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The Purpose
The Purpose
Greation
of Creation
By
By
Dr.Abu Ameenah Philips
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Dr.Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
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By
By
Dr.AbuAmeenah philips
Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
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Introduction
Introduction
purpose creation is a topic that puzzlesevery
ffihe he purpose of creation is a topic that puzzles every
T r
I
human being at some point in his or her lifetime.
human being at some point in his or her lifetime.
Everybody at sometime or anotherasksthemselves
Everybody at some time or another asks themselves
the question
the question "Why do I exist?'~ or "For what purpose am I
do exist?"or what purpose am
here on earth?"
here on earth?"
The variefy and complexity the intricatesystems
The variety and complexity of the intricate systems
which constitutethe fabric both humanbeingsand the
which constitute the fabric of both human beings and the
world in which they exist indicate that there must have been a
in which they exist indicatethat theremusthavebeena
Supreme Beingwhocreated them.Designindicates designer.
Supreme Being who created them. Design indicates a designer.
a
When human beings come across footprints on a beach, they
When humanbeingscomeacrossfootprintson a beach,they
immediatelyconcludethat a humanbeinghad walked by there
immediately conclude that a human being had walked by there
some time previously. No one imagines that the waves
some time previously. one imaginesthat the waves
the sea settled the sandand chanceproduced a
from the -sea settled in the sand and by chance produceda
depressionlooking exactly like humanfootprints.
depression looking exactly like human footprints. Nor do do
humans instinctively concludethat they were broughtinto
humans instinctively conclude that they were brought into
existencewithout a purpose. Since purposeful
existence without action is
purpose. Sincepurposeful action is a
natural productof humanintelligence.
natural product of human intelligence, lrumans
humans concludethat
conclude that
the Supreme
the Supreme IntelligentBeing who created
Intelligent Being who created them must have
them must have
donesofor a specificpurpose.
done so specific purpose. Therefore,
Therefore, humanbeingsneed
human beings need
to know the purposefor their existencein orderto make sense
the purpose existence order make sense
of this life and to do what is ultimatelybeneficialfor them.
of and what ultimately beneficial them.
Throughoutthe ages,however, therehasbeena minority
Throughout the ages, however,there has been
amonghumans
among humans who havedeniedtheexistence God.Matter,
have denied the existence of
ofGod. Matter,
in their opinion, is eternaland mankindis merelya chance
opinion, eternal and mankind merely chance
product of accidentalcombinationsof its elements.Conse-
product of accidental combinations of elements. Conse-
6. t-L
The Purpose ofCreation
The of Creatior,t _
quently, to them, the question "Why did God create man?"
quently, to them, the question God createman?"
had and still hasno answer. According them,theresimply
had and still has no answer. According to them, there simply
is no purpose
is no purpo:;e to existence. However, the vast majority of
existence.However,the vast of
humankind over the ages have believed and continue to
humankind over the ages have believed and continue
believe in the existence of a Supreme Being who created this
believe in the existence a Supreme Being who created this
world a purpose. them was, and still is, impoftant
world with a purpose. For them it was, and still is, important
For
to know about the Creator and the purpose for which He
to know about the Creator and the purpose which He
humanbeings.
created human beings.
created
The Answer
The Answer
answerthe question
To answer the question "Why did God create man?" it
did God createman?"
must first bedetermined from which perspective question
must first be detennined from which perspective the question
the
is beingasked. Fromthe point view Cod would mean,
is being asked. From the point of view of God it would mean,
caused God createhumanbeings?" from the
"What caused God to create human beings?" while from the
human point view would mean
human point of view it would mean "For what purposedid
what purpose
God createhumans?" Both pointsof represent
God create humans?" Both points of view represent aspectsaspects
the intriguingquestion exist?" the
of the intriguing question "Why do I exist?" In the following
pages, both aspects the questionwill be explored based
pages, both aspects of the question will be explored based
of
on the clearpicturepaintedby divine revelation. This is not
on the clear picture painted by divine revelation. is not
a topic humanspeculation. because humanguesswork
a topic for human speculation, because human guesswork
cannot possiblyproducethe whole truth this matter.
cannot possibly produce the whole truth in this matter. How
can human beingsintellectuallydeducethe reality of their
can human beings intelJectualJy deduce the reality of their
existencewhen they can hardly understand how their own
existence when they can hardly understand
brain or its higher entity, the mind, functions?
brain its higherentity,the mind, functions? Consequently,
Consequently,
the manyphilosophers
the many philosophers who havespeculated this question
who have speculated on this question
on
down through the ages havecome up with innumerable
down through the ages have come innumerable
answers, all of which are basedon assumptions
answers, of which are based on assumptions which cannot
which cannot
7. The Purpose ofCreation
be proven.Questions this topic haveevenled a numberof
be proven. Questions on this topic have even led number of
philosophersto claim that we do not really exist and that the
philosophers claim that not really exist and that the
whole V(0rld is imaginary. For example, the Greekphilosopher
whole uqorldis imaginary. example,the
For Greek philosopher
Plato (428-348 Be) argued that the everyday world of
Plato (428-348 BC) argued tlrat the everyday of
changeable things,which man comesto know by the useof
changeable things, which man comes know the use of
his senses, not the primary reality,but is a shadowworld
his senses, is not the primary reality, but is shadow
is
of appearances. I Many others, as waspreviously
of appearances.' Many others, was previously mentioned,
as mentioned,
claimed and continue to claim that thereis no purpose the
claimedandcontinue claim that there is no purpose for the
creation ofhumans at all. According thetrr,
of at to Human existence
creation humans all. According to them, Humanexistence
is merelya product chatrce. Therecan be no purpose life
is merely a product of chance. There can be no purpose if lifeif
matterwhich only became
evolved from inanimate matter which only became animate
evolved from inanimate animate
supposed 'cousins,'themonkey
by pure luck. Humankind's supposed 'cousins,' the monkey
by pure luck. Humankind's
andapes not bothered with questions existence. so
and apes are not bothered with questions of existence, so why
are
shouldhumanbeings botheredbe with them?
should human beings be bothered with them?
