A student studies hard for his final examinations, researching in libraries, re-doing past papers, and revising his notes because he wants a university degree that will help advance his career.
A businessman invests much of his time, energy, and money into a commercial venture in the hope of large profits in the future.
A farmer plows his land, sows it, waters it, and tends it regularly in the hope of a good harvest.
They all know that success does not come down on a plate but has to be achieved through hard work. Man does certain things in life for certain results, and he avoids other acts because of their consequences.
An adult will not put his hand into a naked flame because he knows that fire burns, but a child will do so as he is unaware of the consequences.
The most important belief and knowledge that should dictate our actions is that Allah Almighty exists, that He is the Creator and Provider, and that none can benefit nor harm us except with His permission. If a person’s Iman (faith) in Allah is firm and unyielding, he will be able to direct all his worship and obedience to Allah and will feel no fear of false deities or worldly powers.
Consider the encounter of Pharaoh’s court magicians with Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) as described in the Qur’an. Before meeting the Prophet, they pleaded with Pharaoh for a substantial reward were they to defeat Musa in a duel using magic.
“So the sorcerers came to Pharaoh and said, ‘Of course, we shall have a suitable reward if we win.’ (Qur’an, 7:113)