49: Life Purpose
[Qur'an 23: 115]
'Ibaadah
We are reminded in the Qur'an [Qur'an 51:56] that human beings have been created for the primary
purpose of 'ibaadah. Though the term 'ibaadah is usually translated as "worship" which in turn is assumed
to be ritual religious acts, in reality 'ibaadah refers to the expression of the will to obey the Creator and
encompasses far more than ritual acts of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself alluded to the fact that even
salaah (daily ritual prayer) is accepted by Allah only if the worshipper recognizes the majesty of Allah, abides
by the limits set by Allah, feeds the hungry and clothes the unclothed. Moulana Altaf Husayn Hali captured the Prophet's
sentiments in his Musaddas when he wrote :
Yehee hai ibaadat, Yehee deen o eeman, Keh duniyaa mein kaam aayen insaan key insaan
("This is 'ibaadah, this is religion and this is faith; that human beings be of benefit to others")
'Ibaadah thus refers to ...
- all actions done in obedience to Allah ( fi ta'atullah )
- encompassing all good and beneficial deeds ( 'amal us salih )
- done sincerely ( Ikhlaas un niyyah )
- with propriety ( Ihsaan )
Action, Intention & Purpose
Every action has an ethical value which in turn is determined by ...
- the intention preceding it ( niyyah = reason why you are doing )
- the rationale ( maqsad = purpose for doing )
- the performance ( adaa ul 'amal = method of doing )
All humans are dead except those who have knowledge; and all those who have knowledge are asleep, except those who do good deeds; and those who do good deeds are deceived, except those who are sincere. [Imam Shaf'i]
Identifying Your Life Purpose
"There is one thing in this world, which you must never forget to do. Human beings come into this world to do a
particular task. That task is their purpose, and each is specific to the person. If you forget everything else and
remember your true purpose, there's nothing to worry about. If you remember everything else and forget your true purpose,
then you will not have done anything in your life". [Jalaluddin Rumi]
Few of us clearly know our life purpose. But if we watch how our lives unfold, and if we know what questions to ask
ourselves, we can begin to understand why we are here. "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." [Robert Byrne]
Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives. So, explore what brings meaning and passion to your
life and you will know why you are here and what you have to do. "First say to yourself what you would be; and then do
what you have to do." [Roman slave & Greek Philosopher, Epictetus]
"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to
any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." [William Penn]
Our purpose is reflected through ...
- What we aspire to BE in life - the qualities of our authentic self.
- What we naturally DO best in life - the gifts, talents and skills our personality has to offer the world.
Life Purpose ...
- is a contribution to the world that uses your whole self fully and gives your life passion, fulfillment, and meaning through dedication to something larger than yourself. It might be work for social transformation; it might be service to people who are in need; it might be living from an attitude of love, or unleashing your creativity, or developing your highest spiritual potential.
- involves a deep, heartfelt sense of belonging and commitment that moves you passionately. You might be dedicated to the spiritual evolution of humanity or the liberation of oppressed people or committed to the creation of peace or to the promotion of beauty.
- has primarily to do with a certain way of being in the world which permeates everything you do - being caring for those in need, being courageous in the face of hardship, being true to yourself, living simply, daring to speak the truth, fighting against injustice and oppression, promoting understanding ...
Manifesting Your Life Purpose
Once you have sensed your life purpose, it will begin to express itself naturally in your life. For others there may
be a long, hard road to actually manifest it in the world. This often involves introspection, critical self-evaluation,
overcoming internal and external obstacles, developing skills and contacts, and moving into action. There is an element
of selflessness and a degree of spiritual struggle involved in manifesting one's life purpose. In his book "Advice to the
Student" / Ayyu-hal-walad , Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali counsels:
"know that spirituality embraces two important characteristics: righteousness (istiqaamah), and to be at peace with
(the rest) of Creation. The person who improves his character and treats others with kindness and gentleness, is indeed
truly spiritual. Righteousness is to sacrifice one's baser desires in order to attain the pleasure of Allah, the Most High.
As for moral excellence; it is to consider others - as long as they do not violate the Sacred Commands - not in terms of
the excellence you assume in yourself, but in terms of the excellence you assume in them."
The world would be a far better place if the life purposes of good people are realized.
"We need spirited, energetic and strong young people whose hearts are filled with life, enthusiasm, zeal and dynamism;
whose souls are full of ambition, aspiration and vigor and have great goals, rising and aspiring to reach their purpose
until they eventually arrive at their destination." [Hasan al-Banna]
Dedication and Commitment Required
- "I know that societies often have killed people who have helped to change those societies. And if I can
die having brought any light, having exposed any meaningful truth that will help destroy the racist cancer that is
malignant in the body of America, then, all credit is due to Allah. Only the mistakes have been mine." [El-Hajj
Malik El-Shabazz / Malcolm X, last words of his autobiography]
- The Prophet Muhammad's purpose was clear. He said that his mission was to improve human patterns of behavior. His whole life was an embodiment of mercy [Qur'an 21:107] and a manifestation of the highest standard of character [Qur'an 68:4].