Although mostpeopleput the qrrestiori why we are
Although most people put the question" of why we are
asideafteroccasional brief reflection. i.sextremely
created aside after occasional brief reflection, it is extremely
created
beings knowthe answer.
to Withoutknow-
critical for human beings to know the answer. Without know-
criticalfor human
ledge the correct answer. hutnanbeings become
ledge of the correct answer. human beings become indis- indis-
from the otheranimals aroundthern. Theanirnal
tinguishable from the other animals around them. The animal
tinguishable
anddesires eating, drinkingand pro-creating
necessities and desires of eating, drinking and pro-creating
necessities
become the purpose lrumanexistence default.and
by
become the purpose of human existence by default, and
is thenfocusedin this limitedsphere.
human effort is then focused in this limited sphere. When
human efTort When
developsinto the most importantgoalin
material satisfaction develops into the most important goal in
material satisfaction
t 'fhis vierv was expressedin his book The Repuhlicthroughhis rvell
I This view was expressed in his book The Republic through his well
knorvn metaphor of the cave. wlrere the changin-e physical rvorld is
known metaphor of the cave. where the changing physical world is
caston tlrc wall ol'a caveby gravenimages (Ihe
compared to shadows cast on the .all 0 r a cave by graven images (The
compared to shadows
New Encyciopaedia Britannica. vol.l .25. .p. .552).) .
N ew EncltclopaediaBr itunnica. v o 2 5 n 5 5 2
8. ThePurpose Creation
of
The Purpose ofCreation
tgJ
life, humanexistence
life, human existence becomes even more degraded than that
becornes evenmoredegraded than that
of the lowestofanimals.
of the lowest ofanimals. Human beings wi II consistently misuse
Humanbeings willconsistently misuse
their Go{-givenintelligence
their G04-given intelligence when they lack knowledge oftheir
whenthey lackknowledge oftheir
purpose of existence.The degraded
purpose of existence. The degraded human mind uses its
humanmind usesits
abilities to create drugsandbombsand becomes
abilities to create drugs and bombs and becomes engrossed in
engrossed in
fornication, pornography,homosexuality,
fornication, pornography, homosexuality, fortunetelling,
fortunetelling,
suicide,etc.Without knowledge
suicide, etc. Without knowledge ofthe purpose of life, human
purpose life, human
of
existenceloses meaning
all and is consequently
existence loses all meaning and is consequently wasted, and
wasted,and
the reward an eternallife happiness the hereafter
the reward of an eternal life of happiness in the hereafter is
in is
completelydestroyed. Therefore, is the utmostimportance
completely destroyed. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance
that humanbeingscorrectlyanswerthe question
that human beings correctly answer the question "Why are are
we here?"
we here?"
Humans most often turn to other humanbeings like
Humans most often turn to other human beingslike
themselves forthe auswers. However. only place thatclear
themselves for the answers. However. the only place
the that clear
and preciseanswers these questions can be found is in the
and precise answers to thesequestions be found is the
to can
books divine revelation. was necessary that God reveal
books of divine revelation. It was necessary God reveal
that
the purpose to man throughHis prophets. because
the purpose to man through His prophets. because human
human
beings are incapable arriving at the correct answers by
beings are incapable of arrivingat the correctanswers
themselves.
themselves. All of the prophets God taughttlreirfollowers
the prophets of God taught their followers
of
the answers to the question"Why did God createman?"
the answers the question God create man?"
Judeo-ChristianScriptures
Judeo-Christian Scriptures
A surveyof the Bible leavesthe honestseekerof truth
survey of the leaves the honest seeker of
lost. The Old Testament
lost. The Testament seemsmore concerned
seems more concerned with laws
laws
..
andthe historyof eariymanandthe Jewishpeoplethan with
and the history of early man and the Jewish people than
answering vital question
answering the vital question concerning
the concerning humaniry'screation.:!
humanity's creation.l
2 In
2 Isaiahthe Israelites createdfor God's glory, "'But norv thus says
Isaiah the Israelites are created tbr God's glory, .. IBut now thus says
are
the Lord. he who created you. 0 Jacob. he who formed you. 0 Israel: ...
the Lord. he rvhocreatedyou. O .lacob.he who formedyou. O lsrael:...
9. l-L
- T h ePurpose s e C r e o t i o n
TI,e P u r p o ofCreation
of -_ ..
In Genesis, God creates the world and Adam and Eve in six
ln Genesis, God creates world and Adam and Eve in six
the
days and 'rests' from His work on the seventh.3
days and 'rests' from His work on the seventh. J Adam and
Adam and
Eve disobeyGod and are punished
Eve disobey God and are punished and their son Cain kills
and their son Cain
their othei son AbDl and goes live in the land Nod.
their other son Abtl and goes to live in the land of Nod. And
God was 'sorry' that he had mademan!*
God was 'sorry' that he had made man!4 Why are the answers
arethe answers
not there in clear and unmistakable terms? Why is so much
not therein clearand unmistakable terms? Why is so much
symbolic.leavingthe reader guessat its
of the language symbolic, leaving the reader to guess at its
of the language
meanings? For example,in Genesis
meanings? For example, in Genesis 6:6 it is stated, "When
6:6 is stated, "When
on the faceof the ground,and daughters
men began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters
men begzur
were born them, the sons
were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters
saw that the daughters
of men were fair; and they took
of men were fair; and they took to wife such of them as they
such them as they
chose." Who are these "sons of God"? Each Jewish sect and
chose."Who arethese"sons God"? EachJewishsectand
the manyChristiansectswho followed them have
each of the many Christian sects who followed them have
each
their own explanations. Which is the correct interpretation?
their own explanations. Which is the correctinterpretation?
