The purpose of life is to worship and obey Allah, the one and only God. Muslims believe that Allah created humans and placed them on earth to fulfill a specific purpose, which is to live a righteous life and to work towards earning Allah’s favor and ultimately, paradise in the afterlife.
In the Quran Point of View
The Islamic perspective on the purpose of life can be summarized by the following Quranic verse:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Quran 51:56)
Muslims believe that fulfilling the purpose of life involves following the guidance provided by Allah through the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This includes performing the five daily prayers, giving charity, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and making the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) if possible.
From Hadith Point of View
Additionally, Muslims believe that it is important to live a moral and ethical life, treating others with kindness and compassion and avoiding actions that are harmful or unjust. By fulfilling the purpose of life according to Islamic teachings, Muslims believe that they can attain a sense of peace and fulfillment in this life and the ultimate reward of paradise in the afterlife.
The Islamic perspective on the purpose of life is based on both the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). Here is a reference to a Hadith that highlights the importance of worshiping Allah:
Narrated Uthman ibn Affan: I heard Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) saying: “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and then teaches it to others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027)
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of learning and teaching the Quran, which is a central component of worship in Islam. It also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and spreading it to others, which is considered a noble and virtuous act in Islam.
Islamic Scholars’ Point of View
Imam Al-Ghazali, a prominent Islamic scholar, and philosopher said: “The purpose of life is knowledge of Allah and His worship. This knowledge of Allah is acquired through learning and the worship of Allah is attained through deeds.”
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a famous Islamic scholar, said: “The purpose of life is to know Allah and to draw closer to Him through acts of worship, obedience, and good deeds.”
Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, an influential Islamic theologian, and jurist said: “The purpose of life is to worship Allah alone and to obey His commands. This worship should be sincere, and should include acts of the heart, such as love, fear, and hope.”
These quotes illustrate the Islamic belief that the purpose of life is centered on worshiping and obeying Allah, and that this is achieved through knowledge, good deeds, and sincere worship.