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| An Islamic Perspective on the Philosophy of Life |
An Islamic Perspective on the Philosophy of Life
The question of life's meaning and purpose has captivated human thought for millennia. We often find ourselves pondering our existence, our journey, and our ultimate destination. While definitive answers may seem elusive, seeking to understand the "philosophy of life" – the reality of our existence – is a deeply human endeavor. From an Islamic perspective, this quest leads us to a profound understanding of life as a purposeful journey guided by divine wisdom.
What is the Philosophy of Life?
At its core, philosophy can be understood as the pursuit of "knowledge of the facts" – striving to grasp the true nature of things. Applying this to life itself, the philosophy of life becomes the quest to understand the reality of our existence, its origins, its purpose, and its end. While a vast and complex field, we can explore its essence through the lens of Islamic teachings.
Life as a Continuous Journey
Islam teaches that the universe is not static; it is on a continuous, evolutionary journey ordained by its Creator, Allah Almighty. This cosmic journey encompasses everything within it. Just as the universe travels as a whole, each created being embarks on its own individual journey throughout its existence. The cycles of life and death we witness are integral parts of this ongoing progression.
Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran:
{الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا} [الملك: 2]
{The One who created death and life to test which of you is best in deed.} (Surah Al-Mulk: 2)
This verse highlights a crucial aspect: life, both collective and individual, is not aimless. It is a period of testing, an opportunity to demonstrate righteousness through our actions.
The Human Journey: A Test with Eternal Consequences
While the grand cosmic journey continues eternally, our individual human lives in this world are finite and relatively short. This worldly life serves as a crucial, transient stage – a pathway towards the Hereafter. It is here that we travel, facing challenges and making choices. Our existence is a journey where every moment counts, leading us towards the completion of our allotted time.
Upon death, we transition from this worldly manifestation to the life of the Hereafter. There, we will face a full accounting of our deeds performed during our earthly journey, receiving reward or punishment accordingly.
Crucially, while humans do not control the vast cosmic narrative, we are granted agency and certain capabilities within our individual lives. We are obligated to use these faculties according to the will of our Creator, seeking His pleasure.
Islam: The Divine Guidance for the Path
How do we navigate this journey successfully? Allah, in His infinite mercy, did not leave humanity adrift. He provided guidance through revelation sent to His Prophets (peace be upon them all), culminating in the final divine book, the Holy Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Quran serves as a clear and comprehensive guide for all humankind until the Day of Resurrection.
Islam, the way of life prescribed in the Quran and exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), is presented as the path to achieving success in this life and the next. Allah Almighty confirms this:
{الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا} [المائدة: 3]
And:
{إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ} [آل عمران: 19]
{Truly, the (only accepted) way of life with Allah is Islam.} (Surah Aal-Imran: 19)
Therefore, seeking any path other than Islam is warned against:
{وَمَنْ يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا فَلَنْ يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ } [آل عمران: 85]
{Whoever seeks a Din (way of life) other than Islam, will never be accepted from him, and he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.} (Surah Aal-Imran: 85)
The essence of human success, according to this understanding, lies in sincerely embracing Islam through faith and righteous deeds. This path guides our journey through worldly life towards the ultimate destination: the Hereafter.
Living as a Wayfarer: Profound Wisdom
The transient nature of this worldly life and the focus required for the journey is beautifully captured in the sayings (Hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He (PBUH) advised:
"Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer." (Sahih Bukhari)
This powerful analogy encourages detachment from excessive worldly pursuits and a constant awareness of our ultimate destination. Expanding on this, the companion Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say:
عن عبد الله بن عمر رضي الله عنهما، قال: أخذ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بمنكبي، فقال: «كن في الدنيا كأنك غريب أو عابر سبيل». وكان ابن عمر يقول: «إذا أمسيت فلا تنتظر الصباح، وإذا أصبحت فلا تنتظر المساء، وخذ من صحتك لمرضك، ومن حياتك لموتك». (صحيح البخاري)
On the authority of Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, he said: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless Him and grant Him peace, took hold of my shoulder, and said: "Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer." Ibn-e-Umar used to say: "If you are in the evening, do not wait for the morning, and if in the morning, do not wait for the evening, take from your health for your illness, and from your life for your death." (Sahih Bukhari)
Another narration adds:
«كن في الدنيا كأنك غريب، أو كأنك عابر سبيل، وعد نفسك من أهل القبور». (سنن ابن ماجة)
"Be in this world as if you were a stranger, or as if you were a wayfarer, and count yourself among the people of the graves." (Sunan Ibn Majah)
This wisdom urges us to utilize our time and health proactively for good deeds, constantly preparing for the inevitable transition to the Hereafter, just as a traveler prepares for the next stage of their journey.
Conclusion
From an Islamic viewpoint, the philosophy of life is clear: we are on a purposeful journey, a test designed by our Creator. This worldly existence is temporary, a preparation ground for the eternal life to come. Islam provides the divine roadmap, guiding us through faith and righteous actions towards achieving Allah's pleasure and attaining success in the Hereafter. By viewing ourselves as travelers passing through this world, focused on our ultimate destination, we can strive to make the most of this precious gift of life.
May Allah Almighty guide us all to navigate the journey of life successfully and grant us the best destination in the Hereafter. Aameen.
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Dr. Tahir Mahmood
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