This thread is not to mock Islam rather to understand more of what Muslims believe about God and our world. I will appreciate you brothers if you can answer my questions diligently.

Here we go:



Does God's stated purpose of creating man so they worship him seem worthy of an immensely intelligent and all-powerful being?

If God is self-sufficient, and does nothing in vain, isn't creation the height of vanity?

If creation is for our benefit, then what is the benefit to those who will burn forever?

What's the point of God's test when he knows the outcome? Is it just so he can have a reason to punishment & reward?

Can a being who creates humans he knows will fail his test and will be tortured without end, be called The Most Merciful of those who show Mercy?

If God wanted us to freely choose to worship him - then why threaten us? Does someone with a gun to his head really have free choice?

Why does God cause so much suffering to humans? Is it part of God's test to prompt them to turn to him in obedience and worship? Isn't that like a con-man who causes a problem then offers to fix it for you?

Why would God give humans the ability to reason - then punish them for rejecting beliefs reason cannot reconcile?

Why does the human body look suspiciously like it was the result of a long cumulative process of evolution resulting in imperfections and vestigial organs and genes - and not the result of the instant and perfectly planned creation of Adam and Eve?

Which is more evil, the imperfect creature who commits evil or the perfect entity which created evil?

Is being good because you fear God, really being good?

Why did God send all known prophets, miracles and books to one area of the world and at a time when people were superstitious and gullible?

Why did God only protect the Qur'an from corruption? Couldn't he have protected the Bible and prevented billions claiming he has a son?

What was so special about prophet Jesus that God made him born to a virgin? Took him up to heaven before he was crucified? And is going to bring him back again before the day of judgment?

Do you believe it's acceptable for a husband to hit a rebellious wife?

Why do so many characteristics of Allah like anger and vengefulness seem like human ones?

Why does the Qur'an say don't ask questions about things, when the answer would trouble you. Should followers of other religions also not ask questions about their religion when it might trouble them?

Why will God never forgive Shirk? What are they really guilty of? Ignorance? Being born to the wrong family?


You believe other people are following false, corrupted or unfounded beliefs? Are you certain you're not also?

Cc: udatso, lexiconkabir, empiree, sino, demmzy15, albaqir, tinyingz, rilwayne001, friendchoice.

Thank you all in advance.

I don't have the time right now to answer these copy and paste atheistic questions. May be other Muslims will do justice to them.

FriendChoice:
I don't have the time right now to answer these copy and paste atheistic questions. May be other Muslims will do justice to them.

You can always answer the questions whenever you have the time, you and other Muslims can always do justice to it.

JUDASiskariot:
This thread is not to mock Islam rather to understand more of what Muslims believe about God and our world. I will appreciate you brothers if you can answer my questions diligently.

Here we go:



Does God's stated purpose of creating man so they worship him seem worthy of an immensely intelligent and all-powerful being?

If God is self-sufficient, and does nothing in vain, isn't creation the height of vanity?

If creation is for our benefit, then what is the benefit to those who will burn forever?

What's the point of God's test when he knows the outcome? Is it just so he can have a reason to punishment & reward?

Can a being who creates humans he knows will fail his test and will be tortured without end, be called The Most Merciful of those who show Mercy?

If God wanted us to freely choose to worship him - then why threaten us? Does someone with a gun to his head really have free choice?

Why does God cause so much suffering to humans? Is it part of God's test to prompt them to turn to him in obedience and worship? Isn't that like a con-man who causes a problem then offers to fix it for you?

Why would God give humans the ability to reason - then punish them for rejecting beliefs reason cannot reconcile?

Why does the human body look suspiciously like it was the result of a long cumulative process of evolution resulting in imperfections and vestigial organs and genes - and not the result of the instant and perfectly planned creation of Adam and Eve?

Which is more evil, the imperfect creature who commits evil or the perfect entity which created evil?

Is being good because you fear God, really being good?

Why did God send all known prophets, miracles and books to one area of the world and at a time when people were superstitious and gullible?

