There's a question that haunts me, refusing to leave my mind. I can't sleep unless I exhaust myself completely, distracting my thoughts from it.
Is God real? And could the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, have invented the religion as a deception, or is it truly divine?
The next morning, I decided to visit the mosque. The sun was shining brightly, and white clouds floated in the vast blue sky.
When I entered the mosque, I noticed two bookshelves filled with Qur'ans on either side, while the pulpit stood in the center with its wooden stairs.
The preacher was addressing the congregation with a confident tone, and the mosque was crowded. I chose to sit quietly in the far-left corner, observing the scene.
The preacher said:
"God is everywhere—in the earth, the heavens, and all corners of the universe. Nothing escapes His sight."
"And among His miracles is that He mentioned in His holy book that the earth is spherical."
I was utterly exhausted, my emotions scattered. I asked myself silently:
"Is this true? Does the Qur'an actually say the earth is spherical?"
But these thoughts consumed me. Suddenly, I found myself speaking out loud:
"Does the Qur'an really say the earth is spherical?"
Someone responded angrily:
"You insolent fool, lower your voice!"
Another added sharply:
"Are you questioning the religion?"
The preacher intervened with a sarcastic tone:
"Very well, let us hear from this fool. What is your evidence from the Qur'an that the earth is flat?"
I felt deeply insulted, a crushing psychological weight pressing on me. I almost lost my composure, but I took a deep breath and steadied myself.
I replied calmly:
"Sheikh, aren't you the one who represents the religion and knows it best? Why are you asking me for evidence? What is your proof that the Qur'an says the earth is spherical?"
The preacher looked at me and replied challengingly:
"Bring your evidence. Why are you avoiding it?"
I found myself surrounded, unable to leave. The pressure grew heavier, and I began to speak:
"Fine. What about the verse in Surah Al-Ghashiyah: 'And the earth—how it is spread out?' Doesn't it mean that the earth was extended and flattened, indicating that it's flat?"
The crowd murmured angrily, their eyes filled with hatred and disapproval. But the preacher, with a cold smile, decided to twist the discussion in his favor.
The preacher said:
"This is simply a misunderstanding on your part. The verse does not mean the earth is flat. It means that, despite being spherical, God made it appear level to us. When we walk on it or build our homes, it seems even and stable. Isn't this a sign of the Creator's greatness?"
Voices of approval erupted from the congregation.
"Well said, Sheikh!" someone exclaimed with a broad smile.
Another added with disdain:
"Let this blasphemous fool stay silent!"
I felt suffocated by the atmosphere. It became clear that the discussion would lead nowhere satisfying, so I left the mosque quietly.
I cannot deny the sadness weighing on my heart, but I am determined to continue my journey in search of the truth. Even if the path is arduous, I will not stop questioning.