The traditional materialist perspective regards ‘matter’ as the fundamental basis of the universe. However, developments in the late twentieth century—particularly in quantum physics and information theory—have presented strong indications that the foundation of the universe may not be ‘matter’, but ‘information’ (Wheeler, 1990; Vedral, 2010).
According to this view, the ‘it from bit’ (everything comes from information) approach maintains that information constitutes the very essence of physical reality. This perspective is in complete harmony with the teaching of the Qur’an that God encompasses all things with His knowledge and that every detail in the universe has been created through His knowledge.
Scientific Evidence for the Information-Based Structure of the Universe
Quantum physics has fundamentally transformed the classical conception of matter. As demonstrated by the famous double-slit experiment, the wave functions of particles do not exist in a definite state until they are observed; rather, they exist as probability distributions—essentially as informational states (Heisenberg, 1958). Similarly, Wheeler’s ‘it from bit’ framework proposes that information constitutes the underlying basis of physical reality. According to Wheeler, every physical event in the universe ultimately results from elementary binary choices—“yes” or “no,” equivalent to 1 and 0 (Wheeler, 1990).
Furthermore, quantum information theory indicates that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are units of information known as qubits (Vedral, 2010). Phenomena such as quantum entanglement and superposition reveal that all entities in the universe are interconnected through an underlying network of information. This suggests that the order and system observed in the universe are not the result of chance, but rather the product of a conscious creation. To elaborate on quantum entanglement:
Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in which the quantum states of two or more subatomic particles become linked in such a way that, regardless of the distance between them, when the state of one particle is measured, the state of the other is determined instantaneously. In other words, entangled particles are not independent of one another in the classical sense; rather, there appears to be an invisible connection between them. This property represents one of the most fundamental distinctions between quantum mechanics and classical physics and is famously described by Albert Einstein as ‘spooky action at a distance.’ Quantum entanglement demonstrates that the fundamental building blocks of matter and energy in the universe are interconnected in ways far deeper and more mysterious than previously assumed. In other words, it indicates that the universe is interconnected as a whole and that there exists a transcendent order and informational network beyond space and time, reflecting the existence of God.
From the perspective of information theory, quantum entanglement fundamentally transforms classical concepts of information. In classical information theory, ‘information’ is regarded as a quantity that is confined to a specific physical system and can be measured within that system. However, in quantum entanglement, ‘information’ is distributed across the entire system, and the measurement of a single particle affects the information of the whole system. This phenomenon forms the basis of quantum computers and quantum communication. In entangled systems, information can be transmitted and processed much faster and more securely than in classical systems. Moreover, through quantum entanglement, information is carried in a state of unity and wholeness that extends beyond classical limitations. This serves as an important indication of the immense knowledge and precision with which the order and creation observed in the universe have been established. The Qur’an frequently emphasizes that God encompasses all things with His knowledge and that everything exists within the scope of His knowledge; in this sense, quantum entanglement can be considered one of the scientific indications of this reality.
In other words, quantum entanglement is a reflection of the extraordinary system in creation and of God’s infinite knowledge. The Qur’an also points to this reality in the verse, “Do you not know that God knows everything in heaven and Earth? That is in a Book. That is easy for God.” (Surat Al-Hajj, 70) Therefore, quantum entanglement and information theory can be regarded as manifestations of God’s knowledge and power.
Information and Creation
On the other hand, there are many verses that point to the reality reflected in quantum entanglement. In the Qur’an, it is frequently emphasized that God’s knowledge encompasses everything and that every detail in the universe exists through His knowledge:
“Say, ‘Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or make it known, God knows it. He knows what is in the heavens and what is on the Earth. God has power overall things.’” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 29)
“The keys of the Unseen are in His possession. No one knows them but Him. He knows everything in the land and sea. No leaf falls without His knowing it. There is no seed in the darkness of the earth, and nothing moist or dry which is not in a Clear Book.” (Surat Al-An‘am, 59)
These verses demonstrate that every event, every being, and every piece of information in the universe is encompassed within God’s knowledge. The emergence in modern science of the view that the universe has an information-based structure can be understood as a scientific reflection of this reality described in the Qur’an.
The genetic information in living beings, protein synthesis, the codes embedded in DNA, the delicate balances in nature, the order observed in subatomic particles, and the informational structure of the universe all indicate that the knowledge and intelligence present in existence are direct manifestations of God’s creation. The miraculous order in the universe is a manifestation of God’s knowledge and power, and everything has been created from nothing through His knowledge and according to a precise measure.
The Meaning of Each Piece of Information in an Information-Based Universe
The information-based structure of the universe also enables a deeper understanding of the truths of faith. The idea that information lies at the essence of everything indicates that the order observed in the universe cannot be explained by coincidences, but exists through the knowledge of a conscious Creator. The verse as informed in the Qur’an, “Indeed, We have created everything according to a measure.” (Surat Al-Qamar, 49) clearly states that the source of the information and order present in the universe is God.
As an example, the ‘bond angle in the molecular structure of water’ contains information that is vital for the existence of life. A water molecule (H₂O) consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. In this molecule, the hydrogen atoms are bonded to the oxygen atom at an angle of approximately 104.5 degrees. Because of this very specific angle, water exhibits its unique properties. For example, water remains in liquid form at room temperature, expands when it freezes, and when frozen—unlike most substances—floats on liquid water. It is also an excellent solvent, and water freezes from the top rather than from the bottom as many other liquids do. In addition, it enables the vital biochemical reactions that occur within living cells.
If this 104.5-degree bond angle were slightly narrower or wider, the physical and chemical properties of water would be completely different. For example, water would not expand when it freezes; instead, it would contract, and ice would sink to the bottom rather than float on the surface. In such a case, oceans and lakes could freeze entirely, and the water cycle and ecosystems necessary for living organisms would not be able to develop. In short, if this precise angle in the structure of water did not exist, the existence of life on Earth would be impossible.
The Qur’an also draws attention to the wisdom in God’s creation of water:
“We sent down a measured amount of water from heaven and lodged it firmly in the ground...” (Surat Al-Mu’minun, 18)
Every form of information present in the universe is a manifestation of God’s names Al-Alim (The All-Knowing) and Al-Khabir (The All-Aware). For believers, this increases their trust in God, submission to Him, and admiration for His creation. Observing information and order in every particle of the universe becomes a means of contemplating the infinite knowledge and power of God.
In conclusion, the view that has emerged in modern science in recent years—that the universe possesses an information-based structure—can be understood as a scientific confirmation of the divine knowledge and truth conveyed in the Qur’an. The information, order, and intelligence observed in the universe constitute some of the greatest indications of God’s existence and oneness. For believers, this reality serves both as a source of contemplation and as a means of strengthening their closeness to God.
References
- Werner Heisenberg (1958). Physics and Philosophy: The Revolution in Modern Science. Harper.
- Vlatko Vedral (2010). Decoding Reality: The Universe as Quantum Information. Oxford University Press.
- John Archibald Wheeler (1990). “Information, Physics, Quantum: The Search for Links.” In W. Zurek (Ed.), Complexity, Entropy, and the Physics of Information (pp. 3–28). Addison-Wesley.