Why did God only protect the Qur'an from corruption? Couldn't he have protected the Bible and prevented billions claiming he has a son?

What was so special about prophet Jesus that God made him born to a virgin? Took him up to heaven before he was crucified? And is going to bring him back again before the day of judgment?

Do you believe it's acceptable for a husband to hit a rebellious wife?

Why do so many characteristics of Allah like anger and vengefulness seem like human ones?

Why does the Qur'an say don't ask questions about things, when the answer would trouble you. Should followers of other religions also not ask questions about their religion when it might trouble them?

Why will God never forgive Shirk? What are they really guilty of? Ignorance? Being born to the wrong family?


You believe other people are following false, corrupted or unfounded beliefs? Are you certain you're not also?

.

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL

JUDASiskariot:
This thread is not to mock Islam rather to understand more of what Muslims believe about God and our world. I will appreciate you brothers if you can answer my questions diligently.

Thank you for these questions and thank you for the way you presented them in a very respectable manner.

Here we go:
Does God's stated purpose of creating man so they worship him seem worthy of an immensely intelligent and all-powerful being?
I think.
If God is self-sufficient, and does nothing in vain, isn't creation the height of vanity?

My understanding of this question is; why did God create us in the first place? Now if we are to look initially into revelation, to determine why was man created, there is a deeper question that we should be asking before that: "Why did God create?" This before we even get to man because man is not the greatest act of creation. Allah says:
"The creation of the Heavens and the Earth is indeed greater then the creation of mankind; yet, most of mankind know not."
—Al-Qur'an 40:57
Man is not the greatest act of creation, this universe is far more complex and far more magnificent than man. So the issue of creation should then go to, "Why did God create?", as opposed to simply, "Why create man?"
Fundamentally, we can say that the creation is the natural consequence of the attribute of creator. Allah is the creator. That is one of his attributes. That is what he has informed us. That being his attribute, the creator, the natural consequence or the product of this attribute is his creation.
A painter, if we are to draw a similitude on a lower level, who tells you that he is a painter, if you ask him where are his paintings and he replies I don't have any. What kind of painter is this? The concept of a painter who doesn't paint, there is some thing not quite gelling together here, of course Allah is beyond this. But if we are to understand on the simplest level, the two go together. The perfection of a painter lies in his paintings. His quality and his ability to paint, is manifest in his paintings. And Allah, beyond all that, as creator, this quality of creation is manifest in the creation itself. Allah didn't create out of a need. No, the fact that he is the creator, is manifest in the creation.

If creation is for our benefit, then what is the benefit to those who will burn forever?

Our creation is for our benefit, in that we have a fair shot at attaining paradise. Also, there is no benefit for the innates of hell. Consequently, this leads to your next question.

What's the point of God's test when he knows the outcome? Is it just so he can have a reason to punishment & reward?

Allah does not admit people to Paradise or Hell simply because He knows that they deserve that, rather He will admit them to Paradise or Hell on the basis of the deeds that they actually did in this world. If Allah created mankind and put them in His Hell, they would soon argue that He did not test them or give them the chance to strive. Allah wanted to refute this argument, so He created them in this world and gave them reason, and revealed His Books, and sent His Messengers; all of that is so that they will have no argument against Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allah after the (coming of) Messengers. And Allah is Ever All‑Powerful, All‑Wise”
[al-Nisa’ 4:165] .
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ameen al-Shanqeeti (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
In this ayah it clearly states that it is essential to leave no excuse for anyone, by sending the Messengers who give glad tidings of Paradise to those who obey them and give warning of Hell to those who disobey them.
This excuse is completely ruled out here by the sending of the Messengers with glad tidings and warnings, as is stated at the end of Soorah Ta-Ha where Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And if We had destroyed them with a torment before this (i.e. Messenger Muhammad pbuh and the Qur'an), they would surely, have said: ‘Our Lord! If only You had sent us a Messenger, we should certainly have followed Your Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), before we were humiliated and disgraced’” [Ta-Ha 20:134] .

