Meaning of Life from Islamic Point of View

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Meaning of life
Understanding the Islamic religion and its perspective on life
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

In reference to Hines (1), the understanding of what life is defines the purpose of living it. Such understanding is also dependent on an individual’s awareness about the reasons for existence. People can never live a life truly without comprehending why they were born and the purpose they have on earth. In this view, the various definitions regarding the meaning of life are based on existential grounds. The life of a human being is very different from that of animals.

While animals appear to survive day to day without concern about their existence, man’s life is precious and has meaning. Hines (2) also points out that man tries to understand the universe that he lives in, and all human beings appear to have a similar concern for survival. Religious groups, philosophers, and scientists have discussed the question concerning the meaning of life throughout history. Each of these groups tends to have their own understanding of what life is about.

Additionally, it is very clear that the scientific and religious understandings about the meaning of life are very distinct, and some of the interpretations tend to contrast with others. Paterson (51) acknowledges that religion attempts to understand life through the presence of supernatural beings that control an individual’s actions while on earth.

Moreover, it encompasses various beliefs that give meaning to life. Notably, Hines (1) argues that all the views regarding life are concerned with a similar fundamental aspect; understanding the reasons for existence. Science attempts to understand the origin and the nature of the universe in a bid to comprehend the reason for living. Christianity acknowledges that life can only be understood by comprehending the relationship that human beings have with God.

Humans are required to devote their lives to God and understand his guidelines on how life should be lived. The Buddhist view of life concerns the connection between the body and the mind (Paterson 44-46).

Such teachings are based on the life and guidance of Shakyamuni Buddha. In this view, it is important to assess the perspectives of other religions about life to gain more understanding of its purpose. The aim of the current research is to investigate the meaning of life according to the Islamic faith. The research will also provide an understanding of the fundamental principles that guide Islam.

Meaning of life

As aforementioned, the meaning of life is explained through the religious, philosophical, and scientific points of view. Hines (2) notes that these views attempt to explain the reasons for and purposes of existence. Moreover, the answers to the meaning of life have been subjected to varying cultural and ideological perspectives. Many cultures around the world tend to have their own distinct understanding of why they live. In this regard, it is impossible to have a standardized definition of what life is.

According to Paterson (51-53), happiness has been one of the major focuses in understanding the value of life to human beings. Various researchers have, in the past, attempted to analyze life through comprehending the notion of being happy. Moreover, the Buddhist perspectives of life seem to focus on happiness, and the peace of mind, body, and soul. In reference to Paterson (36-39), Buddhism recognizes the fact that human beings can never be entirely content with life if they are not happy and at peace.

The science perspective of life tends to investigate empirical facts that explain human existence (Hines 3). Moreover, science focuses on morality as a critical aspect of living. The humanistic perspective of life looks at humanity and the reason for existence. This view also acknowledges that moral values are based on experiences in life and the nature of human beings. There are many approaches to understanding the value and the reasons for living.

However, the majority of the people today tend to turn to religion to realize the real meaning of life (Paterson 1-2). Furthermore, the religious perspective understands the meaning of life through the connection that an individual has with God. This is contrary to the philosophical and humanistic perspectives, which only focus on the daily activities of human beings. Religion pays regard to a supernatural being that brought human beings into the world.

Thus, understanding this superior being is critical in understanding the meaning of life. Hines (3) explains that human life would not have meaning if it lacked a purpose for living. In this regard, human beings should not just live due to the mere fact that they were born. They should live based on their purpose on earth and their understanding of the sanctity of life.

Hines (3) also recognizes the importance of understanding why life is worth living and enjoying. The meaning of life on earth can only be understood when human beings comprehend their origin and the reasons why they were put on earth.

Understanding the Islamic religion and its perspective on life

The meaning of life in Islam can only be understood by following the fundamental principles that guide its followers. According to Vincent (5-10), five pillars act as a guide to life in the Islamic religion. These include; the Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. The Shahada is the testimony of faith in Islam, and it recognizes Allah as the only true God. The testimony of faith also acknowledges the absence of any other true god. In this regard, Muslims should not worship any other god, but Allah, who is the giver of life.

The Shahada is the most fundamental principle in Islam (Paterson 98-99). The Salat is a Muslim prayer that is performed by the followers on a daily basis. It should be performed for at least five minutes and acts as a link between an individual and Allah. Vincent (4) notes that the followers of Islam believe in speaking to God directly through the Salat. Moreover, it promotes peace and inner happiness in the lives of followers. The third pillar is the Zakat, which recognizes the importance of helping the disadvantaged in society.

According to Paterson (90), the Islamic faith acknowledges that all things belong to Allah. Moreover, Allah trusts humans to take care of their wealth, and all members of the community should share it. Therefore, the Zakat requires all the followers to give a proportion of their wealth to the needy in the community (Vincent 5-6). The fourth pillar is the Sawm, which refers to fasting. The fasting period occurs in the Month of Ramadhan, and the followers are required to fast from morning to evening.