The truth is that the purpose man's creationwas taught by
The truth is that the purpose of man's creation was taught by
of
the prophets.of old, however,
the prophets. of old, however, some of their followers-in
some their followers-in
collusion with the
collusion with the devils-later changed the scriptures. The
the
changed scriptures. The
answers became vagueandmuch the revelationwas hidden
answers became vague and much of the revelation was hidden
in symbolic language. When God sent Jesus Christ to the
in symbolic language. When God sentJesus Christ the
''l
6'1 will say to the north. Give up. and to the south. Do not withhold: bring
sayto the north.Give up" and to the south- not rvithhold:bring
7
my sons from atar and my daughters fiom the end the eafih. evervonc
my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth. 7 every one
who is called by my name. whom I created for my glory, whom r tanned
who is calledby my name. created glory, rvhom I tbrmed
and made."' (Revised Vcrsion.lsaiah
and made.'" (Revised Standard Version. Isaiah 43: 1. 6-7.)
Standard 43:l- 6-7.)
t "tAnd on the
3 •• ~ And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done. and
seventh God finishedhis rvorks,hichhe had done.and
day
dal from all his work u'hich he had done.iSo
he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. 350
he rested on the seventh
God blessedthe seventhday and hallowedit. because
God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it. because on it God rested
on God rested
fiom all his work which hc had donein creation." (RSV. Genesis 2:2-3.1
from all his work which he had done in creation:' (RSY. Genesis 2:2-3.)
n
4 "And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth. and it
Lord was that hc had made man on the earth.and
grievedhim to his heart."(RSV. Cenesis 6:6.)
grieved him to his heart." (RSY. Genesis 6:6.)
10. ThePurposeof creation
Tile Purpose ofCreation f
Jews, he overturned tablesof thosemerchants
the
Jews, he overturned the tables of those merchants who had who had
set up businesses insidethe temple,S he preached
set up businesses inside the temple,' and he preached against
and against
the ritualistic interpretation
the ritualistic interpretation ofthe law practiced by the Jewish
oftlre law practicedby the Jewish
rabbis.He reaffrnned law of Prophet
the
rabbis. He reaffirmed the law of Prophet Moses and revived it.
Mosesandrevivedit.
He taught the purpose of life to his disciples and demonstrated
He taughtthe purpose life to his disciples
of anddemonstrated
how to fulfill it untilhislastmoments thisworld. However.
how to fulfill it until his last moments in this world. However.
in
after his departure From this w'orld.his rnessage also
after his depat1Ure from this world. his message was also was
distortedby some who claimed to be among his followers.
distorted by sorne who clairned be amonghis follorvers.
to
The clealtnrthhe brought became
The clear truth he brought became vague. like the messages
vague.like the messages
of tlre prophetsbefore hirn.symbolisrn
of the prophets before him. Symbolism was introduced,
was introduced.
especialll' through "Revelatiorrs" John,andthe Gospel
the
especially through the '''Revelations'' of John, and the Gospel
which was revealed Jesus to was lost.Four othergospels
which was revealed to Jesus was lost. Four other gospels
conrposed menvere
by chosen Athanasius,fourthcentury
bv
composed by men were chosen by Athanasius, a fourth century
a
6
bishop.6 replace lostGospel Jesus
to the
bishop, to replace the lost Gospel of Jesus Christ. And the
christ. And the
23 books of writings of Paul and othersincludedin the New
23 books writings Paulandothers included in the
7
Testament outnumbered
Testament outnumbered eventlrefour versiolrs the gospel.T
even the four versions of the gospel.
of
As a result, New Testament
a result, Testament readers
readers can'ot find precise
cannot precise
answersto the question
answers the question "Why did God createmanT,g And
did God create rnan?"s
'Luke
19:45 ( R S V )
<; Luke t 9 : 4 5(RSV).
6 The.'et,
Encyclopaedia Britannir.r, vo[. l4- p. gl4.
6 The .Vew Encu-c'lop,aedia Britannica, vol. 14. p. 814.
7
7 tn tlre rnicl-4th
In the mid-4th ccntur,'manuscnpt
century manuscript callecl Codc Sinaiticus. Letter
called C'odexSinaiticus. the Letter
tl.re
of Barnaba.sand the shepherd ol Hernrfl.rarc included as a part of the
of Barnabas and the Shepherd a/Hernias are included as a part of the
New Testament.
New Testament. (Tlrc Sew Encvclopctediu
(The N'ewEncyclopaedia Brirunnica.01. 14.p. gl4.)
Briwnnica. lol. 14. p. 814.)
t what
1 What rnaybe citedin the Kin-e.lames Versionas the purposeof creation,
may be cited in the King .lanres Version as the purpose o{'crcation.
Revelation II "'fhou art vonh.o Lord. ro rcceiveglory anclhonorand
Revelation 4:ll "Thou art worthy, 0 Lord. III receive glor-v(Inc! honor and
4:
porver:for thou hastcreatcd thin-ss. for thv pleasurethey are and
power: lilr thou hast created all things. and for thy pleasure they are and
all and
were created."is retranslated the Rerist-'d Standard Versionas:"worthr,.
were created." is retranslated in the Reised Standarcl
in Version as: "Worthy
art thou. our Lord and God. to reccrvcglor-rand honcur anclpog.er-.
art thou, our Lord and God. lO receive glory and honour and power. fbr for
thou didstcreateall things.and by thy will they existedand were created."
thou didst create all things. and by thy will they existedand were created.-'
11. The Purpose of Creation
The Purpose ofCreation
one is forced to blindly follow the contriveddogmasof
one is forced to blindly follow the contrived dogmas of
whateversectthey happento belongto or adopt.The gospels
whatever sect they happen to belong to or adopt. The gospels
are interpreted according eachsect'sbeliefs,and the seeker
are interpreted according to each secfs beliefs~ and the seeker
to
truth is againleft wondering,which one is correct?
of truth is again left wondering~ which one is correct?