It is also referred to in Surah al-Qasas where Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And if (We had) not (sent you to the people of Makkah) __ in case a calamity should seize them for (the deeds) that their hands have sent forth, they would have said: ‘Our Lord! Why did You not send us a Messenger? We would then have followed Your Ayat (Verses of the Qur’an) and would have been among the believers’”
[al-Qasas 28:47] .
And Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“This is because your Lord would not destroy the (populations of) towns for their wrongdoing (i.e. associating others in worship along with Allah) while their people were unaware (so the Messengers were sent)”
[al-An’aam 6:131]

Can a being who creates humans he knows will fail his test and will be tortured without end, be called The Most Merciful of those who show Mercy?

That is even proof of his infinite mercy. Because, despite He knows our outcomes, He has given us a fair chance to get a shot at paradise.

If God wanted us to freely choose to worship him - then why threaten us? Does someone with a gun to his head really have free choice?

God doesn't threaten. His warnings are for our benefits, as humans. For example, if there was no punishment for fornication, I'm pretty sure you know what next. So, the punishments are to keep us in check. If you were to do something good without reward or something bad without a prescribed punishment, I'm sure you can picture such a society. Hence, these act as checks and balances. Because, if i do something good, i know it is accounted, and if I do something bad, it is accounted for.

Why does God cause so much suffering to humans? Is it part of God's test to prompt them to turn to him in obedience and worship? Isn't that like a con-man who causes a problem then offers to fix it for you?

In response to your question, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi , Director of the Islamic Society of Orange County and President of the Islamic Society of North America, states:
“Indeed Allah is All-Powerful (Al-`Aziz) and He is able to do all things (`ala kull sha’in qadir). The Qur’an has mentioned this hundreds of times. It is also mentioned in the Qur’an that Allah is the Creator and He is the Best Creator.
"Glory be to Allah, the best Creator."(Al-Mu’minun: 14)

But then the question comes why do pain and sufferings exist in the world.
We find sickness, old age and death. We see things that are ugly, people who are insane and foolish. There are storms, earthquakes, floods, drought and famine. We also see people commit sins, show disloyalty, unfaithfulness, greed and insincerity. We see people commit rapes, murders; they fight and make wars. We know all these and many more problems. There are evils caused by human beings and there are natural disasters. There are suffering for individuals and there are those that involve a large number of people.
But we also know that this is not the whole story. Besides all these negative things, we also see beauty, health, prosperity, life, birth, wisdom, intelligence, growth and progress. We also see goodness among people, faith, sincerity, charity, love and the spirit of sacrifice. We also see a lot of virtue and piety. It is wrong to see one side of the coin and not to see the other side. Any philosophy that concentrates on one aspect of the creation and denies or ignores the other side is partially true and partial truths are no truth at all.
It is also the fact that the element of good is more in the creation than the element of evil. We all see that there are more people who are healthy than those who are sick. There are more that eat well than those who starve.
There are more that lead decent life than those who commit crimes. Goodness is the rule and evil is the exception. Virtue is the norm and sin is the aberration. Generally trees bear fruits, the flowers bloom, the winds move smoothly.

But then the question is why does Allah allow these exceptions to the rules?
Let us ask this question to understand Allah’s ways in His creation. The Qur’an tells us that good, evil and whatever happens in this world happens by Allah’s Will (masha Allah). Only Allah knows fully His Will. We finite beings cannot grasp fully His infinite Will and Wisdom. He runs His universe the way He deems fit. The Qur’an tells us that Allah is Wise and everything that Allah does is right, just, good and fair. We must submit and surrender to His Will. The Qur’an has not given us all the details about Allah’s Will, but it has enlightened us with the guidance that is useful and sufficient for us. There are several points that we should keep in our mind to understand this issue:

