an atheist—a person who denies the existence of God.
But does Islam recognize atheism as a valid belief system? And what is the fate of those who reject faith in Allah?
Islam’s Position on Disbelief (Kufr)
Islam is unequivocal regarding belief in Allah ﷻ and following His guidance. There are numerous verses in the Qur’an and authentic ahadith that clarify the fate of those who reject faith.
- Allah ﷻ states in the Qur’an:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ وَالْمُشْرِكِينَ فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ أُو۟لَـٰئِكَ هُمْ شَرُّ ٱلْبَرِيَّةِ
"Indeed, those who disbelieve among the People of the Book and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. They are the worst of creation."— (Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:6)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also made it clear that belief in his message is a requirement for salvation.
- He ﷺ said in a hadith collected by Al-Bukhari and Muslim:
وَالَّذِي نَفْسُ مُحَمَّدٍ بِيَدِهِ، لاَ يَسْمَعُ بِي أَحَدٌ مِنْ هَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ، يَهُودِيٌّ وَلاَ نَصْرَانِيٌّ، ثُمَّ يَمُوتُ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِالَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِ، إِلَّا كَانَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّارِ
"By Him in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad! There is none from this nation, whether Jew or Christian, who hears of me and then dies without believing in what I was sent with, except that he will be among the inhabitants of the Hellfire." (Sahih Muslim: 153)
These divine statements are muhkam (clear and decisive)—they leave no room for doubt or reinterpretation. Anyone who dies rejecting the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ is not considered a believer. This applies even more strongly to someone who outright denies the existence of Allah, as atheists do.
Intellectual Brilliance vs. Spiritual Guidance
Stephen Hawking was considered one of the most intelligent minds in modern science. However, intellectual brilliance does not equate to spiritual enlightenment.
- Allah ﷻ reminds us in the Qur’an:
وَلَقَدْ ذَرَأْنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ كَثِيرًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌۭ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌۭ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ ءَاذَانٌۭ لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۚ أُو۟لَـٰئِكَ كَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْغَـٰفِلُونَ
"And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle—rather, they are even more astray. It is they who are the heedless."— (Surah Al-A'raf 7:179)
Regardless of his scientific contributions, Hawking denied the very existence of the Creator who gave him his intellect. He had the ability to analyze complex equations and theories, but he failed to acknowledge the greatest truth—the reality of Allah's existence and sovereignty.
Can We Pray for Non-Muslims After Their Death?
Another common discussion that resurfaces is whether it is permissible to seek forgiveness (istighfar) or mercy (rahmah) for a non-Muslim after they have passed away.
- The answer is clear in the Qur’an:
مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا أَن يَسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ لِلْمُشْرِكِينَ وَلَوْ كَانُوٓا أُو۟لِى قُرْبَىٰ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُمْ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَحِيمِ
"It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of the Fire."— (Surah At-Tawbah 9:113)
Even the Prophet ﷺ was prohibited from seeking forgiveness for his beloved uncle, Abu Talib, despite Abu Talib having supported him throughout his mission.
If such an exception was not made for the Prophet's ﷺ own uncle, then how can we make exceptions for others who openly rejected faith?
Final Thoughts: Protecting Our Faith & Strengthening Our Belief
As we live in a time where atheism, secularism, and scientific materialism are on the rise, it is more crucial than ever for Muslims—especially students—to fortify their faith. The challenges to Islamic beliefs are not just theoretical; they are woven into academic discussions, media narratives, and everyday conversations. Without a firm foundation in Islamic Aqeedah, doubts can creep in, leading to confusion and uncertainty.
Islam provides clear and unwavering guidance on faith, the afterlife, and the reality of disbelief. But to stand strong in your deen, you must equip yourself with authentic knowledge. True understanding of theological foundations and rational arguments against modern-day doubts will empower you to confidently navigate these challenges.
Take the next step in strengthening your iman. Join AMAU Academy today and gain a structured, in-depth understanding of Islamic beliefs directly from qualified scholars. Learn how to answer modern-day challenges, protect your faith, and solidify your connection with Allah ﷻ.
