What is the Purpose of Life?

Every single thing existing in this world has some purpose; nothing is without a purpose because an action without a purpose is called a futile act (Fe'l-e-Abas). If we determine a destination, we also determine the purpose: Where are we going? Why are we going? If we do not do this, people will call us foolish. Similarly, Allah, the Lord of Honor, has created us for His worship and has given commandments so that we may act according to them to please Allah—Who is the Creator of the universe—and save ourselves from the affliction of the Hereafter.

To be created solely for worship (in isolation) is monasticism (Rahbaniyat), which does not exist in the Ummah of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Thus, the meaning of worship (Ibadat) is that every path with which Allah and His Messenger are pleased will be called worship. This means that any worldly action, such as marriage, if it is according to the Sunnah and the will of Allah, then that action becomes an act of worship. The second meaning is that the purpose of Allah's creation is for His servants to attain His gnosis (Ma'rifat). How? Through contemplation and reflection upon the divine creations. When we attain the gnosis of our Creator, then worship will become our primary purpose, and we will achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah grant us all the ability to spend our lives according to His will. Ameen.

Written by: Maulana Nadeem Qasmi