1. First of all, Allah did not make this world a permanent world. This is a temporary world and everything here has a time limit. When its times comes it will die, come to an end and finish. Neither the good things of this world are forever, nor the bad things eternal. We are here for a short time and we are being tested. Those who will pass this test will find an eternal world that is perfect and permanent. Those who will fail this test shall see the evil consequences of their sins and corruption.
2. Allah has placed a physical law and a moral law in this universe. Allah allows suffering to occur when one or more of these laws are broken. The physical law is based on cause and effect. Sickness comes if one does not take care of one’s health or is exposed to infections. A car accident occurs when one is not alert, or drives in a careless manner, or if the cars are not checked, roads and freeways are not made and kept in right shape, or the traffic laws are not right or not properly enforced. Study of causes and effects is very important to facilitate safeguards. Even here we should keep in mind that Allah often saves us and He does not let us suffer from every negligence. How many times it happens that we are not careful and still we reach safely to our destinations. The way people drive in some cities, it is a miracle that more accidents do not happen and more people do not suffer. Allah says:
“(Allah) Most Gracious! It is He Who has taught the Qur’an. He has created man: He has taught him speech (and Intelligence). The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed; and the herbs and the trees both (alike) bow in adoration. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice), in order that you may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance. It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures.” (Ar-Rahman:1-10)
The way we exceed the measures set by Allah and violate His laws of cause and effect is incredible. It is really the mercy of Allah that we are saved. Strictly speaking, the question should not be why does Allah allow suffering, but how much Allah protects us and saves us all the time in spite of our violations and negligence.
The Qur’an says:
“If Allah were to punish people according to what they deserve, He would not leave on the back of the (earth) a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires, verily Allah has in His sight all His servants.” (Fatir:45)
But sometimes Allah does punish people because of their violations of His laws whether they are physical or moral. The Qur’an tells us that many nations and communities were destroyed because of their sinful lifestyles:

“If they treat thy (mission) as false, so did the Peoples before them (with their Prophets), the People of Noah, and Ad and Thamud. Those of Abraham and Lut; and the Companions of the Madyan people; and Moses was rejected (in the same way). But I granted respite to the Unbelievers, and (only) after that did I punish them: but how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)! How many populations have We destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing! They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and castles lofty and well-built?” (Al-Hajj: 42-45)

3. Suffering can also be a test and trial for some people. Allah allows some people to suffer in order to test their patience and steadfastness. Even Allah’s Prophets and Messengers were made to suffer. Prophet Ayyub is mentioned in the Qur’an as a Prophet who was very patient. Good people sometimes suffer but their sufferings heal others and bring goodness to their communities. People learn lessons from their good examples. Martyrs die for their faith, soldiers give their lives for their nations and this brings liberation and freedom for their people.
4. Allah sometimes allows some people to suffer to test others, how they react to them. When you see a person who is sick, poor and needy, then you are tested by Allah. Allah is there with that suffering person to test your charity and your faith. In a very moving Hadith Qudsi (Divine Hadith) the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

“[b]Allah will say on the Day of Judgment, ‘O son of Adam, I was sick and you did not visit Me.’ He will say, ‘O my Lord, how could I visit You, when you are the Lord of the Worlds.’ Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was sick and you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him, you would have found Me there?’ Allah will say, ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not.’ He shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I feed you and you are the Lord of the Worlds?’ And Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was in need of food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that if you had fed him, you would have found that to have been for Me?’ ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for water and you did not give Me to drink.’ The man shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I give You water, when You are the Lord of the Worlds?’ Allah will say, ‘My servant so-and-so asked you for water and you did not give him to drink water. Did you not know that if you had given him to drink, you would have found that to have been for Me.’ [/b](Muslim, Hadith no. 4661)
Prophet `Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, is also reported to have said something similar. (See Matthew 25: 35-45)

So to summarize, we can say that sufferings occur to teach us that we must adhere to Allah’s natural and moral laws. It is sometimes to punish those who violate Allah’s natural or moral laws. It is to test our faith in Allah and to test our commitment to human values and charity. Whenever we encounter suffering we should ask ourselves, “Have we broken any law of Allah?” Let us study the cause of the problem and use the corrective methods. “Could it be a punishment?” Let us repent and ask forgiveness and reform our ways. “Could it be a test and trial for us?” Let us work hard to pass this test.
Believers face the sufferings with prayers, repentance and good deeds. The non-believers face the sufferings with doubt and confusion. They blame Allah or make arguments against Him.
May Allah keep us on the right path, Ameen!

