Guidance from God
THE TEST
God didn't just leave us in this world without providing guidance. He gave us innate ability to distinguish between right and wrong and to observe, analyze and decide for ourselves and make the best choices.
God gave us the natural curiosity and instinct to look for the answers, explore and look for the Creator and provided numerous signs all around us. Over the course of human evolution on this earth, God also sent numerous prophets and messengers for the purpose of guiding human beings to the right or straight path.
“O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you, and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve” (Quran 7:35)
Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad are among some of the well-known prophets and messengers (all servants of God). God also sent scriptures, such as Torah (Old Testament), Gospel or Bible (New Testament). Muhammad being the last prophet of God delivered Quran (the Final Testament). Quran is God’s last and final message to humanity until the end of this world; there will be no new scripture. Therefore, God said in the Quran, that Quran is perfect, complete, fully detailed and provides explanation of everything. Quran has all the information we need to make it back to God in the Paradise.
We know now that human being consists of two entities: body and soul. When a person dies, it’s when soul leaves the body. The body decays (if buried) or becomes ashes and dust if cremated. However, soul never dies and moves on to another realm. Just like our body needs food, nourishment and growth so does the soul. However, the food for soul is entirely different from that for the body.
Hopefully, now it is clear as to who we are, where do we come from, why are we here, and where do we go from here (return to Paradise if we are successful or to Hell, if we so choose to with our own free will or fail to make right choices in this life).
It is important for our salvation to remember that the most gracious God out of His mercy is giving us one last chance to develop and redeem our souls. We must live the best we can, in a manner that pleases God, being humble, kind, righteous, charitable, forgiving, and offering the best of who we could be.
“O people, worship (or serve) only your Lord—the One who created you and those before you—that you may be saved” (Quran 2:21)
“The One who made the earth habitable for you, and the sky a structure. He sends down from the sky water, to produce all kinds of fruits for your sustenance. You shall not set up idols (or partners) to rival GOD, now that you know” (Quran 2:22)