Purpose of Life in Islam: Created to Worship Allah

Everything in this world is created with a purpose.

Sun is created to provide energy, which is beneficial for plants to grow.

Earthworms are making the soil soft so plants can grow easily.

Cow is fulfilling her purpose by giving us milk and other benefits.

Allah created them to serve the humanity. As stated in Quran

“It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and sent down rain from the sky and produced thereby some fruits as provision for you… and has subjected for you the ships to sail through the sea by His command and subjected for you the rivers. And He has subjected for you the sun and the moon, both constantly orbiting, and has subjected for you the night and the day.” (Quran 14:32–33)

If purpose of everything is to serve the humanity. Then Humans are the most SERIOUS creation of Allah with important purpose.

Did you then think that We had created you without purpose, and that you would never be returned to Us?” (Quran 23:115)

This purpose decides our future and eternal life.

Because a thing is valuable only when it does what it was made for:

• A buffalo is kept for milk. If it stops giving milk, it is sent away.

Similarly we’ll be only valued if we spent our life fulfilling purpose. Otherwise Allah will replace us:

And if you turn away [i.e., refuse], He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you. (Quran 47:38)

Now majority people think that life is just about earning money, getting fame and power and fulfilling desires.

But money is just a tool to fulfill your purpose. Not the destination.

If you’re flying from Iran to Pakistan in a plane, then plane seat is not your destination. It is just a tool.

Similarly, money can help you get shelter, food, clothing, etc. It is important for survival but not a purpose of life.

The Purpose of life is to Worship Allah and achieve gratification and his pleasure.

• And I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Qur’an 51:56)
• Say, “Surely my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah—Lord of all worlds. (Quran 6:162)

Most of us know this but we don’t understand its actual meaning.

Worship is not only “5 daily prayers” or “Doing Dhikr All time”.

In Islam, worship (‘Ibadah) is your entire life lived for Allah.

• That honest business deal? Worship.
• Helping your parents? Worship.
• Resisting a haram temptation? Worship.
• Raising good children? Worship.

We worship Allah to earn hi pleasure and nearness.

Companions and Family Members of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) lived for this Purpose.

• They prayed
• Fought battles
• Made sacrifices for Islamic System

Imam Hussain (a) sacrificed himself with his family in Karbala for this Purpose.

Imam Ali (RA) lived and ruled with justice, fought oppression, and gave his life in prostration for this Purpose.

We should also follow them.

Otherwise we will become moving bodies without a soul, wasting time, energy , money on useless things.

And such people will have two regrets on deathbed.

• They will leave everything behind, their money, status, etc.
• They will fear day of judgement because of poor deeds.

But those who fulfill their purpose will be successful in both Dunia and Akhirah.

Now, to help you live life according to purpose, I am sharing an easy Roadmap.

1 – Mastering Self-Control

Allah has blessed us with free will, allowing us to choose how we think and act.

But with this freedom comes responsibility—our desires can either benefit us or lead us astray, depending on how we manage them.

Our habits shape our minds. If we engage in harmful activities, our thoughts become clouded, and we start losing self-control.

But following an Islamic lifestyle keeps us away from harmful habits. And keeps us aligned with Allah’s guidance.

Think about the five daily prayers. They are like a reset button, bringing us back to Allah throughout the day.

Social media and other distractions fill our minds with negativity. Co-education and casual relationships with na-mehrams can easily lead to sin.

Sins like zina (fornication) are, unfortunately, just a click away. Shaitan (Satan) doesn’t attack all at once—he works slowly, step by step:

Texting → Falling in Love → Video Calls → Dating → Major Sin (Zina)

Each step might feel enjoyable in the moment, but it leads to deep regret later. Astaghfirullah.

To protect yourself, you need to take control of your desires, starting with the “1% better approach.”

“But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination, then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge.”

Quran 79:40-41

Start by cutting off things that lead you to sin, like toxic friends or harmful apps. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“A man is upon the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”

Tirmidhi 2378

Try to guide your friends toward the right path. If they don’t want to change, it’s okay to distance yourself for your own good.

Remove your habits like watching garbage content, fapping, listening to music, etc.

