Question

As Muslims, we believe that God has the power to do anything. Is it possible for God to create a rock so heavy that He cannot lift it? Please explain.

Regards,

Answer

Salaam,

Before addressing your question, it’s important to clarify the concept of omnipotence as it relates to God. Omnipotence means that God is all-powerful, but His power is exercised in harmony with His other attributes such as mercy, wisdom, and omniscience. Therefore, it is more accurate to say that God can do everything that aligns with His wisdom, mercy, and omniscience. God cannot do anything that contradicts His other attributes.

For instance, questions like, “Can God create another being like Himself?”, “Can God commit suicide?”, or “Can God throw the righteous into Hell and place the wicked in Heaven?” are based on a misunderstanding of omnipotence. God cannot do anything that goes against His wisdom, justice, and knowledge.

Now, addressing your specific question: God’s omnipotence means there is no limit to the size of a stone He can create or the size of a stone He can lift. Both capacities are limitless. Therefore, asking if God can create a stone so heavy that He cannot lift it is similar to asking if God can limit His own power of creation or lifting. Essentially, this is akin to asking if God can create something that He loses control over, or if He can create another God. The answer to these questions is no; God cannot do anything that contradicts His wisdom and other attributes.

I hope this helps clarify your query.

Regards,