The Incarnation God
The Incarnation of God
Perhaps only coffrmon
the concept mostChristiansects
to
Perhaps the only common concept to most Christian sects
regardingthe purpose
regarding the purpose of mankind~s creation is that God
mankind'screationis that God
becameman so that He could die at the hands men to
became man so that He could die at the hands of men to
cleanse themof sin inherited from Adam and his descendants.
cleanse them ofsin inherited from Adam and his descendants.
Accordingtothem,thissin hadbecome greatthat no human
According to them, this sin had become so great that no human
so
act of atonement repentance could eraseit. God is sogood
act of atonement or repentance could erase it. God is so good
that sinful man cannotstan'd
that sinful man cannot stan'd before Him. Consequently~ only
beforeHim. Consequently,
God's sacrifice Himselfcould savehumankind
of
God's sacrifice of Himself could save humankind from sin.
from sin.
in this man-made myth became the
Belief in this man-made myth became only source
the source
salvation, according the Church. Consequently~ the
for salvation, according to the Church. Consequently, the
Christianpurpose creationbecame recognitionof the
Christian purpose of creation became the recognition of the
of the
'divine sacrifice'
'divine sacrifice' andthe acceptance Jesus
and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as the
of Christ as the
Lord God. This may be deducedfrom the followirrgwords
God. This may be deduced from the following words
attributed Jesus the Gospelaccording to John,"For God
attributed to Jesus in the Gospel according John,
in
so loved the world that he Flovehis only Son, that whoever
the world he gave Son. whoever
believes in him should not perish but have eternal lift."'
believes have eternallife.,,9
ln Paul's letterto the Colossians explainsthat the rvorld was created
In Paul's letter the Colossians he explains that the world was created
he
fbr .lesusd5 He is the imageof the invisibleGod. the first-bomof all creation:
for Jesus "r5He the image of the invisible God. the first-born of creation:
.
r6for him
in all things were created. in heaven and earth. visible amI
16for in him all thingswere created.in heavenand on earth.visible anr:
invisible. rvhetherthrones or dominionsor principalitiesor authorities-
invisible. whether throne's dominions or principalities or authorities-
or
all thingswere createdthrough him and for him."(RSV.Colossians:15).
all things were created through him and for him."(RSV. Colossians |I: 15).
t J o h n 3 : 1 6( R S V ) .
9 John, . 16 (RSY).
3:
12. The Purpose of Creation
The of
However, ifthis is the purpose of creation and the prerequisite
However, is the purpose creation andthe prerequisite
for everlasting why was it rrottaughtby all the prophets?
life,
for everlasting life, why was it not taught by all the prophets?
Why did God not becomeman in the time Adam and his
Why did God not become man in the time of Adam and his
offspringso that all mankindwould havean equalchance
offspring so that all mankind would have an equal chance to
their purpose existence attaineverlasting
for and
fulfill their purpose for existence and attain everlasting life.
life.
did thosebeforeJesus'time haveanotherpurpose
Or did those before Jesus' time have another purpose for
existence? peopletoday whom God hasdestinednever
existence? All people today whom God has destined never
to hear Jesus alsohaveno chance to their supposed
to hear of Jesus also have no chance to fulfill their supposed
purpose creation. Sucha purpose. obviously
is too limited
purpose of creation. Such a purpose, is obviously too limited
the need humankind.
to fit the need of humankind.
Everything is God
Everything is God
The Hindu scripfuresteachthat thereare many gods,
The Hindu scriptures teach that there are many gods,
incarnations gods,persons God and that everythingis
of
incarnations of gods, persons of God and that everything is
God, Brahman. ln spite oftlre belief thatthe self(atman)
God, Brahman. In spite of the belief that the self (atman)
all living beingsis actuallyBrahtnan, oppressive
of alJ living beings is actually Brahman, an oppressive caste
an caste
systemevolved in which the Brahmans, priestly caste,
system evolved in which the Brahmans, the priestlycaste,
tlre
possess spiritualsupremacy birth.They are the teachers of
possess spiritual supremacy b5r by birth. They arethe teachers
the Vedas 10 and represent the ideal of ritual purity and social
the Vedastj and represent ideal ritual purity and social
the
prestige. the other hand, the Sudra caste are excluded from
On
prestige. On theotherhand. Sudra
the caste excluded
are from
religious status and their sale duty in life is "to serve meekly" I 1
religious status their soleduty in life is
and sewemeekly"ll
the otherthreecastes and their thousands subcastes.
the other three castes and their thousands of subcastes.
t" The l'eda,meaning "Knowleclge." a collective
10 The I 'eda, meaning is
·'Knowledge." is collective terrnfor revealed
term (sruti:
revealed (snili:
heard) sacred scripturesof the Hindus. All otherworks-in which the
heard) sacred scriptures of the Hindus. other works-in which the
actual doctrinesand practises I-lindus encoded-are recognized
actual doctrines and practises of Hindus are encoded-are recognized as
of are as
having being composed by human authors and are thus classed as smriti
having beingcomposed humanauthorsand are thus classed smriti as
(remembered). The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. vol. 20. p. 530.)
lrememberedl.( The New EncltclopaediaBritannica, vol. 20. p. 530.)
