🏵️ How Does Islam Perceive Life? Explained

Mohamed, Ph.D
3 min readJun 13, 2024

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In Islam, life is a sacred gift from Allah (God) that is imbued with significance and purpose. Muslims believe that every moment of life is an opportunity to worship Allah and to cultivate a deeper understanding of their relationship with Him. In this article, we will explore the Islamic perspective on life, including its purpose, transience, accountability, and the importance of living in the present moment.

Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

**🏵️ Purpose of Life**

According to Islamic teachings, the purpose of life is to worship Allah and to obey His commands. Muslims believe that they are created by Allah for a specific purpose, which is to serve Him and to establish a righteous community. This means that every action, decision, and thought should be guided by the principle of obedience to Allah’s will.

As the Quran states: “And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except to worship Me (alone)” (Quran 51:56).

**🏵️ Transience of Life**

Islam teaches that life is fleeting and ephemeral. Muslims believe that life is short and can be taken away at any moment, leaving no time for regret or procrastination. This realization is meant to inspire Muslims to make the most of their time on earth and to focus on their spiritual growth and development.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The world is a prison for the believer, and Paradise is his goal” (Bukhari).

**🏵️ Accountability**

Islam emphasizes the importance of accountability in the afterlife. Muslims believe that every individual will be accountable for their actions in the afterlife, where they will be judged by Allah based on their deeds. This means that Muslims must be mindful of their actions and strive to live according to Islamic teachings in order to earn the pleasure of Allah.

As the Quran states: “Then as for those who believe and do righteous deeds, they will have Gardens as abode, in it good they will have abounding” (Quran 13:35).

**🏵️ The Present Life**

Islam teaches that the present life is all that exists, and that it is futile to worry about the future or past. Muslims believe that they should focus on the present moment and strive to live according to Islamic teachings, rather than worrying about what may or may not happen in the future.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved things to Allah are those which are done consistently” (Tirmidhi).

**🏵️ The Hereafter**

Islam teaches that the hereafter is a place where souls will be judged and rewarded or punished based on their actions in this life. Muslims believe that the hereafter is a place where they will be reunited with their loved ones and experience eternal bliss or suffering. This realization is meant to inspire Muslims to strive for righteousness and to avoid sinful behavior.

As the Quran states: “And We shall set up scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection, so whoever has good works forty [hands] shall have them as if they were written in a book” (Quran 101:6–7).

**🏵️ Islam Provides a More Comprehensive Understanding**

Islam provides a more comprehensive understanding of life by providing a framework for living that encompasses every aspect of human existence. Islam teaches that every individual has a purpose in life, which is to worship Allah and to obey His commands. This purpose is not limited to one’s personal desires or goals, but rather encompasses one’s relationship with Allah and with fellow human beings.

As the Quran states: “O mankind! Fear your Lord Who created you from one soul and from it created its mate, and from them both scattered countless men and women” (Quran 4:1).

This verse emphasizes the unity of human existence and the interconnectedness of all individuals.

Want to deepen your understanding of Islam’s perspective on life? Watch this video to gain a richer insight into the Islamic worldview and discover how it can enrich your own life:

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Mohamed, Ph.D
Mohamed, Ph.D

Written by Mohamed, Ph.D

University professor and author, delving into the worlds of Islamic studies, personal growth, and entrepreneurship to share insights and inspire others.

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