Throughout our lives we receive all kinds of news and information, but not all of it carries the same weight. Some reports are extremely important, others are less so, and some seem insignificant. At times, we are unaware of a matter until someone informs us, and only then do we realize its importance.
Imagine going on a sightseeing trip. While everything is pleasant, you suddenly come across a warning sign that reads: “Danger: Mines!” Instantly, you stop. Previously you were unaware of this danger, but upon receiving the information, you treat it seriously because your life depends on it.
Some truths in life are just like this: essential realities exist that we cannot know on our own. One of these is life after death. By our nature, we do not know what awaits us beyond this world, and human reason alone cannot uncover it.
Meanwhile, there are individuals who claim to have been sent by God—the Creator who brought us into existence, knows all things, and is perfectly wise. These individuals warn us of eternal life after this world, and that our deeds in this brief life determine our everlasting destiny.[1]
A rational person does not ignore such claims, especially when these messengers support their truthfulness with miracles and extraordinary acts. To disregard them could lead to irreversible loss in eternal life.
Moreover, it is obvious that the one most knowledgeable about a creation is its maker. God, who created human beings and encompasses all of creation, loves His servants, seeks their good,[2] and does everything with wisdom. Through His prophets, He has provided us with guidance and information for our benefit.
Thus, reason itself instructs us to take the messages of God’s messengers seriously. They teach that our eternal future depends on how we act in this world. If we follow God’s commands, we will attain happiness and salvation.
These commands are collectively called religion. The prophets inform humanity of the divine religion and the path that pleases God. Therefore, a rational person—seeking his eternal well-being and wishing to avoid harm—will naturally value, follow, and adhere to religion.
Footnotes
[1] Quran: al-‘Ankabūt 29:64; Ghāfir 40:39; al-Qaṣaṣ 28:77.
[2] Quran: al-Baqara 2:207.