1 ManauaDharmasastra1.9t: (The New EncyclopaediaBritannica, vol.
" Manava Dharmasastra 1.91.(The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, vol.
2 0 ,p . 5 5 3 . )
20, p. 553.)
13. The, Purpose ofCreation
fn nrp"t, pt9rta*" ..
According to Hindu monist philosophers,
According to Hindu monist philosophers, humankind's
humankind's
purpose is the realizationof their divinity and-following a
purpose is the realization of their divinity and-following a
path (marga) to emancipation(moksha) from the wheel of
path (margq) to emancipation (moksha) from the wheel of
rebirth-the reabsorbtion the human soul (atman) into the
rebirth-the reabsorbtion of the human soul (atman) into the
ullimate reality, Brahman For those
ultimate reality, Brahman. For those following the bhakti
the bhakti
path,l2 the purpose is
path,12 the purpose is to love God because God created
loveGod because God created
humankind "enjby a
humankind to "enjoy a relationship-as a father enjoys his
a father enjoys his
(Srimad Bhagwatam). For the ordinary Hindu, the
children" (Srimad Blngwatam). the ordinary the
main aim of worldly lies in conformingto socialand ritual
main aim ofworldly life lies in conforming to social and ritual
duties, the traditional rules conduct
duties, to the traditional rules of conduct for one's caste-
one's caste-
the karma path.r3
the karma path. 13
Although most the religion the Vedic texts, which
Although most of the religion of the Vedic texts, which
revolves around rituals of
revolves around rituals of fire sacrifice, has been eclipsed
sacrifice,has beeneclipsed
Hindu docffines and practicesfound other texts, the
by Hindu doctrines and practices found in other texts, the
absolute authority and sacrednqss the Veda remains
absolute authority and sacredness of the Veda remains a
of
central tenetof virtually Hindu sectsand traditions.The
central tenet of virtually all Hindu sects and traditions. The
Veda is composed of four collections, the oldest of which is
Veda is composed four collections, oldestof which is
of the
the Rlgueda("Wisdom of the Verses").In thesetexts,God is
the Rigveda ("Wisdom of the Verses"). these texts, God is
described ~he most confusing terms. The religion reflected
describedin the mostconfusingterms.The religion reflected
in the Rigvedais a polytheismmainly concerned
inthe Rigveda polytheism concerned with appeasing
appeasing
deities associated with the sky and the atmosphere, "most
deities associated the sky and the atmosphere, the most
the
important ofwhich were Indra (god of the heavensand rain),
important ofwhich were of heavens and rain),
sacr~ficial
Baruna (guardianof the cosmic order),Agni (the sacrificial
(guardian of the cosmic order),
tt The path
11 path of devotion to a personalGod in which murtis (idols) are
of devotion personal murtis are
worshipped with the hope of goingto krishnaloko (a spiritual planet) in
worshipped with the hope of going to krishna/oka planet) in
their next lives.
their next lives.
1' The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, vol. 20. p.
13 The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. vol. 20. p. 520.
14. The Purpose ofCreation
The of Creotion
fire), andSurya (the Sun). In later Vedic texts, interest the
fire), and Surya (the Sun). In later Vedic texts, interest in the
early Rigvedic gods declines,and polytheismbegins be
early Rigvedic gods declines, and polytheism begins to be
replaced a sacrificial pantheism
replaced by a sacrificial pantheism to Prajapati (Lord of of
Creatures), is the All. ln the Upanishads (secretteachings
Creatures), who is the All In the Upanishads (secret teachings
concerning cosrnic equations),
concerning cosmic equations), Prajapati merges with the
merges the
concept Brahman,thesupreme reality and substance
concept of Brahman, the supreme reality and substance of
'universe,
the ~universe, replacing any specific personification, thus
the replacingany specific personification, thus
transforming the mythology into abstract philosophy. 14 If the
transformingthe mytholory into abstract philosophy.'o the
If
contents of thesescriptureswere that human beingshad
contents of these scriptures were all that human beings had
choose from guidance,one would have conclude
to choose from for guidance, one would have to conclude
that both and the purpose creationfrom
that God hid both Himself and the purpose of creation from
humankind.
humankind.
God is not the authorof confusion,nor doesHe wish
God is not the author of confusion, nor does He wish
mankind.Consequently, when He revealed
difficulty for mankind. Consequently, when He revealed
communication huqankind one thousand
His final communication to hUl1J.ankind one thousand four
hundred years ago,.He that was perfectly preserved
hundred years ago,.He ensured that it was perfectly preserved
ensured
for all of the gene~ations of human beings come. that
ofthe generations human beingsto come. In that
of
final scripture, Qur'an (Koran),God revealed purpose
final scripture, the Qur'an(Koran), God revealed His purpose
the
for creating mankind and, through His last propheLHe clarified
creating mankindand,through last prophet. He clarified
the detailswhich man coutdcornprehend. is orrthe
all of the details which man could comprehend. It is on the
all
basis of this revelation and the prophetic
basis this revelation the prophetic explanations that
and explanations that
we will analyze the precise
we answers the question
analyzethe precise answers to the question "Why
did God create man?" in the coming pages.
God createman?" the coming pages.
tn The New EncyclopaediaBritannica, vol. 20. pp. 529-530.
14 The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. vol. 20. pp. 529-530.
15. The Purpose ofCreation
The Purpose of Crcation
God Create?
Why Did God Create?
