Is it important to have a relationship with the Creator?

Is it mandatory?

Why do so many hope to find the Creator?

Does a relationship exist only if we worship the Creator?

Or does a relationship already exist, akin to how the sun replenishes us with or without our influence/knowledge?

emöfine:

Is it important to have a relationship with the Creator?

Is it mandatory?

Why do so many hope to find the Creator?

Does a relationship exist only if we worship the Creator?

Or does a relationship already exist, akin to how the sun replenishes us with or without our influence/knowledge?

I will start with question c: Why do so many hope to find the Creator?

I will offer the Islamic view:

The prophet(SAW) said:

‘Every new-born child is born in a state of fitrah. Then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian or a Magian, just as an animal is born intact. Do you observe any among them that are maimed (at birth)?"

Fitnah refers to an innate natural disposition which cannot change, and which exists at birth in all human beings. However, depending on the environment which we grow, we become atheists, Jews or Christians. This natural disposition includes a belief in a supreme creator. The Quran states:

‘Set your face to the faith in sincerity which is Allah's fitrah (the nature made by Allah) upon which He created mankind (fatâra’n-nâs). There is no changing the creation of Allah. That is the right faith but most people know not.’ (Surah 30:30)

so to answer your question

Humans have the natural disposition to worship a supreme being, it is something built into us. That is why throughout history, man has always felt the need to worship something. Stones, rocks, the sun,  anything.

For the other Questions:

Does a relationship exist only if we worship the Creator?

Or does a relationship already exist, akin to how the sun replenishes us with or without our influence/knowledge?

Is it important to have a relationship with the Creator?

Is it mandatory?

Answer

Our relationship with the creator is already more intimate than any other in one way. The Quran states:

“Surely Allah is the Knower of what is unseen in the heavens and the earth; surely He is aware of what is in the hearts.” Quran 35:38

“He knows what is in the heavens and on earth; and He knows what you conceal and what you reveal. Allah knows well the (secrets) of (all) hearts.” Quran 64:04

Many verses of the Quran tell mankind that Allah(swt) is well aware of every single thing about us, this is obvious of course, that our Creator should know us better than we know ourselves. Allah(swt) knows every atom of our being, every hidden part of our souls, every secret thought or action, all our strengths, weaknesses, passions, vulnerabilities. The verses tell us that Allah(swt)’s knowledge stretches from the unimaginable vastness of the heavens and the earth to the inner depths of mans heart.

Allah(swt)’s relationship with us is described clearly in the following verse.

“And certainly We created man, and We know what his mind suggests to him, and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.” Quran 50:16

Allah is the Creator, he knows our minds and hearts and is closer to us than anything or anyone else.

Relationships are all about exchange; they are about what we give and what we take. Our parents give us shelter, food, love, care, attention, they instill in us morals and teach us what they believe. In return, from having us they receive the joy of having a child that is their own, they see our smiling faces as babies and couldn’t feel happier, when we are older we return their love and care as best we can and try in turn to look after them. We give each other advice and support, good company and conversation, a sense of belonging and security. The relationship, like all others, is based on giving and receiving and although at first glance that hints at a materialist way of looking at things, it encompasses the emotional, spiritual, and mental aspects of a relationship too.

Sadly when it comes to the relationship we have with Allah(swt) many of us happily receive but never give in return. There are those who are so deeply in kufr that they do not even acknowledge everything they receive from the Creator or indeed acknowledge the Creator at all and instead attribute it to chance or themselves or other human beings. There are those of us who acknowledge Allah(swt) yet still do not cultivate our relationship with Him by giving instead of only constantly receiving.

Anas(ra) reported that a man asked the Prophet(saw): When does the last hour fall? The Prophet(saw), said: “What have you prepared for it?” The man said: “I love Allah and His messenger.” The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Everyone will be with those one loves.” Anas comments: “I have never seen the Muslims more pleased with anything after having embraced Islam than with this Hadith.” [Related by Abu Dawood, An-Nasa’ie', At-Tirmithi and Al-Bukhari].

The Quran states:

And He giveth you of all that ye ask for. But if ye count the favours of Allah, never will ye be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to
injustice and ingratitude. (Surah 14:34)

Not being grateful for the countless blessing we receive everyday

So yes, God already has a relationship with us by showing us his mercy, everyday. We just have to be grateful,

It is mandatory/Important to show gratitude for the countless blessings, we receive,  Otherwise we will unjust to ourselves.

I hope this helps::