God is the master designer who put order and purpose in his creation, and he rules over it with compassion and mercy. Islam teaches that God created the whole universe and everything in it. Everything in creation depends upon God, the Sustainer, for its existence. The purpose of all creation, including humans, is to love and serve God. Plants and animals, rocks and minerals, rain and wind, stars and planets all naturally fulfil the purpose for which they were designed. By doing so, they worship and serve God. Allah says:
اللَّهُ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ لِتَسْكُنُوا فِيهِ وَالنَّهَارَ مُبْصِرًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ
“Allah (is) the One Who made for you the night that you may rest in it, and the day giving visibility. Indeed, Allah (is) Full (of) Bounty to the people, but most (of) the people (do) not give thanks.” (Surah Ghafir 40:61)
Muslims believe that Almighty Allah is the only creator of this world and all other things which are present in this world. Humans are first informed by God that every human being is born with an innate consciousness of God. All created things fulfil their assigned purpose by serving God. Everything in nature, by acting according to its design, serves God’s will. In a sense, the whole universe is Muslim because it surrenders to the divine purpose. Allah says:
لَخَلْقُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَكْبَرُ مِنْ خَلْقِ النَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
“Indeed, the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of mankind, but most of mankind do not realize it.” (Surah Ghafir 40:57)
Islam teaches that God created humans from clay and breathed the spirit of life into them. He separated them from the rest of creation by giving them three divine gifts: intelligence to distinguish the true from the false, a will that can freely choose between them, and the power of speech to worship. Because of these gifts, people are the noblest of God’s creatures, superior to the rest of nature. However, people are not perfect. Although not sinful by nature, humans are vulnerable to temptation. Because they are rebellious and proud, they often forget that they are dependent on God.
Here is some main purpose of mankind’s creation:
- Allah provides us with the lens through which to form one’s outlook
- Allah created people to reflect His image, to rule over creation
- Allah has left us with a wealth of knowledge of the Quran
- Allah promises those who obey Him to enter Paradise
- Allah has better plans for us than we can imagine
- Allah is the personal name of the One true God
- Allah is very Gracious and Kind to His slaves
- Allah sent Messenger for all mankind
- Allah is All-Powerful, absolutely Just
- Allah is the Bestower of Sufficiency
- Allah is First, Last, and Everlasting
- Allah knows what is in our hearts
- Allah gives us many chances
- Allah’s book is the Holy Quran
- Allah is the Supreme, the Sovereign
- Allah is the one, Who has no partner
- Allah is the doer of all that He intends
- Allah is everything in His own accord
- Allah is a steadfast anchor of the soul
- Allah takes care of all affairs of our life
- Allah relieves us from the day-to-day suffering
- Allah knows what we conceal and what we reveal
- Allah cannot be fulfilled until one relies on Him alone
- Allah does things, which we may not be able to understand
- Allah allows us to gain knowledge that changes our outlook on life
Man, however, was given free will and the ability to either obey or disobey. But God will not allow His universal balance to be upset indefinitely by defiant, corrupt and sinful people, so He only grants human beings a measure of freedom in a temporary world. The scheme of birth, development, decline and death allows each to prove to himself without a doubt what he will deserve on the Day of Judgement, which God created to manifest His ultimate justice
Put your trust in Allah and depend on Him:
- Allah is always Watching and Hearing everything in the universe
- Tawakkul is the core of our spiritual well-being and practice
- Pour your heart into your work and leave the rest to Allah
- Depending on Allah and believing that He is the One
- Allah has decreed all things and counted them out
- Tawakkul comprises reliance on Allah
- Tawakkul lives in the heart of the believer
- Trust in Allah is one of the best ways a servant
- Tawakkul is part of the completion of one’s faith
- Make immense dua and trust that Allah will make a way
- Don’t let your circumstances determine your faith in Allah
- Tawakkul is the source of contentment, ease, and protection
God has a beautiful purpose for humans. He created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, to live in a beautiful garden. His purpose was for them to have children, to make the whole earth a paradise, and to take care of all humanity. Man’s worship of God is not automatic like the vast majority of created beings but by his own choice and effort, and this is what entitles him to honour and reward. Consequently, in the Quran, God informs humans to seek refuge in God from evil. Allah says:
وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا كُلٌّ فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ
“And not any moving creature in the earth but on Allah (is) its provision. And He knows its dwelling place and its place of storage. All (is) in a Record clear.” (Surah Hud 11:6)
