In Islam, everything revolves around the axis of God, including the goal in the mission of prophets and an individual’s goal of life. Muslims believe that Almighty Allah is the only creator of this world and all other things which are present in this world. The human being is captioned to be power-hungry, selfish and illusionistic. Islam is divine guidance wherein humans of all nations, colours and tongues feel linked to a Supreme Power and Justice. Allah says:
يَا قَوْمِ إِنَّمَا هَٰذِهِ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا مَتَاعٌ وَإِنَّ الْآخِرَةَ هِيَ دَارُ الْقَرَارِ
“O, my people! Only this, the life (of) the world, (is) enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter – it (is the) home, (of) settlement.” (SurahGhafir 40:39)
The guidelines for the development of the full possibilities of human nature came to be institutionalized in various forms. Islam gives refers to human existence as quite different from other religions wherein there is no purpose for human existence, or if there is any, it is beyond human intelligence. Allah says:
وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَلَلدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ
“And not (is) the life (of) the world except a play and amusement; but the home (of) the Hereafter (is) best for those who (are) God-conscious. Then, will you not reason?” (Surah Al-An`am 6:32 )
The purpose of life is to serve others. However, when doing so, you should not expect something in return; your intention should be to lessen other people’s misery. Allah created man to serve Him, meaning that men should believe in the One Lord and do well. This is the main objective of human life. Allah says:
كَيْفَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَكُنتُمْ أَمْوَاتًا فَأَحْيَاكُمْ ثُمَّ يُمِيتُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
“How (can) you disbelieve in Allah? While you were dead then He gave you life; then He will cause you to die, then He will give you life, then to Him you will be returned.” (Surah l-Baqarah 2:28)
To find the purpose of life you’re going to need to do some digging. Allah informed us and clear that when humans will indulge in hatred of each other then they will select hating others as a purpose of their life which will turn them from the true purpose and that is the remembrance of Allah. Allah says:
الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ
“The One Who created death and life that He may test you, which of you (is) best (in) deed. And He (is) the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving.” (Surah Al-Mulk 67:2 )
The purpose of life is to live mindfully and passionately in the present moment and to spread kindness and peace along the way. We should fulfil this purpose in our life. We must come to know our Creator. This teaches us that human beings should not only use their mind, body, and speech for themselves but also to serve others. When you do this, nature, in turn, will reward you.
Some reasons are briefly mentioned below about life in Islam:
- The purpose of life teaching shows that all innocent life is sacred
- The purpose of life establish peace and justice in society
- The purpose of life means with love, grace, and gratitude
- The purpose of life here is considered as an examination
- The purpose of life is to believe everything is from God
- The purpose of life is to think you will be accountable
- The purpose of life is to have a variety of experiences
- The purpose of life forbids hateful words and actions
- The purpose of life is to make a positive difference
- The purpose of life has the sanctity of human life
- The purpose of life is to have patience & humility
- The purpose of life is a test given in this world
- The purpose of life is to put your trust in God
- The purpose of life has infinite value for all
- The purpose of life is to respect parents
- The purpose of life is kindness to neighbours
- The purpose of life is to benefit the community
- The purpose of life is to think you will return to God
- The purpose of life considers all life forms as sacred
- The purpose of life has the dignity of all human being
- The purpose of life commands love, mercy, and peace
- The purpose of life for all human beings have one God
- The purpose of life focuses on what is in your control & try best
- The purpose of life seems to be a healing agent to human suffering
Muslims believe that Almighty Allah is the only creator of this world and all other things which are present in this world. God describes this life as a test, and people are tested in different ways. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react. Patience during adversities and gratitude for blessings is a means of getting closer to God and attaining eternal Paradise. Allah says:
وَمَن نُّعَمِّرْهُ نُنَكِّسْهُ فِي الْخَلْقِ أَفَلَا يَعْقِلُونَ
“And (he) whom We grant him long life, We reverse him in the creation. Then will not use intellect?” (SurahYa-Sin 36:68 )
The purpose of life is to create your meaning and to bring it to fruition. So, Muslims are required to observe righteousness in their daily life, based on Quranic teachings. Nothing can make us happier than seeking the pleasure of Allah. Allay says:
كَيْفَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَكُنتُمْ أَمْوَاتًا فَأَحْيَاكُمْ ثُمَّ يُمِيتُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
“How (can) you disbelieve in Allah? While you were dead then He gave you life; then He will cause you to die, then He will give you life, then to Him you will be returned.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:28 )
This life is a preparation for the Hereafter the ‘Eternal Home’ that will not be going to an end to which all human beings ultimately go. Allah has guided people to the purpose of life that is worshipping Him and seeking His pleasure. The Holy Quran in this regard is one of the best ways of knowing how a person can fulfil this purpose of pleasing Allah and give meaning to his or her life.
Allah Almighty says in The Holy Quran:
- “And the Hereafter is better for you than the first life.” (Ad-Duhaa (93:4)
- “The life of this world is merely the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 3:185)
- “I have not created men except that they should serve Me.” (Quran, 51:56).
- “you have that day, nor for you will there be any denial.” (Ash-Shura 42:47)
- “O, my people! this life of the world is only a (passing) enjoyment, and surely the hereafter is the abode to settle.” (Al-Mu’Min 40:39)
- “But We shall be sure to guide to Our ways those who strive hard for Our cause: Allah is with those who do good.” (Quran, 29:69)
- “And if you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and His Messenger.” (Quran 3:31)
Islam integrates all domains of human life, just like the different systems in the human body integrate to provide a complete human being. If one system does not work properly, it has got to affect the whole body. Islam proposes systems of laws that integrate all parts of human society to bring happiness and peace to all its members. Allah says:
وَلَكُمْ فِي الْقِصَاصِ حَيَاةٌ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
And for you in the legal retribution (is) life, O men (of) understanding! So that you may (become) righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:179)
Allah has guided people to the purpose of life that is worshipping Him and seeking His pleasure. The Holy Quran in this regard is one of the best ways of knowing how a person can fulfil this purpose of pleasing Allah. Allah says:
ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَاكَ عَلَىٰ شَرِيعَةٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْرِ فَاتَّبِعْهَا وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
“Thus, We have ordained a law (shari’a) upon you in the matter, so follow it and do not follow the whims of those who know not.” (Surah al-Jathiyah 45:18)
Islam is the response to humanity’s search for meaning. The purpose of human life is to put a stop to the cycle of repeated birth and death. There are four real problems in life, namely birth, old age, disease, and death. These problems of life can be solved by understanding the spiritual nature of the self. Allah created man to serve Him, meaning that men should believe in the One Lord and do well. This is the main objective of human life. Allah says:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
“Verily, Allah orders justice and benevolence and giving to relatives and He forbids immorality and bad conduct and transgression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (Surat al-Nahl 16:90)
Muslims must always remain faithful by living by Islam and the Quran. Allah creates humankind to carry out worship and other duties that one must always obey. A Muslim has to be genuine and kind-hearted while living on this earth so that life in heaven will be better. May Allah guide us all to the right path and help us in earning good deeds and may He forgive our past sins.
