
Why we came into this world, why Allah created us, why Heaven and Hell were created, why prophets and messengers were sent—these matters are very important to know. As Muslims, we should, from childhood, get to know our Lord, understand the purpose of Islam, and acquire knowledge from the Qur'an and authentic Hadith.
I know you may have many questions about Islam. That's perfectly normal. But remember, if you don't know the correct answers, people can easily stray from the true path of Islam. That's why it's so important to properly understand and learn about Islam.
Allah, glorified and exalted, created this world as a test for humankind and the jinn. These two creations are special because Allah has given them free will. They can choose the right path if they wish, or they can choose the wrong path.
This is why Allah has sent prophets and messengers throughout the ages to guide people onto the right path. They have taught people how to worship Allah, how to live their lives, and how to walk the path to Paradise.
Think about it: if someone buys a machine but doesn't know how to use it, can they operate it properly? Of course not. That's why a manual or instruction guide is provided with the machine so people can understand how to use it.
Similarly, Allah created this life, death, the earth, the heavens, mankind, and everything. And to guide us onto the right path, He sent prophets and messengers and revealed books.
Through these books, people have been taught how to be obedient to Allah and how to follow the right path.
Therefore, acquiring knowledge of Islam is very important. The more you study the Qur'an and authentic Hadith, the more you will come to know Allah and understand the right path, insha'Allah.
These writings will help you understand Islam easily, insha'Allah. Read them carefully, reflect, and try to put them into practice in your own life.
1. Why did Allah create us?
Allah, glorified and exalted, created mankind solely to worship Him. In the hope of earning Allah's pleasure and attaining Paradise, we perform righteous deeds and follow His commands.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“I created jinn and humans only to worship Me.”
Surah Az-Zariyat 51:56
2. Why did Allah create this world?
Allah has made this world a place of trial. Here, people are tested to see who is obedient to Allah, who is patient, who is truthful, and who performs righteous deeds.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“He created death and life to test you to see which of you does the best deeds.”
Surah Al-Mulk 67:2
Just as exams are held in schools to assess students' abilities, this world is also a test. Allah knows everything, but people choose their own actions.
3. Why did Allah create angels?
Allah created the angels for a special purpose. They always obey Allah's commands and never disobey.
Their work includes
- Delivering the message
- The recording of a person's deeds
- Implementing Allah's command
- Protecting people
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“The angels do not disobey Allah's commands and do whatever they are told.”
Surah At-Tahریم 66:6
Angels are God's obedient creation.
4. Why did Allah create the Jinn?
Allah created jinn, like humans, for worship. They too are undergoing a test, and among them there are both good and bad.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“I created jinn and humans only to worship Me.”
Surah Az-Zariyat 51:56
5. Why did Allah create Iblis?
Iblis is a test for humankind. He tries to lure people into sin. But those who obey Allah remain safe.
The Qur'an mentions Iblis.
- He was Gene.
- He refused to prostrate himself before Adam (peace be upon him).
- He was cursed because of his arrogance.
- He had vowed to mislead people.
Education
- Pride is very bad.
- Obeying Allah's command is essential.
- To be protected from the devil's temptations, one must seek Allah's help.
6. Why did Allah create Jannah?
Allah has created Paradise for those who believe, do good deeds, and follow the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
In heaven
- No problem
- There is no death
- No sorrow
- Just peace and happiness
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“For those who believe and do righteous deeds, there is Paradise.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:25
7. Why did Allah create Hell?
Hell is the place of punishment for the disobedient, the disbelievers, and the sinners.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“The abode of those who disbelieved will be Hell.”
Surah Fatir 35:36
We pray to Allah to protect us all from the punishment of Hell.
8. Why has Allah commanded that only He be worshipped?
Because Allah is our only Creator, Provider, and Sustainer. Our bodies, lives, breath, food, and water are all His gifts. Therefore, it is our duty to worship Him alone.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“I created jinn and humans only to worship Me.”
Surah Az-Zariyat 51:56
9. If Allah knows everything, then why will people be punished?
Allah has given humans the freedom to choose between good and evil. He knows what people will do, but people themselves make the decisions.
Just as a teacher can tell in advance which student will do well, the student himself writes the exam answers. In the same way, a person is responsible for his own actions.
10. Why did Allah send so many prophets and messengers?
When people forgot Allah and went astray, Allah would send prophets to guide them back to the right path.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“I have sent a messenger to every nation.”
Surah An-Nahl 16:36
11. Why did Allah send Muhammad ﷺ as the final prophet?
The earlier prophets were sent to specific nations. But the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as the final prophet for all of humanity.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“I have sent you for all humankind.”
Surah Saba 34:28
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah further says
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men; rather, he is the Messenger of Allah and the final Prophet.”
Surah Al-Ahzab 33:40
12. Why must we follow our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?
Because he is the best example for us. From his life we learn how to worship Allah, how to treat people, and how to follow Islam.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says
“Indeed, the Messenger of Allah is an excellent example for you.”
Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21
Final word
This world is not permanent. We will all one day return to Allah. Therefore, learn to love Allah from childhood, pray the Salat, read the Quran, speak the truth, and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
May Allah accept you all as righteous children, grant you life and death in faith, and bestow upon you Jannat al-Firdaws. Amen.