RoM THE potNT oF vtEw oF Goo, AN EvENmore
ROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF GOD, AN EVEN more
F fundamental question needs be asked,
fundamental question needs to be asked, "Why did
God create?" This questionshouldbe askedbecause
God create?" This question should be asked because
humankind is not, in fact, the greatest creation.God says
humankind is not, in fact, the greatest creation. God says in
ChapterGhaafir the final revelation:
Chapter Ghaafir of the final revelation:
'c';r f
/r..3'
....
jki #',
...,..1-111 ~f ~~ ...,..lf1, ~ ~
/fit f
"....
:r.r
JP~~I~ ~~ ~}
,-r't:jis,:,r,,*Lrr
.... ...
,tiJl
{~~~
{brH r
creation the heavensand
"Indeed, the creation of the heavens and the earth
is greater than the creation of mankind, but most
creation most
of mankind do not realize it."
realize it."
Qur'an 4A:57
Qur'an 40:57
The composition humanbeingsis far lesscomplex
The composition of human beings is far less complex
than the composition the universein which they exist.
than the composition of the universe in which they exist.
However, very few peoplereflect on this reatity. Because
However, very few people reflect on this reality. Because
of the apparent supremacy humanbeingsover the other
of the apparent supremacy of human beings over the other
creatures on this earth, man's journeysthrough space and the
creatures this earth,man'sjourneys throughspaceand the
on
continued advancement their technologyand knowledge,
continued advancement of their technology and knowledge,
humankindin everyagebecomes arrogant considers
humankind in every age becomes arrogant and considers itself
and
the greatestthing in this world. is worth noting that the
the greatest thing in this world. It is worth noting that the
humankind'samazingdiscoveries
majority of humankind's amazing discoveries are not
majority are not
concerningthe human being, but his surroundings.
concerning the human being, but his surroundings. Thus,Thus,
humaneffortstend be focusedon the material rather
human efforts tend to be focused on the material world rather
16. f n P r r p r t 0/ C r " t t i
The, Purpose " Creation
"f
trlt
.-
than humanbeings.In this verse,God bringshumanbeings
than human beings. In this verse, God brings human beings
backto their actualstatusin this world. Humankindis merely
back to their actual status in this world. Humankind is merely
a smallpartof the existence that resultedfrom the miraculous
a small part ofthe existence that resulted from the miraculous
act of divine creation.Thus, in orderto understand
act of divine creation. Thus, in order to understand why God
why God
created mankind,one first needsto answerthe even more
created mankind, one first needs to answer the even more
fundamental questionof why God created.
fundamental question of why God created.
The Creator
The Creator
Creation is fundamentally consequence the divine
the
Creation is fundamentally the consequence of the divine
attribute beingthe creator. creatorwho doesnot create
attribute of being the Creator. A creator who does not create
is something a contradictionin terms.This is not to say
is something of a contradiction in tenns. This is not to say
that God needsHis creation.God is free from all needs. is
that God needs His creation. God is free from all needs. It is
creation which needsHim. But, as the greatness a writer
creation which needs Him. But, as the greatness of a writer
becomes apparent his writings, the perfectionof the divine
in
becomes apparent in his writings, the perfection of the divine
creative attributeis manifest in creation.Creation the true
creative attribute is manifest creation. Creation in the true
senseis unique God alone.Although humans ascribe the
sense is uniqueto God alone. Althoughhumans ascribe the
act of creation themselves,
act ofcreation to themselves, whatthey do is not true creation.
what they not true creation.
Humankind merelymanipulates
Humankind merely manipulates what alreadyexists-what
what already exists-what
was already created by God. A table is madefrom wood
was already created God. table is made wood
which came from treesand is held togetherwith nails and
which came trees and held together nails and
screwsmadefrom metalthatcamefrom rocks.Humanbeings
screws made metal that came rocks. Human beings
did not makethe treesorthe rocks.In fact, all humancreations
make trees or the rocks. fact, human creations
can be tracedbackto basicelements
can be traced back basic elements which humanscannot
which humans cannot
make.Eventhe artist ocreates'
make. Even artist 'creates' designsbasedon what he has
designs based has
seen. It is not possibleto imaginewhat hasnot beenperceived
seen. It is not possible to imagine what has not been perceived
by the senses.
by the senses. Thus,all of the artist's thoughtsare reflections
Thus, all of the artist's thoughts are reflections
on what was alreadycreated.Only God alone createsfrom
on what was already created. Only God alone creates from
17. The Parpose of C.reation
Purpose of Creation
is incompreh~nsible to
nothing.This basicfact was and still is incomprehEnsible
nothing. This basic fact was and
some. Some ancientas well as modernphilosophers,
some. Someancient as as modern philosophers, who who
could comprehend God could createfrom nothing,
could not comprehend how God could create from nothing,
claimedthatthecreated world and its contents all originally
claimed that the created world and its contents are all originally
are
a part of GOd. 15 That is, according to them, God took a part
a part of God.'t That is, according them,God took a part
is
This conclusion based
of Himself and made the universe. This conclusion is based
of Himself and madethe universe.
who canonly 'create'by modiffing
on comp~ngGodtoman, who can only 'create' by modifying
on comparingGodtoman,
what already exists. However, God,denies any such
what already exists. However, God, denies any such
comparisons would give
comparisons which' would give Him human limitations. In
humanlimitations.
Chapter ash-Shooraa of the final revelation, He states:
Chapterash-Shooraa the final revelation,
of states:
{ ~~JAJ~,~ ~
~. ""i, ~ ;.'~ __
{}*lr g;*lJr,r'ri,f br -l
d'
}
' . '... }
"There is nothing like Him and He is the AII-
"There Him All-
Hearer and the All-Seer."
