GLAD TIDINGS

According to the Quran, this is in line with the creation plan for which man has been created and settled on planet earth. The earth is no luxury resort; in actual fact it is a testing ground for the purpose of selecting those individuals who, thanks to their superior qualities, are worthy of being lodged in an ideal place like Paradise. This is what is referred to when the Quran says: He created death and life so that He might test you, and find out which of you is best in conduct. (67: 2) All the things that God has created can be broadly divided into two categories: the material world, and the human world. The material world means the entire vast universe known as nature. The material world is totally governed by the divine laws laid down by God. It does not deviate to even the slightest degree from these laws. But man’s case is different. In this entire universe, man enjoys an exceptional position. Man has been granted freedom of choice. Man has full freedom to speak and act as he pleases. This finds expression in different verses of the Quran. Do they seek a religion other than the religion of God? When everything in the heavens and the earth has submitted to Him, willingly or unwillingly? To Him they shall all return. (3: 83) In the above verse of the Quran, the word 'submission' has been used, with the implication that while obedience to the Creator is required by the rest of the universe compulsorily, the same obedience is required of man voluntarily. Man has been granted the power of hearing, seeing and thinking, so that by using these faculties he may discover the right path for himself— what is called in the Quran ‘the straight path’ (sirat-al-mustaqim). Deviation from the straight path is proof of the fact that one did not make proper use of the capabilities granted to him by God. Such a man will be held accountable by God. No excuse whatsoever will be accepted from him. (THE QURAN 30: 57) An important principle of human life is avoidance of arrogance. In this regard the Quran says: “Do not walk with pride on the earth: for behold, God does not love arrogant and boastful people.”(31: 18) Man has been granted the power of hearing, seeing and thinking, so that by using these faculties he may discover the right path for himself.