Knowing the real nature of this life is the second part of understanding its meaning.

It’s just as simple and clear when you think about it.

And once again, Islam provides a compelling yet clear and practical explanation.

We can destroy ourselves, others, or even obliterate all creation in our planet along with the miraculous order and systems upon which it operates. We can choose between right or wrong, good and evil. We can even choose to not fulfill any purpose for which God would have created us.

So in these two respects—intellectual power and choice—, the difference between us and the visible creation around us is essentially infinite. Many honest scientists and philosophers will admit that this is something we will never be able to fully explain.

With this power and choice we are endlessly faced with decisions. In fact life is essentially just a series of decisions! Our decisions can be for the benefit of our creation and the creation around us—or not.

Why would God create us this way? Why would he make our lives like this? Why would He be unseen and silent yet so obviously there in our lives and in nature around us—to the point that all of humanity has personally felt God’s profound presence in their lives at some point (even if they later brush it aside as nothing)?

Why would He give us bodies, a planet to share with others and allow us the power to harm or help them? Why would He give us an innate sense of right and wrong and make us constantly have to choose what to do?

Furthermore, there’s even a beginning and end to the whole experience—it’s timed!

Well in fact he did. If passing the test means fulfilling our purpose by holistically worshipping God (see article “Life’s Purpose”) then we should have not only the ability to do it but even a natural desire for it.

Everyone is born with a built-in belief in God, as modern research confirms. Oxford University’s Justin Barrett says, “… children are born believers of what I call natural religion…”¹ And OliveraPetrovich, also of Oxford University, considers children to be hard wired to believe in God.²

But it goes beyond that.  We also naturally, unconsciously interpret things around us, and in the universe generally, as being for a purpose and pre-designed for that purpose—regardless of whether we are religious or not, highly educated or not. This has recently been demonstrated scientifically by Boston University researchers.³

Indeed the Quran described thisfitrahwith great accuracy long ago:

“This is the innate nature [fitrah] which God instilled in mankind—there is no altering God’s creation…though most people do not realize it. …” (Quran 30:30)

This tendency is of course confirmed by the sum total of human experience which tells us that anything with clear signs of design, craftsmanship and contrivance is always designed. Furthermore it is always designed with some intent for a purpose or function.

Also built into us is a need for God—to know Him, have a relationship with Him, get His assistance and blessings. Without it we experience emptiness and sadness inside. The spiritual need within us all is a well-accepted phenomenon.

In addition to core abilities and a natural desires to do what’s necessary to pass the test of this brief life, we also need knowledge—a study guide or roadmap for the straight path to success.

Some knowledge of course we can get by means of our natural instincts and intellect alone especially to meet our physical needs for food, shelter and society.

But more information is often required. Where we truly need help on are the specifics of how to live life individually and collectively in a way that will be pleasing to our Creator, thereby fulfilling our purpose, our function in the universe. Only then could we hope to achieve peace with the rest of creation around us and with our role in it. Then we would surely conduct ourselves properly towards our bodies, other people and as good shepherds over the rest of creation over whom we have power. And in doing so, we would fulfill our purpose or function and pass the test.

Having a relationship with God and being guided by divine spiritual and moral guidance is the only way to conduct ourselves properly, pass the test and achieve true inner tranquility. This is why God sent Prophets to every nation.

They show us how exactly to carry out love, loyalty, service, gratitude, admiration, obedience, praise and prayer to God so that we can fulfill our purpose, attain true peace and pass the test of this short life.

Throughout history people have sought out such prophets, or their followers, or whatever of their teachings they could find to attain salvation in this life and what inevitably must come after (see article).

Islam—which is to dedicate your entire being to the creator and to follow the guidance he has revealed through the prophets—is that path. This clear and simple path was what Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad and all prophets sent by God to mankind taught. Through it we get the details of exactly how to fulfill our purpose and achieve true happiness.