CONTINUATION!

Why would God give humans the ability to reason - then punish them for rejecting beliefs reason cannot reconcile?

God has given us the ability to reason so as to differentiate truth from falsehood, and for us to think.
Also, why don't you show me the "beliefs" that don't apply to reason.

Why does the human body look suspiciously like it was the result of a long cumulative process of evolution resulting in imperfections and vestigial organs and genes - and not the result of the instant and perfectly planned creation of Adam and Eve?

I think you should be asking yourself how such a complicated structure, of various cells, which form tissues, which form organs, which finally form systems, which constitute the human body could have come from a group of Amoeba that do not even posses a brain. This is the very reason Allah gave us the ability to reason.
You have been living for a number of years, how many fishes have you seen evolve to amphibians, or amphibians to birds, or birds to mammals? Please my brother, be reasonable.

Which is more evil, the imperfect creature who commits evil or the perfect entity which created evil?

Read above and get your answer.

Is being good because you fear God, really being good?

And I am commanded to be the first of the Muslims . ’ Say: ‘ I fear , were I to disobey my Lord , the punishment of a terrible Day. ’ (Surat Az - Zumar12 - 13 )
Say: ‘ Am I to take anyone other than Allah as my protector , the Bringer into Being of the heavens and the earth, He Who feeds and is not fed?’ Say: ‘ I am commanded to be the first of the Muslims, ’ and , ‘Do not be among those ascribing partners to Allah . ’ Say: ‘ I fear , were I to disobey my Lord , the punishment of a dreadful Day . ’ (Surat Al-An‘am 14- 15).

You may interpret"fear" as something else. But in truth, I do good deeds because of my immense love for, and raging desire to please my creator, Allah. While my fear of him prevents me from committing sin and incurring his wrath.

Why did God send all known prophets, miracles and books to one area of the world and at a time when people were superstitious and gullible?

"And for every Ummah (a community or a nation), there is a Messenger; when their Messenger comes, the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged." (Qur'an 10:47)
"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e., do not worship Taghut besides Allah)." Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth)." (Qur'an 16:36)

Also, some of these Messengers are mentioned in the Qur'an by Allah and some of them are not as the Qur'an says:
"And, indeed We have sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad(P) ); of some of them We have related to you their story and of some We have not related to you their story, and it was not given to any Messenger that he should bring a sign except by the Leave of Allah. So, when comes the Commandment of Allah, the matter will be decided with truth, and the followers of falsehood will then be lost." (Qur'an 40:78)
It is clear that every nation was sent a messenger.
Also, concerning the second part, you have answered your question. The messengers and prophets were sent to people to clear their superstitions

Why did God only protect the Qur'an from corruption? Couldn't he have protected the Bible and prevented billions claiming he has a son?

Narrated Ubaidullah: Ibn `Abbas said, "Why do you ask the people of the scripture about anything while your Book (Qur'an) which has been revealed to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ ) is newer and the latest? You read it pure, undistorted and unchanged, and Allah has told you that the people of the scripture (Jews and Christians) changed their scripture and distorted it, and wrote the scripture with their own hands and said, 'It is from Allah,' to sell it for a little gain. Does not the knowledge which has come to you prevent you from asking them about anything? No, by Allah, we have never seen any man from them asking you regarding what has been revealed to you!" (Sahih al-Bukhari 7363 Book 96, Hadith 9)

In Surah Al-Hijr [15:9] Allah (swt) has written:
"We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)."

