Live Islam
The Purpose of Life in Islam
In Islam, the purpose of life is a profound and all-encompassing concept that touches every aspect of a believer’s existence. It goes beyond mere rituals and enters the realm of conscious submission, moral integrity, and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.
Central to this purpose is the recognition and worship of Allah (God Almighty), leading to a life aligned with divine guidance. This alignment brings inner peace, societal harmony, and success in the hereafter. This section delves deep into Islamic perspectives on life’s purpose and the significance of submitting to Allah.
In this section, we briefly address the following disciplines and provide resources for further reading and exploration:
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- Creation and Purpose
- Submission to Allah
- Life as a Test
- Preparation for the Hereafter
- Developing a Relationship with Allah
- Moral and Ethical Living
- Balance in Life
- Freedom and Liberation
- Universal Brotherhood and Equality
Creation and Purpose
Worship as the Core Purpose
- Divine Declaration
And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.
— Quran 51:56
This pivotal verse succinctly states that the primary purpose of human creation is to worship Allah. Worship in Islam is not confined to ritualistic acts but encompasses every action performed in obedience to Allah’s commands.
- Comprehensive Worship
- Intentionality in Actions
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Actions are judged by intentions, so each man will have what he intended.”
— Sahih Bukhari, Book 1, Hadith 1
This hadith emphasizes that everyday actions, when performed with the sincere intention of pleasing Allah, become acts of worship.
Stewardship of Earth (Khalifah)
- Humanity as Custodians
And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority (khalifah).’
— Quran 2:30
Humans are designated as stewards on Earth, entrusted with the responsibility to cultivate it, maintain justice, and uphold moral order.
- Environmental and Social Responsibility
- This role includes caring for the environment, promoting social justice, and contributing positively to society.
Submission to Allah
Meaning of Islam and Muslim
- Islam: Derived from the root word “s-l-m,” meaning peace and submission.
- Muslim: One who submits to the will of Allah.
Total Submission
- Holistic Approach
Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.
— Quran 6:162
This verse reflects the comprehensive nature of submission in Islam, where every aspect of a believer’s life is dedicated to Allah.
Attaining Peace through Submission
- Inner Harmony
Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.
— Quran 13:28
Family Life
Purpose of Trials
- Assessment of Faith and Deeds
Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried?
— Quran 29:2
Life’s challenges are a means to test sincerity, patience, and steadfastness in faith.
Elevation through Trials
- Spiritual Growth
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When Allah loves a servant, He tests him.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2396
Preparation for the Hereafter
Temporal Nature of Worldly Life
- Eternal Perspective.
And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah.
— Quran 6:32
- Day of Judgment
So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.
— Quran 99:7-8
Every action has consequences, and individuals are accountable for their deeds.
Striving for Paradise
- Ultimate Success
And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful.
— Quran 3:185
Developing a Relationship with Allah
Knowing Allah through His Names and Attributes
- Deepening Faith
And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them.
— Quran 7:180
Love, Hope, and Fear
- Balanced Worship
- Love: Motivates sincere devotion.
- Hope: Encourages striving for His mercy.
- Fear: Instills caution against disobedience.
Call upon Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.
— Quran 7:56
Constant Remembrance (Dhikr)
- Spiritual Connectivity
O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance and exalt Him morning and afternoon.
— Quran 33:41-42
Moral and Ethical Living
Interfaith Relations
- Following the Quran and Sunnah
And this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way.
— Quran 6:153
Emulating the Prophet Muhammad
- Role Model
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day.
— Quran 33:21
His life exemplifies how to live in accordance with divine guidance.
Promotion of Good and Prevention of Evil
- Community Responsibility
And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.
—Quran 5:8
Balance in Life
- Moderation
But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.
— Quran 28:77
Avoidance of Materialism
- Focus on Eternal Values
Rivalry in worldly increase diverts you until you visit the graves.
— Quran 102:1-2
Freedom and Liberation
Liberation from Servitude to Creation
- True Freedom
Submission to Allah frees individuals from subservience to societal expectations, desires, and false deities.
• Say, ‘Is it other than Allah I should desire as a lord while He is the Lord of all things?’
— Quran 6:164
Overcoming Desires
- Self-Mastery
But as for he who feared the standing before his Lord and restrained the soul from [unlawful] inclination, then indeed, Paradise will be his refuge.
— Quran 79:40-41
Universal Brotherhood and Equality
- Single Origin
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.
— Quran 49:13
Criterion of Superiority
- Piety and Righteousness
Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.
— Quran 49:13
Conclusion
The purpose of life in Islam is a harmonious blend of worship, ethical living, personal growth, and societal contribution, all rooted in conscious submission to Allah. By recognizing and fulfilling this purpose, individuals find meaning, contentment, and eternal success. Islam offers a clear roadmap guiding believers toward a fulfilling life that benefits themselves and others, ultimately leading to the pleasure of Allah and a place in Paradise.
Reflection and Call to Action
- Self-Reflection
- Assess your life in light of these principles. Are your actions aligning with the purpose outlined in Islam?
- Engagement
- Learn: Continue seeking knowledge about Islam.
- Implement: Put into practice what you learn.
- Share: Encourage others by sharing the wisdom and beauty of Islam.
Resources for Further Exploration
- “The Purpose of Creation” by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
- A detailed exploration of humanity’s purpose from an Islamic perspective.
- Read Online
- “In the Early Hours: Reflections on Spiritual and Self-Development” by Khurram Murad
- Offers practical advice on nurturing faith and fulfilling life’s purpose.
- Read Online
- Lectures and Talks
- “Purpose of Life” by Sheikh Khalid Yasin
- A compelling lecture addressing fundamental questions about existence.
- Watch on YouTube
- “Why Were We Created?” by Dr. Yasir Qadhi
- Explores the reasons behind human creation from an Islamic viewpoint.
- Watch on YouTube