Why do I exist??

A topic that confuses everyone at some point of their life.

Two perspectives:

From the point of view of Allah (swt)

What caused Allah to create human beings?

From the human point of view

For what purpose did Allah create humans?

How is that possible when he cannot fully understand his own brain mind and its functions????

What did philosophers do?

Plato…… shadow

Others claim ----no purpose of human creation

Life evolved from inanimate matter which only became animate by PURE LUCK….

Human kind‟s supposed „cousins‟ the MONKEYS and APES are not bothered with questions of existence….so why should human beings be bothered with them ?????

Without knowledge of the correct answer , human beings become indistinguishable from other animals.

The animal necessities and desires of eating, drinking and pro-creating become the purpose of human existence by default .

Human effort is therefore focused in this limited sphere.

Humans degrade themselves to the lowest of lowest level…… “Asfala safileen”

The degraded human mind then create drugs , bombs…..become engrossed in:

Fornication

Pornography

Homosexuality

Fortunetelling

Suicide

And the list goes on…..

The only source that can answer this is the

Devine Revelation

Allah sent His messengers to convey to the humans their purpose of creation.

Judeo-Christian Scriptures:

Concerned with laws and history of early man and jews…….only

The concept of incarnation of God:

The concept of Jesus…….God Human Dies

WHY……to cleanse humans of their sins

The recognition of „Devine Sacrifice‟

Acceptance of Jesus as the „Lord God‟

‘Everything is God’ concept:

Hindu belief:

Many Gods

Incarnations of God

Persons of God

Everything is God….Brahman

Hindu monist philosophers :

Purpose of human kind is the realization of their divinity…following a path to emancipation from the wheel of rebirth…..the reabsorption of the human soul into the ultimate reality….Brahman

The Bakhti path:

Love God because God created mankind to “enjoy a relationship “ as a father enjoys a relationship with his children

Ordinary Hindus:

The Karma path….conforming to social and ritual duties to the traditional rules of conduct for one‟s cast.

57. the creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind, yet Most of mankind know not.( surah Momin aya 57 )

So Humans are not the greatest creation other more complex things are also created by Allah so the question is why Allah created…….

Creation is fundamentally the consequence of the divine attribute of being a creator….A creator who doesn‟t create ???

Does Allah need His creation???? Of course not

But as the greatness of a writer is apparent in his writing, the perfection of the divine creative attribute is manifest in creation.

Some ancient and even modern scientistscouldnot comprehend this so claimed….

World and its contents originally part of God

He took a part of Him and created the universe

But its humans who can only „create‟ by modifying what ALREADY EXISTS

. Allâh is the Creator of All things, and He is the Wakîl (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over All things.

. "While Allâh has created You and what You make!"

Use of charms ,amulets, astrology, palmistry is mere ignorance….

say: "I seek Refuge with (Allâh) the Lord of the daybreak,"From the evil of what He has created;

no calamity befalls, but with the leave [i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)] of Allâh, and Whosoever believes In Allâh, He guides his heart [to the true faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen Him was already written for Him by Allâh from the Qadar (Divine Preordainments)], and Allâhis the All-Knower of everything.

Hadith:Be aware that if the whole of mankind gathered together to do something to help you they would only be able to do something for you which Allah had already written for you. Likewise, if the whole of mankind gathered together to harm you , they would only be able to do something to harm you which Allah had already written to happen to you.

Angels……do not sin

Humans capable of sinning due to desires

Human beings were created capable of making mistakes and when they realize their errors and seek Allah‟s forgiveness the divine attributes of mercy and forgiveness become manifest.

Hadith: “ When Allah created the universe , He made an obligation on Himself (recorded)in a document kept by Him: my mercy supersedes my wrath”

Allah by His infinite knowledge could have created all humans and placed some of them in heaven and others hell……

Those in heaven would not question and be happy

Those in hell would ask why???????

In the judgment of mankind at the end of this world , Allah‟s attribute of supreme justice and fairness become manifest.

and if You Only could see when the Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) shall hang their heads before their Lord (saying): "Our Lord! we have now seen and heard, so send us back (to the world), we will do righteous good deeds. Verily! we now believe with certainty."

Nay, it has become manifest to them what they had been concealing before. but if they were returned (to the world), they would certainly revert to that which they were forbidden. and indeed they are liars.

Allah‟s love is manifest in beings brought into existence whether believer or disbeliever to enjoy life.

Allah states in Quran that He loves:

Those who do good.(5:13)

Those who are just.(5:42)

Those are pious.(9:4)

Those who are patient.(3:146)

Those who put their trust in Him.(3:159)

Those who frequently turn to Him in repentance and those who purify themselves. ( 2:222)

It is Allah however who decides what is good, who is just and pious and to know that we needed prophets.