Qur'an 42:11
Qur'an 42: 11
Thus, the act creafionis a conSequence the divine
Thus, the act of creation.is a consequence of the divine
as the
attribute of being the Creator. God describes Himself as the
attribute beingthe Creatot.God describes
Creator in a variety ofverses throughout the final revelation to
Creator avariety ofversesthroughout final revelation
the
emphasize humankind everything
that belongs to alone.
emphasize to humankind that everything belongs to Him alone.
ts This is also Hindu belief regarding the supreme reality. Brahman. In
I! This is also Hindu regardingthe supremereality. Brahman. ln
the last (lOth) book of the Rigveda: in the "Hymn of the Cosmic Man"
the last (lOth) book the Rr'3n'eda: thein the Cosmic Man"
(Purusasukta), is said that the universewas createdout the parts
(PurusasukJa), it is said that the universe was created out of the parts of
the body of a singlecosmicman (Ptrrursa) rvhenhis body was burned and
the body ofa single cosmic man (Purl/sa) when his body was burned and
dismembered the primordial sacrifice.The tbur castesemergefrom his
dismembered at the primordial sacrifice. The four castes emerge from his
at
body: the priest(Brahman)from the mouth.the wanior (Raianya)from the
body: the priest (Brahman) from the mouth. the warrior (Rajanya) from the
(Vaisya)from the thighs.and the servant(Sudra)from
arms. the peasant (Vaisya) from the thighs. and the servant (Sudra) from
arms. the peasant
Britannica,vol. 20. p. 531).
the legs. (The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, vol. 20. p. 53 I ).
the legs.(The NewEncltclopaedia
18. l-L
The Purpose ofCreation
of Creation _ _
{~J ~~ JS" Js. JA J~~ Y ~~ ~l}
"Allah is the Creator of all things and He is the
"Allah Creator of
agent on which all things depend."
agent things depend."
Qur'an 39:62
Qur'an 39:62
{~P~J~~IJ}
tt;,;; ur;35iiii,rry
"And Allah created you all and whatever you do."
"And Allnh crested
Qur'an 37:96
Qur'an 37:96
Man needs realizethat nothingtakesplace in this
Man needs to realize that nothing takes place in this
universewithout the permission God. seekprotection
universe without the permission of God. To seek protection
seek acquire good from any sourceother
from evil or to seek to acquire good from any source other
from
many people
than God is a major mistake. Due to ignorance, many people
than God is a major mistake.Due ignorance,
attempt avoid misfornrneand gain good fortune through
attempt to avoid misfortune and to gain good fortune through
a variety of charmsand amulets,astrology,palmistry, etc.
a variety of channs and amulets, astrology, palmistry, etc.
Consequently, in the final revelation, Chapter al-Falaq, God
Consequently, the final revelation, Chapteral-Falaq, God
informs hum~n beings to·seek refuge-in God from evil:
informs humanbeingsto.seekrefugrin God from evil:
ty 6? u P,q'r'tii'y}
"Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn, from
seek Lord
the evil of what He has created."
of what has
Qur'an n113:1-22
Qur'a I l3:1-
Allah, God Almighty, is not evil; He is good.He created
Allah, God Almighty, is not evil; He is good. He created
a world which evil goodcan be doneby beings whom
a world in which evil or good can be done by beings to whom
gavethis ability. However,no evil good can take place
He gave this ability. However. no evil or good can take place
in this world withoutthe permission God..Thisis why
in this world without the permission of God .. This is why it
is futile turn to othersbesides help and protection.
is futile to turoto others besides God for help and protection.
God
19. The Purpose of Creation
The Purpose of Creation - n7l
__
{~ IJb~ ~1 r:,o~ ~ y~i La}
{i'
'11.,.*=.a -'t:ei 6)
a
'" 9i9
"" ,,~ -"
"No calamity strikes except
"No calamity strikes except by Allah's permission"
permission"
Qur'an,n64: :III
Qur'a 64 l
.
The final prophet of God, Muhammad (~), further
The final prophet God, Muhammad(ffi), furrher
elaborated on this concept, saying, "Be aware that if the whole
elaborated this concept,saying,"Be owore that if the whole
on
mankindgatheredtogetherto do something help you.
of mankind gathered together to do something to help you,
they only be able to do
they would only be able to do somethingfor you which Alloh
u,hichAllah
had already written for you: Likewise. if the whole ofmankind
had already writtenfor you: Likewise,f the whole of mankind
gathered together to harm you, they
gathered together to harm you, they would only be able to
be able
do something harm
do something to harm you which Allah had already written
Allah
,,16
tto happen to you.
o happento yott."t6
The The Forgiving
The Merciful, The Forgiving
In the creation humankirrd, divineattributes
In the creation of humankind, the divine attributes of
the of
forgiveness, mercyandkindness alsomanifested. Human
are
forgiveness, mercy and kindness are also manifested. Human
beings were created good and pure with a naturalawareness
beings were created good and pure a natural awareness
goodandevil. The Almighty alsocreated humans desires.
of good and evil. The Almighty also created in humans
in desires,
and gavethem an ability controlthose desires according
and gave them an ability to control thosedesires according
to divine law to turn them looseand follow them blindly.
to divine law or to tum them loose and follow them blindly.
God created mankind knowing that they would disobeyHim.
God created mankindknowingthatthey would disobey Him.
Consequently, Hetaughthumanbeings,
Consequently, He taught human beings, beginning
beginning with Adam,
Adam,
how to repent and therebypurifo themselves their sins.
how repent and thereby purify themselves of of sins.
Adam and Eve represent a patternfor all mankindto follow.
Adam and Eve represent pattern
a mankind
16
16 Reported by 'Abbaasand collected
Reported by' Abbaas and collectedby at-Tirmithee
at-Tirmi!hee and authenticated
and authenticated
in Saheeh. Sunan at-Tirmi!flee, vol. 2.pp. 308-9.no. 2043.
in $afueefoSunan at-Tirmifuee, 2. pp. 308-9. no. 2043.
vol.
