By Barr, Abdullahi Salaty
There is difference between the purpose of creation and human desires as purpose of creation. Allah (swt) created the earth and man for a purpose, HE endows us with reasoning faculty above animals whose purpose of life are only to eat, sleep, re-procreate and living life without shame. However, mankind is gifted with ability to distinguish between what is right and wrong. Some do not know the purpose of their creation, knowing the purpose of existence shows that an individual belongs to mankind and possess reasoning ability.
There are 3 things mankind has in his selfish desire as purpose for life, they are :
(1) Feeding and drinking :struggling for means of livelihood from birth till old age.
(2)Clothing and luxury life :mankind ‘s love for befitting garments, luxurious cars and ornaments.
(3) Shelter:mankind aspires for Palacious houses till old age.
The question remains,will these things earn us the hereafter? though they are essential!
Allah will only ask us on the day of accountability about our worship to HIM and virtues not luxurious ornaments , beautiful physical appearance and flamboyant houses. I refer you to Q51:56-58
“And I(Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship me(alone)”
“I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed me”
“Verily, Allah is the All-provider, owner of power, the most strong”.
By implications, the purpose of creation is to worship Allah (swt) not selfish desire for worldly affairs.
On a final note, let this be a wake up call for every Muslim that, a devoted Muslim must never lag behind when it comes to worship to Allah (swt) and to uphold good manners such as kindness, honesty, piety, social justice, love for mankind and humility. Total submission to Allah is the only ticket to success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah guide us to the right path.
Most grateful for your attention.
Al Imam, Barr, Abdullahi Salaty.
Public affairs analyst and the Chief Imam, Onimago Central Mosque, Mandate Housing Estate. Ilorin.
