Answer
Short Answer: Islam teaches that this world is a testing ground for humans. We humans have to struggle our utmost for the establishment of good. To this end, we have to fight against evil. Not only against the evil out there in the external world, but also against the evil in our own souls, in our own hearts. The next world from the Islamic point of view, consists of the happy world for the good and the unhappy world for the bad.
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Salam (Peace) Cyril,
Thank you for contacting About Islam with your question.
Islam does not teach that this world is evil.
Everything here has a purpose; and almost everything here is basically good also.
Of course, there is evil too. But we should understand that without evil, there is no good either.
Life is a Test
Islam teaches that this world is a testing ground for humans. We humans have to struggle our utmost for the establishment of good. To this end, we have to fight against evil.
Not only against the evil out there in the external world, but also against the evil in our own souls, in our own hearts.
Therefore, life becomes a struggle for all of us here, if we want to succeed and establish justice and truth here. In fact, this struggle against evil (or for good and justice) is known as jihad.
The next world from the Islamic point of view, consists of the happy world for the good and the unhappy world for the bad.
Those who believe (in God, the Prophets, and the Day of Judgment) and do good deeds will be successful in the sense that they will enter God’s Paradise.
And those who reject faith in God and His Prophets (and lead a life in defiance of the teachings of the Prophets) will go to Hell, a place set apart for the wrong doers.
I hope this answers your question.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
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