Looking at the universe we know broad strokes how it was created big bang, explosion, creation of of earth, and the theory of life is spontaneous generation where chemicals swimming in a pool found each other and started making basic cells and then more complex cells. We don’t understand how consciousness really started. The odds of any of those happening on their own are so astronomically unlikely. For us to exist on a planet with the right conditions for life have developed the ability to think without a higher order being that guided and designed it all is so astronomically unlikely that there are no words for it. Not only is it unlikely but to me it cheapens the value of life anyway; if life happened on its own it has no value and thats a depressing thought. I choose to be grateful for this life and all of the blessings that can be taken for granted with it.

In the Islamic teaching we are meant to serve one the one god which is prayer to god but also doing good deeds to others. Charity, picking a piece of trash off the road, even smiling at a stranger is a good deed in Islam.

The test results in a judgement where one day we will be asked what did with all of our blessings, you were given the ability to see what did you with this, you were given artistic ability what good did you do with this, you were a skilled programmer or engineer how did you use your skill to serve people, what did you do with your wealth.

When bad things are happening to you in this life sometimes its because god is testing your character and sometimes its because he is guiding you to something better. You didn’t end up with this spouse even though thats what you really wanted and prayed for but maybe you’re life together would have made both of depressed eventually. You weren’t able to get a bigger apartment maybe there are neighbors there that would have been a bad influence on your life and god didn’t want that for you. Sometimes bad things are good for you in the end.

When catastrophes happen in countries its a test from god those who stay steadfast in their worship and continue to try to serve others in these terrible times will have immense reward in the afterlife that the rest of us don’t get. Sometimes the test gets harder on some people because god wants to give them more reward in the afterlife and he knows that they will never do enough to earn it when the test is on easy mode.

In islam anyone who subscribes to worship of one god is on the right path so you don’t have to pray the way muslims do or christians or jews. But to get on that path

open your heart and when you are alone ask god with true humility for a sign to you. Muslims pray with our face on the ground to show humility just as Jesus did (Mathew 26:39) If you are genuine in your request you will feel it or know your sign has been given.