The Purpose of Human Life in the Light of the Quran and Hadith

 The Purpose of Human Life in the Light of the Quran and Hadith

Introduction**  

The purpose of human life has been a fundamental question throughout history. Philosophers, religions, and ideologies have attempted to answer it, but Islam provides a clear and comprehensive guidance through the Quran and Hadith. According to Islam, the primary purpose of human creation is to worship Allah, seek His pleasure, and prepare for the Hereafter.  

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## **The Purpose of Human Life in the Quran**  

Allah (SWT) states in the Quran:  

> **وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ**  

> **"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."** (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)  

This verse clearly indicates that the ultimate purpose of human existence is to worship and obey Allah. Worship is not limited to prayers, fasting, charity, and Hajj—it encompasses every action performed in accordance with Allah’s commands.  

### **1. Recognizing Allah (Ma’rifah)**  

The first purpose of human life is to know Allah and believe in Him. The Quran says:  

> **فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ**  

> **"So know that there is no deity except Allah."** (Surah Muhammad 47:19)  

### **2. Performing Good Deeds**  

Faith alone is not enough; righteous actions are essential. Allah says:  

> **وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ**  

> **"And cooperate in righteousness and piety."** (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:2)  

### **3. Facing Trials with Patience**  

Human life is full of tests. Allah says:  

> **وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ**  

> **"And We will surely test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and fruits. But give good news to the patient."** (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155)  

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## **The Purpose of Life in the Hadith**  

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) further clarify the purpose of life.  

### **1. Sincerity in Actions**  

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:  

> **"Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will be rewarded according to what they intended."** (Bukhari & Muslim)  

This Hadith emphasizes that every action should be solely for Allah’s pleasure.  

### **2. Serving Others**  

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:  

> **"The best people are those who bring the most benefit to others."** (Sahih al-Jami’)  

This shows that serving humanity is a key purpose of life.  

### **3. Preparing for the Hereafter**  

Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:  

> **"Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler."** (Bukhari)  

This Hadith reminds us that our real destination is the Hereafter, and we must prepare for it.  

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## **Other Key Purposes of Human Life**  

In light of the Quran and Hadith, other important purposes include:  

### **1. Adopting High Moral Standards**  

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:  

> **"The most perfect believer in faith is the one with the best character."** (Tirmidhi)  

### **2. Seeking Knowledge**  

Islam encourages seeking knowledge. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:  

> **"Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male and female)."** (Ibn Majah)  

### **3. Establishing Justice**  

Allah says in the Quran:  

> **إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ**  

> **"Indeed, Allah commands justice and excellence."** (Surah An-Nahl 16:90)  

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## **Conclusion**  

The Quran and Hadith define the purpose of human life as worshipping Allah, seeking His pleasure, performing good deeds, serving humanity, and preparing for the Hereafter. We must align our lives with these principles to attain success in this world and the next. May Allah (SWT) grant us the understanding and ability to fulfill our true purpose. Ameen!  

  

**✍️ Written by: Islamic Scholar**