So why has Allah (swt) protect the Qur'an but not the Bible?
According to Islamic perspective, this whole world is nothing more but to test us. Allah (swt) put in the Bible a promise (a test). A promise to those who try to tamper His words in the Bible that they would face hell fire.
So to sum it up Allah protected the Qur'an but not the Bible, as for the Bible it was a test to see if people were truly "God fearing" and would stand strong to Allah's tests. So he gave the people of the book (Jews and Christians) a test and to put it simply they failed. Allah (swt) protected the Qur'an, indicating that this test was no longer existed for the Muslims.

What was so special about prophet Jesus that God made him born to a virgin? Took him up to heaven before he was crucified? And is going to bring him back again before the day of judgment?

Why don't you ask "what was so special about Adam (pbuh) that God created him personally, i.e, without father or mother", because even Jesus (pbuh) was still formed as a foetus in the womb, and was given birth to like any other baby, and the bible even says he was circumcised on the 8th day.

Do you believe it's acceptable for a husband to hit a rebellious wife?

I'm pretty sure you are talking about this;
"Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand."

Here again, you misunderstand. There are steps here. If your wife is rebellious, you are commanded to advise or admonish her. Is there anything wrong in a married couple having a heart-to-heart in resolving issues. Also, if she is a good wife, this should be enough.
But again, if she doesn't listen to your advice, and continues her rebellion, you should abandon her to her bed. I believe that if she is a good woman, on seeing her husband do this, she'll dialog with him.
Again, if the first two failed, you are asked to beat. NOTE: Some scholars say it is a symbolic beating, as in using a toothpick to hit, and they all agree that you do not beat on the face or to cause injury.
But, whether it is symbolic a not, I don't see why a loving couple should get past the first stage.

Why do so many characteristics of Allah like anger and vengefulness seem like human ones?

Allah's wrath is not similar to Human Anger...In the sense that a human loses control when angry...Allah doesn't lose control when he is angry.
Imagine a Robot that a scientist creates and programs it to do certain tasks a certain way. If that Robot goes against the rules of that scientist and disowns the scientist by saying he didn't create me , I was created by someone else or came into existence on my own , What would the Scientist do?
He will say you know what , the Robot I have created is crap...I should dismantle it , dump it and destroy it.

We Humans being the Creation of Allah(SWT) , the atheists amongst us say that their creator doesn't exist! Some of them say We were created not by ALLAH(SWT) but other gods. Humans on the face of the earth do EVERYTHING that has been prohibited by Allah and IGNORE EVERYTHING that has been commanded by ALLAH(SWT)
EVEN THEN , ALLAH (SWT) gives you a chance to live , EVEN THEN HE(SWT) provides you with food , water , shelter!!
IT IS ONLY BECAUSE ALLAH(SWT) KNOWS HOW TO CONTROL HIS ANGER AND ONLY BECAUSE HIS MERCY IS FAR GREATER THAN HIS WRATH!!!
IF IT WAS NOT FOR HIS MERCY , EVERY DISBELIEVER WOULD HAVE BEEN DESTROYED.

Why does the Qur'an say don't ask questions about things, when the answer would trouble you. Should followers of other religions also not ask questions about their religion when it might trouble them?

I'm sure you are talking about this verse:
"O you who believe! Ask not about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble." (Qur'an 5:101)
Regarding this verse Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
the prohibition on asking was applicable only at the time when the Revelation was coming down, at which time it was possible that the rulings could be renewed or changed. But after the death of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him and his family), it is obligatory for the individual to ask about everything that he needs to know about matters of his religion.
Fataawa Noor ‘ala ad-Darb by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (24/223)

The prohibition mentioned in the verse applies specifically to the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), which was the time when Revelation was still coming down, unlike times that came after that. Hence this does not mean that we should not seek Islamic knowledge and learn that which will benefit us or that we need to know with regard to matters of this life and the hereafter.
The things that they were forbidden to ask about were:
1. Things that had no bearing on their actions and were of no benefit in religious terms
2. Things that Islam said nothing about, out of mercy to people, not out of forgetfulness, because asking too many questions about that could lead to them being forbidden, which would cause hardship for people.
Al-Bukhaari (6745) and Muslim (4349) narrated that Sa‘d ibn Abi Waqqaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “One of the worst sins a Muslim could commit is asking about something that was not prohibited to the Muslims, but it became prohibited to them because of his asking.”
3. Things that were unknown to those who asked about them, which if they were made plain to them would cause them trouble.

