If we are to look at this concept logically and think of the universe, one can argue that the right religion has to be monotheistic – meaning that it states there’s only one God. Islam is one example. 

As Allah says in the Qur’an,

“Had there been within them [i.e., the heavens and earth] gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.”

[Qur’an 21:22]

Here, Allah explains that if there were more than one God, there would be chaos and disorder in the world around us with gods disagreeing with or fighting one another. As good as each god may be, there is bound to be some conflict and it would show in the universe. 

At the end of the day, for the universe to run all its laws, you need one order dictating everything: a single end-cause. A lot of philosophy and science suggests that. Whether it’s a classroom, state, or country, you need one final voice. Now look at the picture above and think about the universe. How more important is one voice for that? 

Some may ask, “What if there is one God at the top and smaller gods under him?” However, you have to prove that. Whether it’s logically or by proving your religion right, you need to do that. Also, if there’s one supreme God that can do everything, that’s good enough and frankly solves many questions. That’s one philosophical argument behind monotheism. Lastly, even if there’s hierarchy within multiple gods, you would expect to see some issues in the cosmos as the Qur’an explains above and that would not be pretty!

It is a common mindset, especially in this postmodernistic world, mainly held by those who are not religious, but still believe in God. However, there are two fundamental issues with this mindset.

One, it assumes you know God said that. Ask yourself a simple question, “Did He?” If not, why are you saying it? If you believe in God, it’s only common sense to accept that God can say and do whatever He wants. If He says you’ll go to Heaven, you’ll go to Heaven. And if He says you won’t, well, what can you do? Same with His rules. If He says that we need to meet a certain criteria to be able to go to Heaven, again, who are we to argue?

Two, you are defining what’s “good.” You are defining it on your own; not what God has defined it as and that’s dangerous! This isn’t a trivial thing. This is eternal salvation or doom at stake! Thus, we can’t be lazy and not reevaluate the beliefs we have of God. You see, God’s definition of “good” in Islam is comprehensive. It involves the “good” between people, which include good manners, not lying, not stealing, not murdering, etc. That’s the “good” most people only think about. 

However, there’s also the “good” between the person and God. That involves obeying His rules, worshipping Him properly, etc. And this obviously requires searching for His true religion.

The question is, how did we forget this whole other aspect of good? Is it because we are illogical? Lazy perhaps? If God created us, doesn’t it make sense that we actually see His rules and then follow them? Why should He give you Heaven if you didn’t do that?

If you search for God’s true religion and perhaps decide that it’s Islam, then that requires actions such as praying, fasting in Ramadan, giving charity, AND yes, being good to people.