In a great university, there was a professor of philosophy known for his brilliance and, more infamously, for his unrelenting atheism. His classroom was a battleground for theism and atheism, and he was determined to demonstrate the latter’s superiority. For two decades, he had run a required introductory course, and his notoriety spread beyond campus walls. His sharp wit and impeccable logic silenced anyone who dared to challenge him.
The professor had a signature tradition at the end of every semester. On the final day, he would make a bold statement to his class of 300 students:
“If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!”
This question wasn’t meant to provoke debate but rather to underscore his claim that belief in God was irrational. The students, intimidated by his reputation, remained seated, avoiding his piercing gaze. Those few who believed in God often felt their faith waver under the weight of the professor’s arguments.
To drive his point home, the professor performed the same demonstration every year. Holding up a piece of chalk, he would declare,
“If God exists, let Him stop this chalk from breaking when it hits the ground. Surely, an omnipotent being can perform such a simple task.”
Then, he’d drop the chalk. Without fail, it shattered into countless pieces upon impact, leaving the classroom silent. It was a moment of triumph for the professor, a visual representation of his claim that faith was futile.
A New Challenger
One year, among the hundreds of students in his class, a quiet freshman named Ahmed sat near the back of the lecture hall. Ahmed was a devout Muslim, raised in a family that valued faith and reason. Before enrolling in the professor’s class, he had heard tales of the infamous chalk demonstration and the ridicule that awaited anyone who stood up for their beliefs.
Ahmed was nervous about taking the class, but it was a required course for his major. Knowing the challenges ahead, he resolved to face them with faith. Every morning, Ahmed prayed for strength and courage. His faith in Allah was unshakeable, but he knew he might be tested.
Throughout the semester, Ahmed listened carefully to the professor’s lectures. While many of his classmates nodded along with the professor’s arguments, Ahmed quietly reflected on them, finding flaws and contradictions in his reasoning. He never spoke up, not because he was afraid, but because he wanted to save his energy for the right moment.
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The Final Day
As the semester drew to a close, the final day of class arrived. The lecture hall buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Everyone knew what was coming. As the professor entered, he carried himself with his usual confidence. He stood at the front of the room, surveying his students, and launched into his closing remarks.
Finally, the moment came. The professor held up a piece of chalk and said,
“If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!”
For a moment, silence filled the room. The students exchanged nervous glances, waiting to see if anyone would dare. Then, slowly but steadily, Ahmed stood up. His heart pounded, but his gaze was firm.
The professor’s eyes narrowed as he addressed Ahmed.
“You fool! After all you’ve learned this semester, you still cling to this outdated notion of God? If God exists, let Him stop this chalk from breaking. Let’s see if your faith can withstand reality.”
The professor raised the chalk high and prepared to drop it. The room was silent, every eye fixed on him. Ahmed silently whispered a prayer, placing his trust in Allah.
The Unexpected Outcome
As the professor let go of the chalk, something extraordinary happened. Instead of falling straight to the ground, the chalk slipped from his fingers awkwardly, grazing his shirt cuff, sliding down the pleat of his trousers, bouncing off his shoe, and finally rolling gently onto the floor—unbroken.
The room erupted in astonished murmurs. The professor stared at the chalk, his jaw hanging open. He bent down, picked it up, and examined it as though expecting to find some explanation for what had just occurred. His confidence shattered, he looked up at Ahmed, who remained standing, calm and composed.
The professor’s face turned pale. Without saying another word, he walked out of the lecture hall, leaving behind a room full of stunned students.
A Ripple Effect
For a few moments, the classroom remained silent, the air thick with disbelief. Then, one of Ahmed’s classmates turned to him and said,
“How did you do that? Did you know that would happen?”
Ahmed smiled gently and replied,
“I didn’t know what would happen, but I trusted Allah. It wasn’t about the chalk; it was about faith. Sometimes, we’re tested not to prove God’s existence but to show the strength of our belief.”
That day, Ahmed’s courage left an indelible mark on his classmates. Many of them approached him after class, eager to learn more about his faith and what gave him such conviction. The story of the unbroken chalk spread across the campus, sparking debates and discussions about faith, reason, and the existence of God.
The Professor’s Reflection
As for the professor, the incident shook him to his core. He spent days reflecting on what had happened. Was it a coincidence? A fluke? Or was there something greater at work? While he never openly admitted to a change of heart, those who knew him noticed a subtle shift in his demeanor. He became less combative and more open to dialogue, allowing space for differing beliefs in his lectures.
The Victory of Faith
Ahmed’s stand that day was more than just a rebuttal to the professor’s challenge; it was a testament to the power of faith. It showed that belief in God isn’t about proving His existence through physical demonstrations but about trusting Him wholeheartedly, even in the face of skepticism.
In the years that followed, Ahmed’s story inspired countless others to stand firm in their faith. It reminded them that courage, humility, and unwavering belief could move hearts and minds, one person at a time. And so, the question of “Who won?” became less about the professor versus the student and more about the enduring triumph of faith over doubt.