Why will God never forgive Shirk?

This is only the case, when the person dies without repenting of the sin of shirk.

What are they really guilty of? Ignorance?

Nope, especially not in this era of the media.
So, that cannot be an excuse. Besides, Allah says he will show his signs in the farthest horizons.

Being born to the wrong family?

That is why we have been given minds to reason, and not just follow blindly.

You believe other people are following false, corrupted or unfounded beliefs? Are you certain you're not also?

I'm certain Islam is the only truth because it is evident in the Qur'an.

Salaam.

Jazakumullahu biljannah!!! May Allah lift you to greater heights, brother!

Scash:
Jazakumullahu biljannah!!! May Allah lift you to greater heights, brother!

Ameen. May Allah makes us steadfast in the deen.

Haroun13:
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL


Thank you for these questions and thank you for the way you presented them in a very respectable manner.

You are welcome!

My understanding of this question is; why did God create us in the first place? Now if we are to look initially into revelation, to determine why was man created, there is a deeper question that we should be asking before that: "Why did God create?" This before we even get to man because man is not the greatest act of creation. Allah says:
"The creation of the Heavens and the Earth is indeed greater then the creation of mankind; yet, most of mankind know not."
—Al-Qur'an 40:57
Man is not the greatest act of creation, this universe is far more complex and far more magnificent than man. So the issue of creation should then go to, "Why did God create?", as opposed to simply, "Why create man?"
Fundamentally, we can say that the creation is the natural consequence of the attribute of creator. Allah is the creator. That is one of his attributes. That is what he has informed us. That being his attribute, the creator, the natural consequence or the product of this attribute is his creation.
A painter, if we are to draw a similitude on a lower level, who tells you that he is a painter, if you ask him where are his paintings and he replies I don't have any. What kind of painter is this? The concept of a painter who doesn't paint, there is some thing not quite gelling together here, of course Allah is beyond this. But if we are to understand on the simplest level, the two go together. The perfection of a painter lies in his paintings. His quality and his ability to paint, is manifest in his paintings. And Allah, beyond all that, as creator, this quality of creation is manifest in the creation itself. Allah didn't create out of a need. No, the fact that he is the creator, is manifest in the creation.

I understand quite well your explanations above, however you failed to answer the question.

Before a painter can paint, there has to be a purpose for the painting: either for his own purpose or for others.


*What is the purpose of Allah creating human?

*If indeed he's self sufficient, why does he need to create man?

*And i think Muslims do say the angels worship Allah too, why then does he need to create man for the sole purpose of worship?

Our creation is for our benefit, in that we have a fair shot at attaining paradise. Also, there is no benefit for the innates of hell. Consequently, this leads to your next question.

*How is creation of our own benefit?

Definitely we didn't choose to be created, he decided to create us, which means it's for his own benefit and not for ours.

The maker of my iPhone didn't made it for the purpose of itself rather for his (maker) own purpose.

*Now, if this God created us for the purpose of choosing to go to paradise or hell, how does that even make any sense? How is this of any benefit to us?

Allah does not admit people to Paradise or Hell simply because He knows that they deserve that, rather He will admit them to Paradise or Hell on the basis of the deeds that they actually did in this world. If Allah created mankind and put them in His Hell, they would soon argue that He did not test them or give them the chance to strive. Allah wanted to refute this argument, so He created them in this world and gave them reason, and revealed His Books, and sent His Messengers; all of that is so that they will have no argument against Allah on the Day of Resurrection.

Still the first question will certainly pave the way for further discussion on this. There has to be a purpose of creation of man.

*to make it simply, what is the purpose? is the purpose of creation to place some in hell and some in heaven?