The most insolent aspect of our ‘existence’ lies in the fact that our lives are dominated by tendencies that are materialistic, improbable and superiority-centric. The human being is captioned to be power-hungry, selfish and illusionistic. We are driven by goals that have no sensibilities, overpowered by inane desires and attracted to what is terrible and doomed. Time and again, human beings have proven that their understanding of life is based on false pretences and unreasonable assumptions of happiness. Allah says:
وَاللَّهُ أَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ
“And Allah sends down from the sky water, then gives life by it (to) the earth after its death. Indeed, in that (is) surely a Sign for a people who listen.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:65)
In Islam, everything revolves around the axis of God, including the goal in the mission of prophets and individuals’ goals of life. A person might appreciate a meal a day while someone else might still complain of not having enough dishes on the table. Muslims believe that Almighty Allah is the only creator of this world and all other things which are present in this world. Allah says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ
“O you who have faith, stand firm for Allah as witnesses in equity (list), and let not the hatred of people cause you to not be just. Be just (‘idle), for that is nearer to righteousness.” (Surah al-Ma’idah 5:8)
Muslims look back to the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad as the primary sources for everything authentically their own. The human being is captioned to be power-hungry, selfish and illusionistic. We are driven by goals that have no sensibilities, overpowered by inane desires and attracted to what is terrible and doomed. Time and again, human beings have proven that their understanding of life is based on false pretences and unreasonable assumptions of happiness.
Some reasons are briefly mentioned below about life in Islam:
- The purpose of life is to have a variety of experiences
- The purpose of our life is the worship of our Creator
- Life seems to be a healing agent to human suffering
- The purpose of life means to know where you stand
- The purpose of life is to make a positive difference
- Life focuses on what is in your control & try best
- Life living mean with love, grace, and gratitude
- Life here is considered as an examination
- The purpose of life is to create meaning
- Life is to believe everything is from God
- The purpose of life is to leave a legacy
- Life is to think you will be accountable
- Life is to think you will return to God
- Life all human beings have One God
- The purpose of life is to love others
- The purpose of life is to be happy
- Life is having patience & humility
- Life is providing for one’s family
- Life is to put your trust in God
- Life is taking care of orphans
- Life is respecting parents
- Life is speaking the truth
- Life is opposing oppression
- Life is standing up for justice
- Life be conscious of your God
- Life is a test given in this world
- Life is earning an honest living
- Life is a kindness to neighbours
- Life is having mindfulness of God
- Islam brings trust in Almighty Allah
- Islam holds a woman in high esteem
- Islam leads to a balanced way of living
- Islam brings civilization and happiness
- Islam considers all life forms as sacred
- Islam teaches us to practice in our daily life
- Islam establish peace and justice in society
- Islam has no schisms between human beings
- Islam is misunderstood including some Muslims
- Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life
- Islam however, revealed as a balanced way of living
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:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“Indeed, those who like that (should) spread the immorality among those who believe, for them (is) a punishment painful in the world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows, while you (do) not know.” (Surah An-Nur 24:19)
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. So, Muslims are required to observe righteousness in their daily life, based on Quranic teachings, like eating halal food, wearing modest clothing, performing prayers, giving alms, etc, because they live for Allah alone. And to those who aim to attain nearness to Him.
Allah Almighty says in The Holy Quran:
- “And the Hereafter is better for you than the first life.” (Ad-Duhaa (93:4)
- you have that day, nor for you will there be any denial.” (Ash-Shura42:47)
- “I have not created men except that they should serve Me.” (Quran, 51:56).
- “Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for rewards and better for [one’s] hope.” (Al-Kahf 18:46)
- “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.” (Surat al-Jathiyah 45:18)
- “O, people! Fear from the consequences of the disobedience of your Creator and Nurturer Who created you from a single soul.” (Quran 7:1)
- “And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ.” (Surat Hūd – 118,119)
- “Wherever you people may be, death will overtake you, even if you are in the well-built fortresses.” (Quran 4:78)
- “I have devoted my worship to Him who has created heaven and earth, and I am not a pagan.” (The Quran, 6:79)
- “My prayer, worship, life, and death are for God, who is the Lord of the Universe.” (Quran, 6:162)
Muslims believe that Almighty Allah is the only creator of this world and all other things which are present in this world. Acknowledging the existence of a creator is the first step in understanding our true purpose in life. There are many logical and rational reasons for believing in a creator. Therefore, to fulfil the purpose of knowing the Lord, a Muslim needs to refrain from evil to the same extent to which he or she is inclined towards doing well. 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)
Thus the goal and ideal that Islam offers are God, and everything else is preparatory to it, and not of independent and fundamental importance. In the verses where the Quran mentions perfect human beings or speaks on their behalf, it says they have truly understood the goal of life and endeavoured to attain it. Allah says:
وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا
“We have certainly dignified the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created with definite preference.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:70)
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. They are Muslims’ way of showing gratitude to Allah for creating them. 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.
