Question:
Why is it necessary for a wise person to adhere to the divine religion?
Throughout our lives, we receive various news and pieces of information. Undoubtedly, not all of these pieces of information hold the same importance. Some news that reaches us is highly crucial and vital, some are important, some are of moderate significance, and some are trivial. There are matters of which we have no initial awareness; however, when someone informs us about a certain topic, we then realize its significance.
Imagine going on a journey as a tourist. While everything is going well and you’re enjoying the natural scenery, suddenly you come across a warning sign that reads, “Danger! Mines!” In such a situation, you undoubtedly stop in your tracks. Here, initially, we were unaware of the danger, but through the warning sign, we became informed, and since our safety was important, we took it seriously and didn’t proceed further.
Certain aspects of our lives are like this: they are important facts of which we are unaware, and they remain unknown to us. One of these unknowns is life after death. Naturally, we are unaware of the future and what awaits us after leaving this world, the events that will unfold, and the consequences we will face. Our rational mind is of little help in this regard.
On the other hand, we are confronted with the reality that individuals claim to come from the side of the Almighty God, the Creator of all things and all-knowing. These individuals assert that after the transient life of this world, humans will have eternal life, and they warn us that our actions and behaviors in this fleeting world have repercussions that influence our eternal destiny.
Naturally, a wise person does not ignore the claims put forth by these individuals. If these individuals have substantiated their claims through miracles and extraordinary deeds, indifference towards their claims could have irreversible consequences in our eternal life. 1
Moreover, it’s clear that the most knowledgeable about anything created is its Creator. This God, who is the Creator of humanity, encompassing all creations and knowledge, loves His servants and wishes them well-being. 2 Furthermore, all of His actions are based on wisdom and planning. This Lord has provided His servants with information through His messengers. It’s evident that paying attention to these truths benefits humanity.
Therefore, our rationality guides us to take the messages of the divine messengers seriously. The prophets convey that our actions and behavior in this world shape our fate and eternal life. If our conduct aligns with the laws and commandments set forth by God, we will have a blessed life ahead.
These laws and commandments are referred to as “religion.” Divine messengers make people aware of religion and divine law. Obviously, a wise person, seeking eternal well-being and happiness, who wishes to safeguard themselves from dangers and harm, pays attention to and adheres to the dictates of religion.
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(1)
Holy Quran, Surah Ankabut, verse 64:
وَما هذِهِ الحَياةُ الدُّنيا إِلّا لَهوٌ وَلَعِبٌ وَإِنَّ الدّارَ الآخِرَةَ لَهِيَ الحَيَوانُ لَو كانوا يَعلَمونَ
“What is the life of this world but amusement and play? But verily the Home in the Hereafter,- that is life indeed, if they but knew.”
Holy Quran, Surah Ghafir, verse 39:
“يا قَوْمِ إِنَّما هذِهِ الْحَياةُ الدُّنْيا مَتاعٌ وَ إِنَّ الْآخِرَةَ هِيَ دارُ الْقَرارِ “
“O my people! This life of the present is nothing but (temporary) convenience: It is the Hereafter that is the Home that will last.”
Holy Quran, Surah Qisas, verse 77:
“وَ ابْتَغِ فيما آتاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ”
“But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter”
(2)
Al-Baqarah (2:207): “And Allah is full of kindness to [His] servants.”
“وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ “