Have you ever asked yourself the questions: “What is the purpose of L I F E?” “My life?” “Your Life?”
Many thinking people frequently ponder these questions. But each person may try to answer these questions in diverse ways.
Worshipping Allah, the One True Almighty God of the Universe, as a primary goal or aim in life provides a believer with everything, he needs to succeed both in this life and the Hereafter.
The word for total surrender, submission, obedience, purity of heart and peace in the Arabic language is Islam. Those who try to perform these actions are called Muslims.
To a Muslim the whole purpose of life is to worship Allah, the One True Almighty God on His Terms and under His Conditions.
The term “worship” to a Muslim includes any and all acts of obedience to Almighty Allah. So his purpose of life is a standing purpose; worshipping Allah by accepting Allah’s Will over his own.
This act of `ibadah (worshipping, thanking and extolling the Greatness of Almighty Allah on His Terms and Conditions) is for the Muslim, something throughout his whole life regardless of the stage. Whether he is a child, adolescent, adult or aged person, he is seeking after the Will of the Almighty in all these stages.
His life here on earth although short, is full of purpose and is totally meaningful within the complete framework of total submission (Islam).
Similarly, in the Next Life, his faith, intentions, attitudes and good deeds will all be weighed into his account as favourable putting him in high esteem with his Creator and Sustainer.
Because Islam teaches that this life is only a test for the individual to show him his true nature, it is only natural that he will accept death as a beginning of the final and lasting life in the Hereafter rather than just an end.
Before entering into either of the final lodging places i.e.; Heaven or Hell, there must be a Day of Judgment or showing of one’s true self to and thereby understand the implications of one’s life on the earth.
Every person will be rewarded (or punished) according to their attitude, appreciation and efforts during this stay on earth. No one will be asked about the actions and beliefs of others, nor will anyone be asked about what he was unaware of or incapable of doing.
As the life here is considered as an examination or test for the individual, the death stage is considered as a resting period after the test. It could be easy for those who were faithful and dedicated or it could be gruelling and horrible for the wicked.
Reward and punishment will be in direct proportion to each person, and it is only Allah alone who will be the Final Judge over us all.
The line of life and its purpose is logical, clear and simple:
1- The first life is a test.
2- The life in the grave is a resting or waiting place before the Day of Judgment.
3- The Day of Judgment brings about the clear understanding of what will happen to the individual based on his own desires and actions.
4- The Permanent or Afterlife will either be spent in luxurious splendor or miserable punishment.
Following this clear understanding of life, the Muslim’s purpose is clear.
First of all, he has no doubt in his mind that:
– He is only created by Allah.
– He is going to spend a period of time in this material world.
– He knows he will die.
– He knows he will spend time in the grave, either pleasant or difficult, depending on his own choice of attitude and actions.
– He knows he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment.
– He knows he will be judged according to the most fair of standards by Allah the Almighty.
– He knows his attitudes and actions are going to come under very close scrutiny.
– He knows that this short life compared to the Eternal Life in fact, only for a test.
This life is very meaningful and purposeful to the Muslim, as he realizes that it will determine his outcome and permanent position in the Next Life.
The purpose of life, as understood by the Muslim, can be simply stated in only two words:
Obey God.
Our only purpose and salvation lie in these two words.
We must come to know our Creator, Sustainer and Ultimate Judge. We must learn to believe in Him, thank Him, praise Him, honor Him and worship Him, alone without any partners from His Creation. We must learn about His Messengers and Prophets (peace be upon them) and the message with which they were all sent. We must learn the Word of God as it was directly revealed, preserved and memorized and passed down by memory throughout all the generations of Muslims to the present day.
Those who are in search of truth, having open minds and hearts will recognize this as a message in truth and sincerity.
Open your heart and your mind now and pray to the Almighty God of the Universe to guide you now to His True Way. And then be ready to accept your true purpose in life.”