Breaking Free from the Shackles of Habit: Uncovering the Truth of Your Purpose in Life
As we go about our daily routines, it’s easy to get caught up in the monotony of life, like a ship sailing through treacherous waters, unaware of the depths that lie beneath the surface. We often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of habits, conditioned by our surroundings and influenced by the whims of society, without ever stopping to question the meaning behind it all.
In Islam, this phenomenon is likened to the concept of “fitrah” — our innate nature, which is endowed with a thirst for knowledge and a yearning for spiritual growth. However, as we navigate through life, we can easily lose sight of this natural inclination, allowing external influences to shape our thoughts and actions.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cautioned us against falling prey to the comfort zone, warning that “When you see a people indulging in something, fear for them.” (Tirmidhi). He also reminded us that “Whoever loses his purpose in life has lost everything.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Imam al-Ghazali, a renowned Islamic scholar, echoed this sentiment when he said, “The soul is like an arrow shot from a bow; it must be guided to its target.” If we fail to guide our soul towards its true purpose, we risk losing our way and becoming lost in the wilderness of existence.
So, what is your purpose in life? What drives you? What gets you out of bed in the morning? Is it merely to fulfill your duties and obligations, or is it something more profound?
As we strive to break free from the shackles of habit and convention, we must confront the big questions: What is the meaning of life? What is my role in this grand tapestry we call existence? What is the nature of reality?
In Islam, these questions are not merely intellectual exercises; they are essential components of our spiritual journey. The Quran reminds us “And indeed We will test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good news to As-Sabirin.” (2:155)
Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a 14th-century scholar, wrote, “The one who seeks knowledge is rewarded with more knowledge; and the one who seeks wisdom is rewarded with more wisdom.” It is through seeking knowledge and wisdom that we can uncover our true potential and find meaning in our lives.
Embracing uncertainty and ambiguity can be daunting, but it is precisely this openness that allows us to tap into the depths of our being and discover our true purpose. By questioning our assumptions and seeking knowledge, we can cultivate a sense of trust in Allah’s (God) plan and surrender to His wisdom.
As we embark on this journey of self-discovery, we must be willing to challenge our own biases and preconceptions. We must be open to diverse perspectives and experiences that can help us grow and evolve. And we must be patient with ourselves as we navigate the twists and turns of life.
In the end, breaking free from the shackles of habit requires courage, resilience, and faith. It demands that we confront our fears and doubts head-on, embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. As we embark on this journey, may we find solace in the words of Allah’s book; the Quran: “Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can bear.” (Al-Baqarah 2:286)
May we uncover the truth of our purpose in life and find peace in our journey towards spiritual growth and self-discovery.