Why Islam out of 4300 Religions? Descartes's Brilliant Technique - A Reflection from Ameer Hamza Khan

A Simple Introduction

My name is Ameer Hamza Khan, and I am currently a 10th standard student at DMVS, Delhi. I come from a simple, honest, and deeply rooted family belonging to the Pathan (Pashtun) community of Barahbasti (a collection of twelve villages of Pathans located in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, India.), a known historical locality in Okhla, Delhi. My family values tradition, hard work, and humility—values that have been passed down from my grandfather to my father, and now to me.

A Family of Simplicity and Integrity

I am the son of Mr. Bilal Khan, a man of quiet strength and decency. My father may not be a public figure or a professional with high recognition, but he is the kind of person who lives with respect, dignity, and simplicity. His life has been a lesson in humility and perseverance—never loud, but always steady.

I am also the grandson of the late Mr. Iqbal Khan, who was a deeply respected elder in our area. My grandfather lived a life that many would consider modest, but he was known for his wisdom, calm nature, and firm moral compass. He came from the older generation of Pathans who valued relationships, honour, and truth more than material achievement.

Why Islam Out of 4300 Religions?

A Cartesian Approach to Faith

There are around 2.3 billion Christians, 2 billion Muslims, 1.1 billion Hindus, 500 million Buddhists, and 15 million Jews in the world. In total, humanity recognizes around 4,300 religions. So the big question is: "Why Islam?" Out of so many options, why choose this path?

I recently came across a profound explanation in a video by Towards Eternity Click here to watch the full explanation in [Hindi / Urdu / English] on YouTube, and I want to reflect on it in my own words, using a technique developed by the philosopher René Descartes, called Cartesian Skepticism.

The Basket of Apples: Filtering Religions

Descartes gives us an example: Imagine a basket full of apples. If you find one rotten apple, do you keep picking one by one? No. You empty the entire basket and only put back the apples you know are good.

Similarly, instead of studying 4300 religions one by one, we use logic and observation to define a set of filters — conditions that a true religion must fulfill. Based on these, we eliminate the rest.

Let’s explore the three filters.

Filter One: Is There a God?

Let’s begin with the foundation: Does God exist?

When we observe the universe, we see clear signs of intentional design. A cow produces nutritious milk from something as irrelevant as grass. A poisonous bee creates the sweetest honey. A tree bears fruits from dry, lifeless soil.

Does the cow understand biochemistry? Does the bee calculate nutrients? Does the tree know human anatomy? No. Yet, they produce what our bodies need.

Logically, these cannot be the true "doers." Just like a curtain can’t write poetry by itself, there must be a force behind the curtain. These examples point to a Creator who knows us and provides for us with purpose.

Thus, belief systems that deny the existence of a Creator—Atheism, Agnosticism, Naturalism, Nihilism etc.—get filtered out.

Filter Two: Is There a Need for Religion?

Now that we have established a Creator, the next question is: Would this Creator leave us without guidance?

Think of a phone. It comes with a user manual from the manufacturer, because they know the device best. Similarly, we human beings, created by God, must also have a guide or a manual.

All humans ask the same core questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose?

Would God give us the ability to ask such questions, but not provide answers? Clearly, He must send a message that explains our purpose and responsibilities.

Thus, religions that lack a divine book or guide, like Shintoism, Pantheism, or vague spiritualities, are filtered out.

Filter Three: Is There a Prophet?

Let’s go further: Is a book alone enough? In schools, books are taught by teachers. We need someone to explain, demonstrate, and guide us.

Similarly, a divine book must be accompanied by a Messenger, a human role model who lives the message and shows others how to live by it.

Even animals like bees and ants have leaders. Would Allah give guidance to ants but not to humans?

Therefore, religions that deny Prophethood, like Caodaism or Hinduism (in their modern polytheistic forms), are also filtered out.

---

The Final Three: Christianity, Judaism, Islam

When we apply these three rational filters, we are left with only three religions:

• Judaism

• Christianity

• Islam

All three claim:

• Belief in one God,

• A revealed Book,

• A Prophet.

But here’s the important twist:

• Judaism rejects Jesus (AS) and Muhammad (SAW).

• Christianity accepts Jesus (AS) but not Muhammad (SAW).

• Islam accepts all the Prophets including Moses (AS), Jesus (AS), and ends with Muhammad (SAW).

So if we can rationally prove that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is a true Messenger, then Islam automatically includes all the others.

---

Was Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Truly a Messenger?

He lived 40 years among his people before Prophethood — known as "Al-Amin", the Trustworthy. After he declared his Prophethood, even his enemies didn’t doubt his honesty.

They offered him riches, kingship, and marriage — all rejected. He chose poverty, hardship, and struggle for the truth.

He worshipped privately, suffered publicly, and remained steadfast until his last breath. His personal life was simple and sincere. There was no worldly benefit to his message. So why would he lie ("Ma'az Allah")?

For 23 years, every detail of his life was recorded. No contradictions, no scandals, no hidden flaws. His enemies couldn’t even accuse him of dishonesty — only magic or sorcery.

He did not just preach; he lived the message. A liar may succeed in fooling people for a short while. But for 23 years under constant scrutiny? Impossible.

Thus, logically and morally, we conclude:

• He was telling the truth.

---

Final Conclusion: The 3 Answers

If we revisit the three essential questions:

1. Is there a God?

   • Yes. And that Creator is Allah (SWT).

2. Is there a need for Religion?

   • Yes. And the complete and preserved guidance is the Quran.

3. Is there a Holy Book & Prophet?

   • Yes. The final Prophet is Muhammad (SAW), along with the 1,24,000 Prophets sent before him.

---

Source and Acknowledgement

This blog is based on insights and explanations from the powerful video by Towards Eternity, titled Why Islam Out of 4300 Religions?.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/Hu7-vb7WNlY?si=-Wa_un52vpyXdS-P

---

May Allah guide us all to the truth and keep our hearts firm upon it.

Written by
Ameer Hamza Khan
Founder & CEO, PyGen & Co.