Page 17 - Why Do You Deceive Yourself ?

Remembering the Purpose of Creation 15
responsibilities to Allah. They never consider the possibility that the
consequence in the Hereafter for irresponsibility in this world is Hell.
However, there is not a single person on the face of the Earth who can
claim to be unaware of these truths. Allah has shown them to people in
every age from that of Prophet Adam (as) onwards. He has sent down
the Book that announces Him and teaches how He should be followed
and He has sent His prophets. After all this, people cannot plead igno-
rance. A verse of the Qur'an reminds us of this truth:
Messengers bringing good news and giving warning, so that

people will have no argument against Allah after the coming
of the messengers. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat an-
Nisa': 165)
The prophets sent by Allah, the books He has sent down and like-
wise the advice given to people by the believers are all vehicles for this
teaching. Throughout history a great many believers have invited oth-
ers to join the religion of Allah and have warned them about the Day of
Judgment by pointing out the existence of Paradise and Hell.
Aside from these, let us suppose that a person says that he has
never heard anything about the true purpose of life, has never been ad-
vised of this by anybody and has never read Allah's Book. As we stated
at the outset, by thinking about creation and the flawless systems
around him, such a person can still realize that these were brought into
being by an infinitely powerful Creator for a definite purpose. As a liv-

ing being who was himself created, he can understand his responsibili-
ties towards our Creator because Allah created people with a con-
science which tells them what is right and true. People who evaluate
what is around them by listening to the voice of their conscience, can
arrive at these truths. A story we are told in the Qur'an about Prophet
Ibrahim (as) is an outstanding and enlightening example: