At some point in life, we all ask ourselves the big questions:

  • Why am I here?
  • Where am I going?
  • Our Purpose in Life

What is my purpose?

Islam provides clear and concise answers to these fundamental questions. Allah asks in the Quran:

“Did you then think that We had created you without purpose?” (Quran 23:115)

Allah tells us why we were created in a simple yet profound verse

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

When we think of worship. Furthermore, we often picture acts of prayer, fasting, and charity. But in Islam, devotion is much deeper than that. It is not just ritual acts; it is about what we love, rely upon, and obey the most.
Love, reliance, and obedience—these three things define what we truly worship.

For example:
Some people love money so much that their entire purpose in life is to accumulate wealth. This, in a way, is an act of worship.

Others rely on social approval to the point that the number of likes they receive on social media affects their mood and behavior. This dependence is also a form of worship.
Allah warns us about this when He says:

“Have you seen the one who takes his own desires as his god?” (Quran 45:23)

Today, many people believe life is about doing whatever makes them happy. But if this were the true purpose of life, why are so many people, including celebrities who seemingly have everything, still unhappy?

The answer lies in the Quran:

The enjoyment of this life is the enjoyment of deception.” (Quran 57:20)

Chasing desires and material gains without direction leads to an unfulfilled life. True fulfillment comes from directing all acts of worship toward the Creator, not creation.

The Ultimate Test of Life

Just as every invention has a purpose determined by its creator, our purpose has been set by Allah. He tells us:

He created life and death to test which of you is best in deeds.” (Quran 67:2)

Hence, Life is a test—during both ease and hardship. Will we turn to good, or will we resort to evil?

Good: Patience, kindness, forgiveness

Bad: Anger, laziness, violence

It is challenging to determine what is right without a universal standard for good and bad. Islam provides that standard through divine guidance.

Where Are We Going?

Fulfilling our purpose is not just about peace in this life; it’s also about preparing for what comes after—the Day of Judgment.

Without judgment, where is the justice in this world? How can the powerful and corrupt be equal to the oppressed and righteous? Allah asks:

“Do those who commit evil think that We will make them equal to those who believe and do good?” (Quran 45:21)

Ultimate justice will only be served in the afterlife, where every action—good or bad—will be accounted for:

“God causes you to live, then causes you to die; then We will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection.” (Quran 2:281)

On that day, every soul will receive its due. No injustice will be done, and the final destinations—Paradise or Hell—will be determined by our deeds.

The Path to True Fulfillment in Life

Simply believing in the afterlife gives our lives ultimate meaning. It pushes us to strive for good, to be just, and to live with purpose. But beyond belief, we must also act in accordance with that purpose.

We will be rewarded if we take care of ourselves. We must fulfill our obligations. Making the world a better place for others is essential. No injustice will be done to anyone, as Allah reassures us:

“Every atom’s weight of good and every atom’s weight of bad will be brought to account.” (Quran 99:7-8)

On the Day of Judgment, Allah will decide our final destination—either eternal bliss in Paradise or eternal punishment in Hell.

But this is not just about fear; it is about perspective. This belief puts ultimate meaning into our lives. It offers us a clear reason to strive for good. We are encouraged to live with integrity and to stay on the right path.

If we were to live without accountability, what would drive us to be good beyond personal gain? Islam provides the best reason to do good—not just for worldly benefit, but for eternal success.

What better motivation is there than knowing that true fulfillment lies not just in this life, but in the everlasting joy of the next?

A Final Reflection: Striving for Jannah

Every action, every word, and every moment in this life is a step toward our ultimate destination. The choices we make—what we love, what we rely on, and what we obey—determine who or what we truly worship.

This world is temporary, filled with distractions that often pull us away from our purpose. But Islam provides clarity: we were created to worship Allah, to live righteously, and to seek eternal success.

When we distance ourselves from harmful influences and stay firm on the path of deen, we are preparing for a life where there is no pain, no sorrow—only peace. A life in Jannah.

May Allah keep us steadfast, protect our hearts from falsehood, and guide us to the purest of destinations.
Ameen.