The Meaning Of Life, Through An Islamic Lens

Disclaimer: I am not a scholar and I still have lots of learning to do myself, what is written below is what I have currently learned throughout my life being muslim, and although I was given the blessing to be born into a muslim family, I still have a long way to go to find the truth about islam that is not mixed in with culture and familial traditions. I want to make clear this writing piece is a simply baseline of Islam and I suggest checking out, Jannah Institute by Dr. Haifaa Younis, or Yaqeen Institute by Dr. Omar Suleiman. Other Scholars that you may want to visit are Mufti Menk (Ismail ibn Musa Menk), Bilal Assad and Belal Assaad.

What is the meaning of life? A question we all have pondered upon. What is our purpose? Are we born onto this earth, simply just to die?

The meaning of life is different for each individual, generally rooting off their culture, religion and familial traditions. But how do we know which one is the truth? The one that will guide us onto the right path, in this life and the next. For some fulfilling purpose may be having a successful career, for others it may simply be to get an education. Nonetheless as humans we all have goals we feel the need to accomplish in order to feel a sense of fulfillment.

The real question is, what happens when you have accomplished that goal? Whats next? The longing for purpose that you centred a single or multiple goals on did not bring you fulfillment, why is that?

As muslims we believe our purpose on earth (Dunya in Arabic) is to live for the one who created us. Allah (God). Now what does this mean? To live for the one who created us? In the Quran, Islam's holy scripture not only do we scanned words on the pages, we feel a connection that roots deep into our hearts. This life constantly challenges us, brings us hardships, brings us sorrows while others may be receiving the luxuries of life, money, fame, success. But we have to think about the deeper question, where does it all go? Who will it benefit when I am gone? And who really felt real fulfillment?

A saying amongst many muslim scholars "The people of Jahannam (hell) will be known to all but Allah, and the people of Jannah (Heaven) will not be known to many, but will be known by Allah."

The muslim belief of life is quite simply when understood. We believe in one God Allah, and the last messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Our core values stem off of the 5 pillars of islam that differs Muslims, from Non-Muslims (Kaffirs).

Pillar 1: Shahada (declaration of faith)
Pillar 2: Salah (prayer)
Pillar 3: Zakat (charity)
Pillar 4: Sawm (fasting)
Pillar 5: Hajj (pilgrimage)

Breaking these 5 components down we see they are quite simply.

Shahada or declaration of faith means saying the words "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God" or in Arabic "Lā ʾIlāha ʾIllā Allah, Muḥammadun Rasūl Allah". These words are not just words, but a commitment of how one decides they want to live their life. When saying these words think of it as a rebirth. Not physically, but spiritually. A rebirth in understanding what it means to believe in God, and what it means to live a life of faith, understanding and forgiveness. As muslims we are taught to be forgiving and merciful upon others because no one is absolutely perfect but Allah. We are taught this as a means to bring peace not only into our own lives but onto others who have expressed sorrow and regret from their past mistakes. This teaching is something all muslims must have, but it is something that can be a struggle for many, myself included. When we feel such great hurt and are caused pain that feels like a stabbing it can be hard to forgive. We see around the world the struggles muslims have, the oppression, genocide, islamophobia and so on. A recent example is the genocide of the Palestinian people, many or most among them are muslims. Myself as a muslim it amazes me how they have such strong faith to carry body parts of their loved ones while still forgiving and praising God. A sight that will forever send goosebumps down my spine.

Salah or Prayer is the main aspect after the Shahada that makes us Muslims. Without prayer, we are no different than those of the non-believers. Our prayers are daily, consisting of five obligatory ones throughout the day. The first prayer is known as Fajr, the prayer before the sun rises, before anyone else is awake. This prayer is described as one of the most important but also one of the hardest to pray on time. It requires discipline and sincere devotion, waking up before the world stirs to stand before Allah in worship. Dhuhr, the second prayer, is observed at midday when the sun is at its highest. It serves as a reminder to pause from worldly affairs and reconnect with our Creator. Asr, the third prayer, is performed in the afternoon, reinforcing our commitment to faith amidst the busyness of life. Maghrib follows at sunset, marking the transition from day to night with gratitude. Finally, Isha, the last prayer, is offered at night, a time to seek forgiveness and reflect on our deeds before resting. Prayer is not just a ritual but a means of spiritual nourishment. It brings peace to the heart and aligns us with our purpose. It reminds us that no matter how much we strive in this world, our ultimate success lies in our connection with Allah.

Zakat, or charity, is the third pillar of Islam. It is a means of purifying one's wealth by giving a portion of it to those in need. Islam teaches us that wealth is a blessing from Allah, and it should be shared to help the less fortunate. Zakat is not merely an act of generosity but an obligation upon every financially capable Muslim. It fosters a sense of community, ensuring that no one is left behind. But Zakat does not have to be just money, it could be a simply smile to a fellow brother or sister, giving your time to those in need, or even sharing one's knowledge.

Sawm, or fasting during the month of Ramadan, is the fourth pillar. From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. But fasting is not just about refraining from eating; it is about self-discipline, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. It is a time to purify the soul, increase gratitude, and strengthen our faith. Ramadan teaches us patience and humility, reminding us of those who go without food daily. Not only this it shows us that if we are capable to refraining from things that are Halal then we have the strength to refrain from things that are haram.

Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. It is an obligation for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is a journey of faith, unity, and submission to Allah. Millions of Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca, regardless of race, status, or nationality, dressed in simple white garments, standing before Allah as equals. It is a reminder that in the eyes of God, we are all the same, and our deeds alone determine our worth.

Islam is a way of life, not just a religion. It teaches us to be kind, just, and humble. It teaches us to seek knowledge, to care for our neighbors, to be grateful for our blessings, and to remain steadfast in our faith, no matter the trials we face.

Life is temporary, but what we do in this world determines our eternity. We will all return to Allah one day, and the real question is: What have we prepared for that moment? Have we lived our lives chasing worldly desires, or have we lived for the One who created us?

The beauty of Islam is that it is not a religion of despair; it is a religion of hope. No matter how far one may feel from Allah, the door of repentance is always open. His mercy is vast, and His love for His creation is infinite. As Muslims, our goal is to strive for righteousness, to seek knowledge, and to walk the path that leads to Jannah, the eternal paradise.

May Allah guide us all to the truth, grant us steadfastness in our faith, and reunite us with our loved ones in Jannah. Ameen.

I hope inshallah everyone who read this found it helpful in understanding this beautiful religion and I pray that Allah guides all our hearts onto the right path.

w.a