Responses would not differ with people living on the other side of the world regarding the purpose behind eating, or for medicine, or why we work; however, when the purpose of life is questioned we get differing answers that usually are a recanting of religious leaders, parents, friends, or teachers.

It comes as no surprise that we wonder about our purpose. When we observe anything in our world we instinctively know it has a purpose, a reason for existence, likewise we create things like paper, cars, rockets, also with a motivation. We don’t create objects for no reason especially complicated and expensive machinery, and when we consider that man is one of the most intricate beings alive with an ability to decipher communication, ponder and reflect, make choices, exhibit empathy, and create other purposeful things, we must also have a purpose...

We primarily have not taken the time or are scared to think and reflect on what the purpose of life is. Perhaps we inherently realize the answer has the power to change our life. Life limited to eating, breathing, sleeping, and entertaining ourselves is a shallow existence missing the internal peace and happiness that the next entertainment fix cannot provide.

Many scholars of Islam have said, “If the kings knew the happiness and pleasure that we feel in our hearts, they would come and try to take it away from us with the tips of their swords."

Find your own answer

As humans we are innately afraid of change, and therefore find it much easier to maintain the status quo. Reflection and study are essential to understanding our purpose, and the purpose of this discussion is simply a means to urge every one of us to do just that.

And what better place to start than where the life we know began. Let's briefly ponder on… the Universe.

Where did it all come from?

The universe did not come out of nothing. Someone had put all the ingredients in place and then set about the process of making the world, its inhabitants, and us, all in a grand orchestration of ordered events set about in a very structured manner.

So who put all of this together… someone who has to be extremely powerful, knowledgeable, and in control – creating the universe is no easy feat. Upon reflection we can also conclude it is someone who existed before it all began, will exist after it all ends, and who does not need anything from the universe or what it contains, but continues to provide for it and maintain it. In other words someone who has the attributes of God, namely Allah.

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], "Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire. [Quran 3:190-191]

Anything we examine be it the large expanding universe [Quran 51:47], the coordination of sun and moon [Quran 21:33], tiny honeybees [Quran 16:68-69], or the water cycle [Quran 15:22], are intricate systems made by God. The same God who also made us and the numerous gifts we have. For example any person deprived of eyesight would be willing to give the world away to see, a couple who cannot bear children will with no hesitation do the same. And amongst them the artful, imaginative, creative, intellectual, pondering, and ingenious brain is one of the greatness blessing... a tool to help us think about our purpose, reflect upon the signs of Allah, and reason that He is our Maker.

Recognize

By recognizing the favors of Allah we will learn to appreciate why we should be grateful. Every breath we take is a gift from Allah, every red blood cell transporting oxygen is a gift from Allah, every heartbeat is a gift from Allah, every muscle we need to move is a gift from Allah, and life itself is a gift from Allah... in every passing second we are showered with numerous blessings from Allah. A question comes to mind: are we likewise grateful to Him or do we take everything for granted? Note we gracefully thank one another for much much less…

Another aspect to keep in mind is the Greatness of Allah: the sheer power of The Creator, He has absolutely no weakness whatsoever, and is fully in control of His creation (i.e. everything, including the universe and what it contains). Everything is in constant need of Him. The trees, animals, earth, and water are constantly glorifying and worshiping Allah in their own special way by submitting to His Will. They have willfully submitted to what Allah has commanded them, submitted to their purpose, e.g. a leaf helps with photosynthesis, sun provides light and warmth, water sustains life... except of course, humans!

The Choice

We have been given the ability to choose whether to submit to Allah or not. Either we choose to be grateful for His favors and glorify Him as He is deserves, thereby finding peace by aligning with our purpose, or we choose to live a life devoid of a connection with our Maker.

Wisdom dictates the engineer who built a machine would be the best person to inquire why he made it, and how it is supposed to operate. Applying the same logic to mankind, who best to describe our purpose than Allah.

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me. Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength. [Quran 51:56-58]

Keep in mind worship is not simply raising our hands and asking for something. One of the mercy from Allah is that He sent us numerous Prophets (pbut) and books all with the message to help people understand their purpose and how best to live it. The message is far deeper and revolves around submitting our will to Allah, be it in beseeching His help, living life in a pure and dignified way, working hard to earn a living, being kind and gentle to one's family, giving charity, and of course in acts of worship being sincerely for the One who is deserving of it.

When we ponder upon the meaning of life, the purpose of life, we invariably conclude there must be more to living than simply going about our daily routines and then mixing with the ground. Life is regarded as something sacred, worth holding on to; it must mean more than worrying only about our selfish selves, and clearly submitting our will to Allah by praising, thanking, and worshiping Him alone is the noblest of pursuits.