From simulation to spirituality

Express Tribune

16-03-2025

Before we begin, let's acknowledge that the question, Is this life a simulation? Or, more simply, Is this life real? Is one that has echoed through human history. Philosophers, scientists, religious thinkers, and mystics have all wrestled with it. Today, advances in technology and digital spaces have given this question a fresh urgency. The development of virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and the rise of immersive digital worlds suggest that what once seemed purely theoretical may be closer to reality than we imagined.
A universe within a universe?
The idea that our reality is a simulation isn't new, but it has gained mainstream attention through figures like philosopher Nick Bostrom and technologist Elon Musk. Bostrom's Simulation Hypothesis proposes that if advanced civilizations are capable of running detailed simulations of conscious beings, then the probability that we are inside one of these simulations is far higher than the probability that we exist in a 'base reality'.
This idea finds analogies in contemporary digital landscapes. Virtual reality, once the realm of science fiction, is now integrated into daily life. Video game graphics have evolved to the point where digital environments are nearly indistinguishable from reality. If we can create worlds with physics and avatars that appear real, what prevents an intelligence far beyond ours from having done the same with us?
Imagine a digital world where the characters—endowed with artificial intelligence—eventually develop the ability to create their own simulated worlds. This cascading effect raises the intriguing possibility that we ourselves could be part of such a system. Some physicists argue that the mathematical nature of our universe and the presence of seemingly arbitrary physical laws may hint at the underlying code of a simulated existence.
Ancient wisdom and modern theories
Long before digital technology, thinkers attempted to describe similar ideas using different frameworks. Plato's Allegory of the Cave presents the idea of prisoners trapped in a cave, seeing only the shadows of reality cast on the wall before them. Their understanding of the world is fundamentally incomplete, just as ours might be if we are living in a simulation.
Ray Kurzweil, a futurist and AI pioneer, has echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that our universe may have been designed by a "superintelligence" from another reality. Rizwan Virk, an MIT author and entrepreneur, discusses the world as a vast digital simulation, with each of us as player-controlled characters.
But perhaps the most fascinating connection comes from religion. Many faith traditions describe reality as impermanent, a test, or an illusion. Hinduism's concept of Maya refers to the illusory nature of the world, suggesting that true reality lies beyond what we perceive. The Quran states, 'We shall show them Our signs on the far horizons and in themselves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth' (41:53). The Bible also speaks of a world beyond what we see, where divine forces influence existence.
A Divine Architect
If the Simulation Hypothesis is correct, then by its very logic, there must be an Architect—an intelligence responsible for the creation and maintenance of this simulated world. This closely mirrors the concept of God found in religious traditions. The idea that an omnipotent, omniscient being governs our reality aligns with the notion of a programmed, rule-bound universe where cause and effect are meticulously managed.
Religious texts often describe figures performing acts that seem to transcend physical laws. The Bible tells of Jesus walking on water, and the Quran speaks of Prophet Muhammad splitting the moon. If our world operates under a coded structure, could miracles be evidence of entities with access to higher layers of this system, capable of rewriting the rules?
Free will, destiny, and the "game"
The paradox of free will and predestination has long puzzled theologians and philosophers alike. If we are living in a simulation, do we have true autonomy, or are our choices preordained? Perhaps both are true. A video game character has the freedom to act within the confines of their programmed reality. Similarly, humans may operate within predetermined parameters while still making meaningful choices.
Religious perspectives suggest that while we are in this world, we are simultaneously connected to another reality—the soul's realm. Some interpretations of Islamic theology, for example, propose that we exist simultaneously in multiple dimensions, with God being beyond time and space. The simulation theory similarly suggests that our existence may be multi-layered, with a higher reality guiding our perceived experience.
What it means for us
Does the idea that our world is a simulation diminish its significance? Not at all. As the beloved Harry Potter quote from J.K. Rowling's series reminds us: "Of course it's happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" The nature of our reality does not define its importance. Whether a test, a game, or an illusion, life remains meaningful because of the experiences we have and the connections we form.
Religious traditions encourage us to live with purpose, seeking truth and striving for virtue regardless of the nature of our reality. If anything, the possibility that our world is a designed system reinforces the idea that life is not random—it has a Creator, an Architect, and a purpose.
The Simulation Hypothesis doesn't necessarily replace religious beliefs; rather, it offers a modern framework that, intriguingly, aligns with ancient wisdom. As science and technology advance, the boundaries between theology, philosophy, and physics continue to blur. Perhaps, in our search for answers, we are merely discovering the codes written into our reality all along.
Abubakar Lala is a freelance contributor
All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the author