The Meaning of our life on earth

The Meaning o= f our life on earth

Why were we created, Who created us, what is our goal = in life? All these are questions that mankind has asked and tried to answer. <= /p>

The Qur’an gives guidelines and encourages us to think, consider and reflect. This way we understand our Creator, and unders= tand our mission in life. I will give some examples to illustrate how the Qur’an renews faith:

Were they created of nothing, or we= re they themselves the creators? &= nbsp;

= ; At-Tur 52: 35

We know God as He described Himself in attribut= es of perfection, and through His creation. We know him as we look and marvel = at the creation of the heavens and earth, and as we consider our own creation:=

Soon will We show them Our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of t= he earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this= is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?

&n= bsp; Fusselat 41 : 53

Do they not reflec= t in their own minds? Not but for just ends and for a term appointed, did Allah create the heavens and the earth, and all between them: yet are there truly many among men who deny their meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)= !

&n= bsp; Ar-Rum 30 : 8

As a physician I can appreciate the human body and the miracle of its creation, and how the structure serves the function. As an immunologist as we learn m= ore about the numerous immune cells and the cellular hormones they send and communicate with, we begin to understand the majesty of God and His elabora= te creation. This did not happen by chance. There is certainly a supreme wise power that controls everything. The Qur’an states: =

Allah is He Who ra= ised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; then He established Himsel= f on the Throne (of Authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His La= w)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate all affai= rs, explaining the Signs in detail, that ye may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.

&n= bsp; Ar-Ra’d 13 : 2

God created us in order to worship Him. But not= the narrow meaning of worship in the form of prayers or fasting, but in the wid= er sense that everything that we do in our daily life is an act of worship if = we are sincere and do our best to help those who need our help. The Qur’= an states that the goal of worshipping God is to evolve and improve and learn Taqwa or being God-conscious and doing good:

O ye people! Adore= your Guardian-Lord, Who created you and those who came before you, that ye may h= ave the chance to learn righteousness;

&n= bsp; Al-Baqara 2 : 21

If we believe in God and in being accountable to Him, then we feel close to Him and appreciate His blessings and we want to express our gratitude by being = an instrument of His will and guiding others to God’s way:

Verily those who l= ive in awe for fear of their Lord;

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23 : 57

Those who believe = in the Signs of their Lord;

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23 : 58

Those who join not= (in worship) partners with their Lord;

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23 : 59

And those who disp= ense their charity with their hearts full of fear, because they will return to t= heir Lord;

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23 : 60

It is these who ha= sten in every good work, and these who are foremost in them.

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23 : 61

It is the realization that one day we must account for our actions and behavior that allows us to avoid evil or wronging others, and to hasten in all good = deeds. The Qur’an asks the Question:

"Did ye then = think that We had created you in jest, and that ye wou= ld not be brought back to Us (for account)?"

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23 : 115

There is should be no contradiction between true faith based on divine revelation= and understanding through reflection and logic and science, since both are gifts from God. We cannot understand divine revelation unless we think critically= and clearly and have an open mind. The Qur’an states: <= /p>

(Here is) a Book w= hich We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may meditate on i= ts Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.

&n= bsp; SA’D 38 : 29

There is nothing wrong in presenting different points of views, since we were cre= ated different, each person drawing on his experience and approaches problems fr= om a different prospective. Actually the Qur’an stresses that our diversit= y is a sign of God, in order that we may learn from our differences: =

And among His Sign= s is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your langu= ages and your colours; verily in that are Signs for those who know. <= /span>

&n= bsp; Ar-Rum 30 : 22