Our universe is not a haphazard phenomenon. All celestial bodies exist in a particular order and perform specific functions.
Indeed, the complexity of the universe and the well-regulated movement of its various components indicate that there is a fundamental set of rules governing it. Every activity—from the origin of the universe to its precise functioning—is governed by natural laws. These laws are fixed and well-defined.
Modern scientists have long been exploring whether there is only one set of laws by which all manifestations and operations of the universe can be explained, or whether multiple laws are required to account for the behavior of celestial bodies.
Gurbani, however, declares that one and only one Divine Law is inherent in all phenomena of the universe.
Although scientists also theorize that a single law may unify all physical forces, they are still striving to discover this unifying principle.
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The Scientific Perspective
Science acknowledges that the behavior of matter and radiation in the present-day universe is controlled by four fundamental forces. These four forces govern the universe from the minutest to the grandest scale. There are no exceptions to these laws.
The four fundamental forces are as follows:
1.Gravity:
This is the most important yet the weakest of the four forces. It is a long-range, always-attractive force that acts on everything in the universe. Gravity controls the large-scale behavior of matter—for example, the orbits of planets, the motion of stars, and the interactions between galaxies—all of which play a vital role in the evolution of the universe.
2.Electromagnetic Force:
This is also a long-range force but much stronger than gravity. It governs nearly all changes in nature. The electromagnetic force binds atoms into molecules, making life possible. It is responsible for all of chemistry and biology.
It controls the motion of electrically charged particles and the emission and absorption of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.
Unlike gravity, which is always attractive, the electromagnetic force can be both attractive and repulsive—opposite charges (positive and negative) attract each other, while like charges repel.
3.Strong Nuclear Force:
The strong and weak nuclear forces are short-range forces, effective only over distances comparable to the diameter of an atomic nucleus.
The strong nuclear force binds together the nucleons (protons and neutrons) that make up an atomic nucleus, preventing the positively charged protons from repelling one another. At an even deeper level, this force binds the quarks that compose protons and neutrons.
4.Weak Nuclear Force:
The weak nuclear force is responsible for the phenomenon of radioactivity. It governs the radioactive decay process through which unstable nuclei transform into different nuclei by emitting electrons (beta decay) or clusters of protons and neutrons (alpha decay). This force plays a vital role in the formation of elements in stars and in the early universe.
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The Quest for Unification
These four forces govern every activity of the universe. The same physical and chemical processes operate everywhere—from distant galaxies to our own solar system. Magnetic and gravitational fields manipulate matter in their respective ways, and nuclear reactions function universally.
Modern scientists have been striving to unify these four forces into one single law. Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was the first to propose this idea through his concept of the Unified Field Theory or the Grand Unification Theory (GUT), which sought to combine all the forces of nature into a single framework.
Since Newton—and especially since Einstein—the ultimate goal of physics has been to find a simple mathematical principle that can account for every observable aspect of matter and force in nature.
In the 1970s, a single theory combining the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces was formulated. Later, String Theory and M-Theory emerged, attempting to incorporate the remaining force—gravity. The aim has been to discover one fundamental theory capable of explaining all the forces of nature.
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The Spiritual Perspective: Hukam in Gurbani
Now let us see what Gurbani in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib says on this subject.
In the Guru Granth Sahib, Hukam is not merely a religious concept—it represents the most fundamental law governing the entire universe.
According to Dr. Harpal Singh Pannu, Hukam is God’s Divine Law by which the universe operates.
Similarly, Dr. Wazir Singh states that Hukam is the most fundamental law of Divine action—the law underlying every form of activity. All the natural laws of the universe work under this all-pervasive Divine Law. Nothing exists outside its domain.
Nature and all its functions operate in strict accordance with this Divine Order. No one is exempt from Hukam; it prevails throughout all realms and planes of existence.
ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
(SGGS: 1)
Everything is under Hukam (Divine Law); no one is beyond Hukam.
ਪਾਤਾਲ ਪੁਰੀਆ ਲੋਅ ਆਕਾਰਾ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਵਰਤੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਕਰਾਰਾ॥
ਹੁਕਮੇ ਸਾਜੇ ਹੁਕਮੇ ਢਾਹੇ ਹੁਕਮੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਦਾ ॥
(SGGS: 1060)
The Almighty’s Command prevails throughout the nether regions, realms, and worlds of form. By His Hukam, He creates and destroys; by His Hukam, He unites all in union.
ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਾਜਿ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਖੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਆਪਿ॥
(SGGS: 145)
The True Lord creates through His Command and sustains all within His Command.
ਹੁਕਮੇ ਆਵੈ ਹੁਕਮੇ ਜਾਵੈ ਹੁਕਮੇ ਰਹੈ ਸਮਾਈ॥
(SGGS: 940)
By His Hukam we come, by His Hukam we go, and by His Hukam we merge into Him.
ਹੁਕਮੇ ਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਆਇਆ ਚਲਣੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸੰਜੋਗਿ ਜੀਉ ॥
ਹੁਕਮੇ ਪਰਪੰਚ ਪਸਰਿਆ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਕਰੇ ਰਸ ਭੋਗ ਜੀਉ ॥
(SGGS: 760)
By His Hukam, beings come into this world and depart by His Hukam. By His Hukam, the expanse of the universe is spread, and by His Hukam, beings enjoy the pleasures of life.
ਚਹੁ ਦਿਸਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੇਰਾ ਚਹੁ ਦਿਸਿ ਨਾਮ ਪਤਾਲੰ॥
(SGGS: 1275)
O Lord, Your Hukam prevails in all four directions.
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Thus, the Divine Law—Hukam—is timeless and absolute. It governs all realms—physical, moral, and spiritual. All beings across the three worlds are bound by this Law; none are exempt.
This Divine Hukam is also expressed in the Guru Granth Sahib through terms like Bhai, Bhao, and Dharam, signifying divine order, discipline, and harmony.
Both Gurbani and Science agree that the universe is not a random occurrence. Both affirm that it operates under fixed, universal laws. Gurbani identifies this all-encompassing law as Divine Hukam—the supreme principle under which all other natural laws function.
Scientists recognize four forces responsible for the functioning of the universe. While they have successfully unified three of these, they continue to search for one single principle—a “Superforce”—that unites them all, possibly through M-Theory.
In this way, Gurbani not only offers an explanation for the working of the universe but also provides a ray of hope for scientists—affirming that it is indeed possible to find a single, all-encompassing law capable of explaining every phenomenon of existence.
(Courtesy: The Sikh Review, December 2015)
Prof. Manjit Singh