The purpose of this life is the worship of God, this life is a test. A test for us, will we worship God, or will we forget Him. This is where our focus has to begin. God created us and allowed us to know Him. God knows the future – the point is, for us to live through and experience our lives and make our own choices. The Quran is a guidebook teaching us how to worship God most purely and thereby achieve our purpose in life. Allah says:
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“If you love Allah, then follow Allah will love you and He will forgive you your sins. And Allah (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:31)
God created man to test him with certain responsibilities [As stated in 18:7, 67:2 and 76:2]. He did not intend life on this earth to necessarily be comfortable or satisfying but merely a trial of limited duration, the punishment and rewards of which will be due in the Hereafter. This life is very meaningful and purposeful to the believing Muslim because he realizes that it will determine his outcome and permanent position in the next life. He lives to earn the approval of his Creator in preparation for the final return to Him. Allah says:
وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ
“And, your Lord, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you. Indeed, those who (are) proud to worship Me will enter Hell (in) humiliation.” (Surah Ghafir 40:60)
God has created a well-regulated and ordered universe in which night regularly follows day so that creatures may rest, and the sun and moon follow predictable patterns, creating seasons for humans to cultivate plants for food. God also provided animals to assist humans in fulfilling their needs for warmth and food. Those who remember this fulfil their purpose by worshipping and serving Him as stewards of His creation.
Purpose of our Creation:
- Why does God need to test us?: God created us and gave us the opportunity to know Him. God knows the future – the point is, for us to live through and experience our lives and make our own choices.
- Do we really have a choice?: The fact that God knows our choices does not make it any less voluntary. But in His Wisdom, He has created us with the ability to choose and made us accountable for our choices.
- Why doesn’t God just reveal Himself?: In God’s wisdom, He has chosen to make Himself known through His signs. This is part of the test of this life. He has made it our responsibility to use the abilities He has given us to acknowledge Him.
- Why is there suffering in the world?: The fact that different people are tested in different ways through various trials, does not disprove the existence of God nor contradict an all-powerful God. This world is volatile and temporary, however, the full justice in the hereafter, which is everlasting, will more than compensate for any injustices or misfortunes in this life.
- Why does God punish people?: No one can disagree with the concept of punishment, which is necessary for justice. God has created us with the ability to choose how we want to live, and in turn, be accountable. Those who sincerely strive to obey God will earn God’s mercy and enter paradise.
God gave his revelation through the prophets, so that humans may know how to fulfil their purpose as God’s agents on earth. They are to assist in realizing God’s will for all of creation. In their desire to understand God’s plan, most people benefit from God’s guidance, which is why God sent prophets. God gave humans the Quran and the law; they guide a peaceful life together. But, humans serve God by doing good deeds, telling the truth, and obeying God’s instructions contained in the Quran and the law
The purpose of our existence is thus stated in the Quran, Allah Almighty says:
- “ God created you in stages.” (Quran 71:4)
- “Glorify the praises of your Lord…” (Quran 15:98)
- “O, believers! Remember God often.” (Quran 33:41)
- “Verily, We created man of the best stature.” (Quran 95:4)
- “And God created you all and whatever you do.” (Quran 37:96)
- “Indeed, God is free from the need of the worlds.” (Quran 29:6)
- “Do you worship what you have carved yourself?” (Quran 37:95)
- “No calamity strikes except by God’s permission…” (Quran 64:11)
- “I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Quran 51:56)
- “…There is nothing like Him and He is hearer and seer of all.” (Quran 42:11)
- “And We have made from water every living thing.” (Surat Al-Anbiyâ-Verse 30)
- “Have you seen the one who takes his desires as his god?” (Quran 25:43, 45:23)
- “If you love God, then follow me [the Prophet] and God will love you.” (Quran 3:31)
- “Allah has created every moving (living) creature from water.” (Surat Anum- verse45)
- “God created all things and He is the agent on which all things depend.” (Quran 39:62)
- “If you try to count God’s blessings, you will not be able to add them up.” (Quran 16:18)
- “Surely, those who believe and do righteous deeds are the best of creation.” (Quran 98:7)
Muslims are required to observe righteousness in their daily life, based on Quranic teachings, We all recognize that people make things to perform specific functions for them, in other words, to serve them. God has made us to help Him, but with one major difference; it is not for the benefit of the Creator Himself but for the benefit of us, His creation.