So:

Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If You (really) love Allâh Then follow Me (i.e. Accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur'ân and the Sunnah), Allâhwill love You and forgive You of Your sins. and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

All those who enter paradise will not enter solely based on their good deeds it is the Grace Of Allah that will ultimately carry them there

Hadith: “Try your best to do right , and be happy .For none will enter paradise only because of his deeds” His companions asked “ o messanger of Allah not even you?” he replied, “Not even I, unless allah envelopes me in His mercy and grace”

No Allah says in quran:

whoever brings a good deed (Islâmic Monotheism and deeds of obedience to Allâh and his Messenger ) shall have ten times the like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed (polytheism, disbelief, hypocrisy, and deeds of disobedience to Allâh and his Messenger ) shall have Only the Recompense of the like thereof, and they will not be wronged.

Allah has manifested His grace by multiplying the value of good deeds, while keeping evil deeds at their face value

Deeds have a major role , but they are not the deciding factor, Allah‟s grace outweighs them.

Consequently , the creation of human beings the errors they make and the good they do are all circumstances for the manifestation of Allah‟s attributes of Mercy, forgiveness, justice and Grace.

Humankind should not question this….

It can be assumed that it was the best way because Allah is the most wise and most knowledgeable.

“and they will never compass anything of his knowledge except that which He wills”(2:255)

If He has told us why He decided to do something , it is not for us to question why He decided to decide.

He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.

Hadith:

Reported by Ibn Abbas “Reflect on the creation of Allah but do not reflect on Allah”

To reflect on the reality of Allah is to reflect on the infinite and human mind confuses when it reflects on the finite universe and what's in it it will get even more confused when it attempts to understand the uncreated.

Abu Hurayrah related that the Prophet said:

“Satan will come to everyone of you and ask: who created this and that?-until he questions: who created your lord? When he comes to that, one should seek refuge in Allah ( say: I affirm my faith in Allah and His prophets )and avoid such thoughts.” ( sahih Bukhari)

In Quran this question is answered without any ambiguity.

and (remember) when Your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their loins, their seed (or from Adam's loin his offspring) and made them testify as to themselves (saying): "Am I not Your Lord?" they said: "Yes! we testify," lest You should Say on the Day of Resurrection: "Verily, we have been unaware of this."

173. or lest You should say: "It was Only Our fathers afortime who took others as partners In Worship along with Allâh, and we were (merely their) descendants after them; will You Then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practised Al-Bâtil (i.e. polytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allâh)?" (Tafsir At-Tabarî).

Consequently , every human being is responsible for belief in Allah which is imprinted on every soul.

Allah says:

and I (Allâh) created not the jinns and humans except they should Worship Me (Alone).

If not a single human being worshipped Him , it would not diminish His glory in any way, and if all of mankind worshipped Him , it would not increase his glory in any way.

IT IS NOT HE BUT WE WHO NEED TO WORSHIP HIM.

The English term worship comes from old „weorthscipe‟ meaning „honor‟.

So in English it means „the performance of devotional acts in honor of a deity‟

“. so glorify the praises of Your Lord “( 110:3)

In glorifying Allah man chooses to be in harmony with the rest of the creation which naturally glorifies its creator

the seven heavens and the earth and All that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies his praise. but You understand not their glorification. Truly, He is ever forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.

In Arabic worship is called „ibaadah‟ which comes from „abd‟ meaning „a slave‟

A slave is one who is expected to do whatever his master wills….so in final revelation worship means

„obedient submission to the will of Allah‟

Because obedience to the divine law is the key to success in this life and next.

Adam and Eve were created in Jannah and then sent down the only way to return to Jannah is by obedience to the divine law.

Different acts of worship ordained are designed to help humans remember Allah:

"Verily! I am Allâh! Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the Right to be worshipped but I), so Worship Me, and perform As­Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) for My remembrance.

. O You who believe! Observing As-Saum(the fasting) is prescribed for You as it was prescribed for those before you, that You may become Al-Muttaqûn (God concious ).

O You who believe! Remember Allâh with much remembrance.

Because sin is comitted when Allah is forgotten:

Shaitân (Satan) has overtaken them. so He has made them forget the remembrance of Allâh. they are the party of Shaitân (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaitân (Satan) that will be the losers!

Shaitân (Satan) wants Only to excite enmity and Hatred between You with Intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder You from the remembrance of Allâh and from As-Salât (the prayer). So, will You not Then abstain?

We need to remember Allah for our own salvation and growth:

and those Who, when they have committed Fahishah ( wronged themselves with evil,) Remember Allâh and ask Forgiveness for their sins; - and none can forgive sins but Allâh - and do not persist In what (wrong) they have done, while they know.

In the Islamic system, each and every human act can be transformed into an act of worship once you dedicate your life to Allah:

Say (O Muhammad ): "Verily, My Salât (prayer), My sacrifice, My living, and My dying are for Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and All that exists).

Sincerely done for Allah

Act done in accordance with the Prophetic way-sunnah

Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allâh, and In his Messenger Muhammad (Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam)) including All obligations ordered by Islâm] and do righteous good deeds, they are the best of creations.

Abdullah reported that He asked Allah‟s messenger which sin is the gravest in Allah‟s sight and he replied “to give Allah a partner, even though He created you”

Verily, Allâh forgives not that partners should be set up with Him In worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allâh In worship, He has indeed invented a tremendous sin.

