What is the purpose of creating the universe and humankind, and is Allah in need of our worship? What is the meaning of developing the earth if everything will perish on the Day of Resurrection? And why is the punishment of disbelievers eternal despite the brevity of their worldly lives? Will those who did not receive the message of Islam be punished eternally, and how will those who never heard of the Prophet, peace be upon him, be questioned in the grave?

The purpose behind the creation of jinn and humankind is to worship Allah the Almighty, and this does not mean that He, glory be to Him, is in need of our worship. The eternal abode of disbelievers in Hellfire is a matter of justice and wisdom on His part, as Allah the Almighty says: "And if they were returned [to the world], they would return to that which they were forbidden."

As for the people of the fatrah (a period of time between prophets) and those whom Islam did not reach, or who sought to know it but were unable, their ruling is like that of the people of the fatrah. However, those who did not attempt to know it are like other disbelievers, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "By the One in Whose hand is my soul, no Jew or Christian hears of me, then dies without believing in that with which I was sent, but he will be among the people of the Fire."

Regarding the questioning of the people of the fatrah in the grave, scholars differ on this matter. Some are of the view that they will not be tested because the trial is for those who are accountable, while others believe that they will be tested and their answer will be according to what Allah knows about them.