During this period, the followers abstain from any sexual interactions, foods, and drinks. The Sawm is a period where the follower’s souls are purified, and it tests their ability to live off the comforts of the world. Lastly, the pillar of the Hajj is annual and requires Muslims to visit Makkah at least once during their life. Physically and financially able followers undertake the pilgrimage. Moreover, they are required to wear similar clothes to stand equal before Allah.

The meaning of life in Islam is grounded by the relationship between believers and Allah. According to Paterson (98-100), the entire life of a Muslim is spent strengthening his or her relationship with Allah. Religion recognizes a man as the core component of religion. Additionally, human beings are supposed to submit to Allah in accordance with their intellect and Will. Thus, following in the steps of Allah and worshiping Him gives meaning to life in Islam.

The Qur’an acts as a guide through which the followers understand Allah’s expectations regarding their lives. Ergun and Emir (4-7) note that Islam values life and its sanctity is the core principle of living. Allah is the owner of life, and hence, the meaning of life is only understood in following the Qur’an and other fundamental principles of the region. Brockopp (1-4) acknowledges that Islamic faith views life as pure. Therefore, issues related to abortion and euthanasia are prohibited in the religion.

This is also an indication of the sanctity of life as defined in the holy Qur’an. All human life should be respected regardless of the status in the society. Moreover, Allah regards the life of human beings as important and precious. According to Paterson (99), Allah created the universe, and human beings can only understand the meaning of life by having faith in his teachings.

The noble Qur’an is the determiner of how life should be in Islam. Ergun and Emir (8-9) note that the good book requires the followers to do good on earth so that they are rewarded in the afterlife. In this respect, the deeds of the followers on earth should follow the teaching of Islam and should not harm anyone. As aforementioned, the sole purpose of human beings is to worship Allah, and individuals must be conscious of their actions toward God.

The teachings of Islam dictate that all actions in life be done for Allah alone and in accordance with the fundamental principles of the religion. According to Paterson (99-101), the quality of life after death is determined by the current existence. Additionally, the Qur’an puts a lot of emphasis on life after death.

The prophets of Allah also followed the ‘life after death’ aspects outlined in the Qur’an. The followers of this religion believe that life should be lived in such a manner that one is remembered after he or she dies. In the absence of life after death, life would be meaningless and unjust. Such a scenario would also depict Allah as being unconcerned with the fate of human beings.

Paterson (98-100) notes an interconnection between faith and actions. Furthermore, the Qur’an calls for a fearful life. Without the fear of Allah, man can easily fall into sin. Just like Christianity, Muslims also believe in the day of judgment when man will be ultimately judged for his actions on earth. Despite the Qu’ran stating that God is just and merciful, He has to make man accountable for all his actions on earth. Thus, the followers have to believe sincerely that life after death is the sole purpose of living.

Furthermore, the belief in the afterlife ensures that they live a well-balanced and moral life on earth. Islam views life as an end in itself, and its actions should be guided by the will of God (Ergun and Emir 10-12). Although God gives human beings the ability to progress materially and spiritually, only the spiritual concepts will matter after death.

Thus, since all human beings will eventually die, the meaning of life is based on the longing to meet with Allah. Based on this analysis, life is a path toward eternal life with Allah, and all human beings must pass through it. This is why the religion demands that the followers live a righteous life based on the teachings of the Qur’an. Muslims should live for Allah alone and strive to follow his teachings.

Conclusion

The question of the true meaning of life has been discussed widely in the literature. According to Hines (1), there is no single definition that can thoroughly explain the meaning of life due to differences in ideologies and cultures. Scientists, philosophers, and religious leaders have not been left out in the debate. While scientists tend to investigate the origin of the universe, religious leaders focus on the presence of supernatural beings that are responsible for the creation and define what life should be.

Christianity believes that the relationship between man and God gives meaning to life. Buddhism indicates that the connection between the body, mind, and soul should be used to understand life. The focus of the current research is the Islamic religion, which focuses on the relationship between Allah and his followers.

According to this religion, there are five pillars that should guide the lives of the followers; the Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. Moreover, the belief in life after death gives meaning to life on earth. In summary, life is a righteous phenomenon that should be guided by the teachings of Allah, and followers can only experience its joy when they understand the concept of life after death.

Works Cited

Brockopp, J. E. Islamic ethics of life: Abortion, war, and euthanasia. Columbia, South Carolina: University of South Carolina Press, 2003. Print.

Ergun, Caner M. and F Emir. Unveiling Islam: An insider look at Muslim life and beliefs. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publications, 2009. Print.

Hines, Jourdan. “The Meaning of Life.” UW-L Journal of Undergraduate Research 11.7 (2008): 1-5.

Paterson, Andrea C. Three Monotheistic Faiths – Judaism, Christianity, Islam: An analysis and brief history. Bloomington: AuthorHouse, 2009. Print.

Vincent, Cornell J. Voices of Islam. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Publishers, 2007. Print.

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