Next, build a consistent prayer routine. Praying five times a day divides your day into meaningful parts. If you make a mistake, the next prayer is a chance to seek forgiveness.

Over time, this habit will help you reduce bad habits and gain control over your desires.

But with an empty mind. You can’t resist these desires for so long.

You must consume knowledge to strengthen your faith.

2 – Building Faith Through Knowledge

Being a Muslim, Did you ever try to understand Quran by reading translation?

The majority don’t, are you one of them?

I know, some scholars restrict you to read translation. You know why? Because this book will oppose their beliefs, and you’ll leave their sect after reading Quran.

So, they don’t want you to do so.

But Quran is being translated, we have tafseer of major scholars for comparative analysis. So why don’t we read it?

Now I want you to start Understanding Quran. Turn on 1-2 translations on Quran.com for better understanding.

You must be consistent, even if you’re understanding only one verse. BE CONSISTENT.

After building this habit, you can move one step further to Tafseer.

You’ll start relating verses according to your life condition. This will keep you on track.

Next thing is to fill your surrounding with Islam.

For example, you can follow Islamic pages on social media. Use “Not Interested” Feature for garbage content and “Interested” for Islamic Content.

You can apply this in all other areas of your life.

Now you’ll learn Islamic Wisdom while boosting Leadership qualities in you.

3: Becoming a Role Model

During gaining knowledge, You will experience a change in your way of thinking.

Now you must live according to Islam, becoming a role model. Whether its dealing with other, showing patience or planning any goal.

But remember.

Living life according to Islam will never be easy. Because you’ll be tested with trials.

During these trials, you must take proper measures and trust Allah.

For example, Women are instructed to cover themselves properly. But in modern world. They will face consequences. People will make fun of them. Western countries even hurt them in colleges.

Or if you are earning haram income. A sudden quit will put you in struggle.

Tackle these situations with faith.

People around you will notice your strong faith and get motivated. They are like your previous version. Now you’re having life experiences in a unique way.

Instead of keeping wisdom to yourself.

You’ll help them with guidance the way I am doing. Doesn’t matter how, but you’ve got to spread the message. This will build a strong Muslim community.

4: Spreading the Message (Jihad al-Da’wah)

Spreading the message is not a one-time task. It is a 24/7 duty.

Convey from me, even if it is one verse.

Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3461

Guide your friends, relatives, family members towards Islam frequently.

Try to change the theme of discussion to Islamic in gatherings.

Whenever you notice something against Islamic rulings. You must stop it with full force, whether it’s physically or verbally.

Because It’s not about limiting these blessing to yourself. This whole ummah is given the duty to spread Islam.

You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.

Quran (3:110)

Take this duty seriously.

Whether it’s through conversations, public speaking, or writing, use your voice to share the beauty of Islam.

Connect with likely-minded individuals to work on a bigger project.

Address misconceptions and show how Islamic principles can bring peace and purpose to life.

5: Working Towards an Islamic System

Does the society you live in operate under Allah’s laws, or is it following secular ideologies?

Sadly, so-called Muslim countries have forgetting core Islamic Values. They adopted Systems that are against Quran and Sunnah.

This isn’t merely about labeling a country as “Islamic”—it’s about the system.

And it is your duty to strive for the establishment of an Islamic way of life.

But What’s wrong with the current system? Here are a few examples with references.

1 – Interest-based Banking (Riba)

Many Muslim countries rely on interest-based financial systems, despite the clear prohibition of Riba in the Quran:

O you who have believed, do not consume usury, doubled, and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful.

Quran 3:130

2 – Injustice and Corruption

Ethical governance and justice are cornerstones of Islam, but many systems today are riddled with corruption. The Quran commands:

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.

Quran 4:58

There are a lot more things, which are against Islam.

Your ultimate purpose is to establish Allah’s rule on Earth and fulfill your role as His vicegerent.

Your duty is to put effort. If you’re unable to do this in your life, your descendants will do it.

Conclusion

In short, we’re here for a purpose: to worship Allah, not just in prayers but in how we live. Worship means controlling our desires, gaining knowledge, and being role models who inspire others. It’s about striving for a better self and a better society rooted in Islamic values.

Change starts with you—take the first step, grow closer to Allah, and spread His message.