Discovering the Purpose of Life: The Islamic Perspective

The search for the purpose of life is one of the most fundamental and universal quests that human beings embark upon. The question “What is the purpose of life?” has puzzled thinkers and philosophers for centuries. However, from an Islamic perspective, the answer is straightforward – the purpose of life is to worship Allah (SWT).

The Quran states, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Surah Al-Dhariyat, 51:56). Thus, the purpose of human existence is to serve Allah (SWT) by following His commands and living a righteous life. But what does this mean, and how can one fulfil this purpose in life? In this article, we will explore the purpose of life according to Islamic monotheism and the steps one can take to achieve it.

The Purpose of Life

Step 1: Understanding the Concept of Monotheism

The first step towards discovering the purpose of life in Islam is to understand the concept of monotheism. Monotheism, or tawheed in Arabic, refers to the belief in the oneness of Allah (SWT). It is the cornerstone of Islam and is emphasized throughout the Quran.

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In Surah Al-Ikhlas, Allah (SWT) says, “Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent” (Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4). This surah highlights the concept of tawheed and emphasizes the oneness of Allah (SWT). Understanding this concept is crucial in realizing the purpose of life, as it lays the foundation for all other Islamic beliefs and practices.

Step 2: Goals in Life

Once we have understood the concept of monotheism, the next step is to identify our goals in life. As mentioned earlier, the purpose of life in Islam is to worship Allah (SWT). However, this does not mean we spend all our time praying and seclusion.

In fact, Islam encourages us to lead a balanced life that encompasses all aspects of human existence. This means that we should strive to excel in our careers, maintain strong relationships with family and friends, and contribute meaningfully to our communities.

All of these activities should be done with the intention of pleasing Allah (SWT) and seeking His reward. The Quran states, “And they give food despite the love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude'” (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8-9). This verse highlights the importance of doing good deeds to please Allah (SWT) alone.

Step 3: Fulfilling the Purpose of Life

The final step in discovering the purpose of life in Islam is to fulfill it by engaging in activities that are pleasing to Allah (SWT). This can be done through acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as by striving to live a righteous life.

The Quran states, “Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded” (Surah Al-Nahl, 16:90). This verse emphasizes the importance of leading a just and upright life and avoiding immoral and oppressive behavior.

Furthermore, Islam encourages us to seek knowledge and strive for personal development. The Quran states, “Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding” (Surah Al-Zumar, 39:9). This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding to fulfil our purpose in life.

the purpose of life in Islam is to worship Allah (SWT) and fulfil His commands by leading a righteous life. This can be achieved through a balanced approach encompassing all aspects of human existence, including personal development, career success, and community service. By living a pleasing life to Allah (SWT), we can achieve true fulfilment and success in this world and the Hereafter.

As the Quran states, “But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters” (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:77).

As Muslims, we should strive to maintain a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual obligations. Our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in all aspects of our lives, whether it be in our relationships or our careers.

Additionally, Islam teaches us to be kind and compassionate towards others, regardless of their religion, race, or social status. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (Sahih Al-Bukhari). This Hadith emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and empathy.

In conclusion

Discovering the purpose of life in Islam requires a deep understanding of the concept of monotheism, identifying our goals in life, and fulfilling the purpose of life by engaging in activities that are pleasing to Allah (SWT). By leading a balanced and righteous life, seeking knowledge, and being kind and compassionate towards others, we can fulfill our purpose in life and achieve true success in this world and the Hereafter.