Shirk also occur when human beings love , trust or fear the creation more than Allah:

and of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allâh as rivals (to Allâh). they love them as they should love Allâh. but those who believe, love Allâh more (than anything else). if only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that All power belongs to Allâh and that Allâh is Severe In punishment.

Hadith:

Anas Bin Malik narrated that the Prophet (saw) said:

“whoever possesses three characteristics has tasted the sweetness of faith:

He who loves Allah and His messenger above all else

He who loves another human being for Allah‟s sake only

He who hates to return to disbelief after Allah has rescued him as he hates to be thrown into fire

Hadith:

“ He who loves for Allah and hates for Allah, gives for Allah and withholds for Allah has perfected his faith.”

It is Allah who puts love in the hearts of believers for the righteous.

. Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allâh and In his Messenger (Muhammad)] and work deeds of righteousness, the Most Beneficent (Allâh) will bestow love for them (in the hearts of the believers).

Ask only Allah as it is only He who can answer the prayers and He is the only one who is always accessible as long as He is called upon sincerely:

and when My slaves ask You (O Muhammad ) concerning Me, Then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when He calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). so let them obey Me and believe In Me, so that they may be led aright.

Verily, those whom You call upon besides Allâh are slaves like you. so call upon them and let them answer You if You are truthful.

Say (O Muhammad ): "I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except as Allâh wills. if I had the knowledge of the Ghaib (unseen), I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched Me. I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who believe."

. who has created death and life, that He may test You which of You is best In deed. and He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving;

Verily! we have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, In order that we may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best In deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds In the Most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allâh's sake and In accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet].

To inform Allah ?

He knew all about them that was there to know before even creating them.

The test is to confirm on the day of judgment that those going to hell deserve it and those going to paradise are going due to Allah‟s grace.

In this life this test of conduct serves two purposes:

1. Spiritual growth

2. Reward and punishment

Generosity and contentment:

Good traits in any human society

Can these develop where everyone has equal wealth??

So the Creator wisely sets the stage for these spiritual struggles by unequally distributing wealth in this world:

and Allâh has preferred some of You above others In wealth and properties. then, those who are preferred will by no means Hand over their wealth and properties to those (slaves) whom their Right hands possess, so that they may be equal with them In respect thereof . do they Then deny the Favour of Allâh?

and know that Your possessions and Your Children are but a trial and that surely with Allâh is a mighty reward.

and it is He who has made You generations coming after generations, replacing each other on the earth. and He has raised You In ranks, some above others that He may try You In that which He has bestowed on you. surely Your Lord is Swift In retribution, and certainly He is Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Hadith:

“If a man had a valley of gold he would desire another, for nothing will fill his mouth but the dirt of his grave.”

take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth In order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allâh for them. Verily! Your invocations are a source of security for them, and Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

How does the test of misfortune help????

Spiritual growth of believer

Purify them of sin

Remind errant believer to return

Punish disbelievers

Calamities further develop………

True patience is the product of complete trust in Allah at the time of calamity:

Verily! the decision rests Only with Allâh. In him, I put My trust and let All those that trust, put their trust In him.“

“whoever trusts in Allah will find Him sufficient” (65-3)

and it may be that You dislike a thing which is good for You and that You like a thing which is bad for you. Allâh knows but You do not know.( 2:216)

Verily, with the hardship, there is relief, Verily, with the hardship, there is relief

"O My sons! Go You and enquire about Yûsuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of Allâh's Mercy. certainly no one despairs of Allâh's Mercy, except the people who disbelieve."

and that He may Punish the Munâfiqûn (hypocrites), men and women, and also the Mushrikûn men and women, who think evil thoughts about Allâh, for them is a disgraceful torment, and the Anger of Allâh is upon them, and He has cursed them and prepared Hell for them, and worst indeed is that destination.

Verily, those who have believed, and those who have emigrated (for Allâh's religion) and have striven hard In the Way of Allâh, All These hope for Allâh's Mercy. and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.

and Certainly, we shall test You with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).156. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! to Allâh we belong and Truly, to Him we shall return."

and if Allâh were to Punish men for that which they earned, He would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth, but He gives them respite to an appointed term, and when their term comes, Then Verily, Allâh is ever All­Seer of his slaves.

and Verily, we will make them taste of the near torment (i.e. the torment In the life of This world, i.e. disasters, calamities, etc.) prior to the Supreme torment (in the Hereafter), In order that they may (repent and) return (i.e. Accept Islâm).

evil (sins and disobedience of Allâh, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), that Allâh may make them taste a part of that which they have done, In order that they may return (by repenting to Allâh, and begging his Pardon).

do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested. and we indeed tested those who were before them. and Allâh will certainly make (it) known (the Truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allâh knows All that before putting them to test).

make not the calling of the Messenger (Muhammad) among You as Your calling of one another. Allâh knows those of You who slip away under shelter (of some excuse without taking the permission to Leave, from the Messenger ). and let those who oppose the Messenger's (Muhammad) Commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.

and fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not In particular (only) those of You who do wrong (but it may afflict All the good and the bad people), and know that Allâh is Severe In punishment.

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