There is more to life than just living. There has got to be more to life than just living. In life, there should be a higher purpose: to obtain the honest answer to, ‘Who am I?’ This is the unanswered question of infinite, previous lives. The Quran is a guidebook teaching us how to worship God most purely and thereby achieve our purpose in life. The Quran is unique because it has remained preserved in its exact and original form for more than 1,400 years. Allah says:
تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ السَّمَاوَاتُ السَّبْعُ وَالْأَرْضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ وَإِن مِّن شَيْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًا
“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them glorify Him and there is nothing which does not glorify His praise. However, you do not understand their glorification.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:44)
Man is created as the most beautiful creature on earth. He is given the power of reasoning and insight. He is created as the vicegerent on earth never to be forsaken by God’s words of guidance. Everyone would acknowledge that our body parts, such as our eyes, ears, brains, and hearts, have a purpose. The human love of God should be, fundamentally, a love that manifests in complete obedience to the laws of God.
Here are some facts about Allah Almighty that all Muslims should know:
- Allah is the Loving One: “And Allah loves the steadfast.” (Quran 3:146)
- Allah is All-Knowing: “And Allah loves the doers of good.” (Quran 3:134)
- Allah is the Delayer: “If you are grateful, I will give you more.” (Quran 14:7)
- Allah is Unique: ” If you are grateful, He is pleased with you…” (Quran 39:7)
- Allah is a Friend: “… and be grateful to All? h, if it is Him you worship.” (Quran 2:172)
- Allah is the Maintainer of life: “And indeed, it is We who give life and cause death, and We are the Inheritor.” (Quran 15:23)
- Allah is the Impartial Judge: “Allah – there is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best names.” (Quran 20:8)
The Creator alone knows best what is beneficial for His creation and what is not. The divine laws command and prohibit various acts and substances to protect the human spirit, the human body and human society from harm. In order for human beings to fulfil their potential by living righteous lives, they need to worship God through obedience to His commandments.
God didn’t create anything without purpose everything is created due to some reason and has some purpose in life. We as Muslims have a clear perception in our mind that the creation o this world and humankind is to praise and worship our Creator. Islam addresses the reason for what and why of human existence. The point of view that Islam gives refers to human existence is 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:
اللَّهُ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ قَرَارًا وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً وَصَوَّرَكُمْ فَأَحْسَنَ صُوَرَكُمْ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ ذَٰلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ
“It is Allah Who has made for you the earth as a resting place, and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape – and made your shapes beautiful -, and has provided for you Sustenance…” (Surah Gafir 40:64)
God has provided every element of His creation, living and inanimate, with guidance. We can thus expect that He would provide us with guidance as well. His revelation instructs humanity what to do, what to avoid, and the reason for it. It informs man what is expected of him, how to accomplish it, and the results of continual positive effort. Through Prophet Muhammad, God revealed to man the ways of worship suitable to his physical and psychological nature and individual talents, and in harmony with his particular role on the earth. These, in combination, are what enable him to fulfil the purpose of his creation. Allah says:
فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
“When you have made the decision, then rely upon Allah. Verily, Allah loves those who trust Him.” (Surah Al Imran 3:159)
God is the Originator and Creator of everything and to Whom everything returns. Allah has guided people to the purpose of life which is worshipping Him and seeking His pleasure. The Holy Quran in this regard is one of the best ways of knowing the ways in which a person can fulfil this purpose of pleasing Almighty Allah and giving meaning to his or her life. The main reason for our creation is worship. We should fulfil this purpose of our life by following Allah’s commands given in Quran. May Allah help us in all difficult situations and give us the strength to overcome them. Ameen.