The Purpose of Life in Islam

As Muslims we believe in the one and only Creator Allah. He is the only One worthy of worship and has indeed created us for a purpose. He has sent many Messengers and Prophets to guide humanity to the straight path, with Muhammad (pbuh) being the Final Messenger and the Quran being the Final Revelation.

Allah says in the Quran that we were indeed created for a purpose beyond that of mere play and enjoyment.

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (Quran 23:115)

Allah states that the reality of this life is one of deception and we should not fall for its temporary enjoyments.

“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 57:20)

Allah assures us that the reality of this life is that each and everyone of us is being tested, and we will be brought back to our Lord in account for every deed we have performed, both the good and the bad.

“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” (Quran 67:2)

Allah also teaches us that the purpose of life is to also worship Him alone without associating partners with Him. This does not necessarily mean praying 24 hours a day with our face planted on the ground, but rather live our lives in obedience to God in accordance with the moral code outlined in the Quran. This includes being kind to your parents, relatives, neighbours, the poor and the needy. It also means fuliflling the commands of God whether it is to perform the 5 daily prayers, pay the Zakat (Charity), fast the month of Ramadan and perform the Hajj (Pilgrimage).

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Quran 51:56)