20. I -^ L
The Purpose 0/ Creation
of Crcation U
They forgot the commandment God, and Satan playedon
They forgot the commandment of God, and Satanplayed on
of
desires. After they had disobeyed
their desires. they had disobeyed God, they turnedback
God, they turned back
repentance, He forgavethem.In humankind's
and
to Him in repentance, and He forgave them. In humankind's
disobedience turningback God in repentance, divine
disobedience and turning backto God in repentance, the divine
and the
and infinite mercy become
attributes of total forgiveness and infinite mercy become
attributesof total forgiveness
manifest. The final Prophet (~) informed his followers of this
manifest. (x;)
The final Prophet informedhis followers this
reality, saying, "Ifyou did not commit sins and turn to Allah,
reality, saying,"lf commit sins turn Allah.
seeking His forgiveness, He would have replaced you with
seeking forgiveness, He have
another people who would sin, ask Allah's forgivenessand
another people who sin, ask forgiveness
He wouldforgive them. ,,17 Every one of the 114 Chapters of
He would.forgive them."'t Everyone the ll4 Chapters of
exceptone,begins with the prayer,"ln
the final revelation, except one, begins with the prayer, "In
the final revelation,
the name Allah,the Beneficent Most Merciful."Allah's
the
the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Most Merciful." Allah's
attributes mercyand forgiveness stressed encourage
are to
attributes of mercy and forgiveness are stressed to encourage
humansnot fall into despair. matterhow greatthe sins
humans not to fall into despair. No matter how great the sins
may be,God can forgivethem if manturns
of human beings may be, God can forgive them ifman turns
humanbeings
back to Him in sincere repentance. The Messenger (~) was
back in sincere repentance. Messenger was
The (x)
quotedassaying,"When createdthe universe, made
He
quoted as saying, "When Allah created the universe, He made
an obligation on [recordedJ documentkept by
an obligation on Himself [recorded} in a document kept by
Him: mercysupersedes mywrqtfr."l8He wasalsoreponed
Him: My mercy supersedes my wrath." 18 He was also reported
to have said,"[Allah createdJmercyv,ith one hundredparts,
to have said, "[Allah created} mercy with one hundred parts.
one of whichwas sentdown upan thejinn, humanbeingsand
one ofwhich was sent down upon thejinn. human beings and
ather beings. is out oJ'thisone that they love
other living beings. It is out ofthis one part that they love
eventhe animals
each other, show kindness to each other and even the animals
each other, showkindnessto eachother
treat lheir ffipring affiction. has reservedthe
treat their offspring with affection. Allah has reserved the
17
" Sohih Muslint,vol. 4. pp. 1435-6.no. 6621. reportedby Aboo Ayyoob
Sahih Muslim. vol. 4. pp. 1435-6. no. 6621. reported by Aboo Ayyoob
al-An~aaree.
al-AnEaaree.
t' Sahih Muslim, vo!. 4. p. 1437. no. 6628. reported by Aboo Hurayrah.
18 SohihMuslint,vol.4. p 1437.no,6628.reported Aboo Hurayrah.
by
21. I L
The Purpose ofCreation
The Purpose of Creation
_
remaining ninety-nine
remammg ninety-nine parts for His true worshippers on the
for His true worshipperson the
Day ofResurrection. ,,19e
Day of Resurr ect i on." I
Had Allah wished,He could havecreated
Had Allah wished, He could have created mankind like
mankind like
angels,incapable committingsin. However,that was not
angels, incapable of committing sin. However, that was not
His wish, as He had already
His wish, as He had already created angels. Human beings
created angels.
Humanbeings
were created capable makingmistakes
were created capable of making mistakes and when they
and when they
realize their errors and seekCod's forgiveness, divine
realize their errors and seek God's forgiveness, the divine
the
attributes mercy and forgiveness
attributes of mercy and forgiveness become manifest.
becomemanifest.
SupremeJustice
Supreme Justice
In thejudgment mankindat the end this world,
In the judgment of mankind at the end of this world,
God's attributes supreme justiceand fairness
God's attributes of supreme justice and fairness also become
alsobecome
manifest. Basedon His infinite knowledge,
manifest. Based on His infinite knowledge, God could have
God could have
createdall members the humanracewho were
created all members of the human race who were to live onlive on
earthand immediately placedsome them in paradise and
earth and immediately placed some of them in paradise and
the remainder hell.Beforecreatingman,Allah alreadyknew
in
the remainder in hell. Before creating man, Allah already knew
what choices theywould makein this life, what provision and
what choices they would make in this life, what provisionand
opportunities would give them, and in what state of belief
opportunities He would give them,and in what state belief
He of
disbelief they would die. Therefore, one sense it could
or disbelief they would die. Therefore, in one sense could
in
be said that some peoplewere created paradise
be saidthat somepeople were created for paradise and others
and others
hell. 'Aa'ishah, of the Prophet Muhammad (~),
for hell. 'Aa'ishah, wife of the ProphetMuhammad(*g),
quoted him as saying,"Don't
quoted him as saying, "Don't you lcnou,know that Allah created
that created
paradise and hell, and He crealed inhabitants for each?"2o
hell, created inhabitants for each?,,20
If God had immediately
If God had immediately placedthoseheaded paradise
placed those headed for paradise in
paradise,
paradise, they would not question
they would not question God's decision.
God's decision. Thosein
Those
t n I b i d . .v o l . 4 . p 1 4 3 7 .
19 Ibid .. vol. 4. p. 1437. n o . 663 I. .reported d y A b o o H u r a y r a h .
no. 6 6 3 1 r e p o r t e b Aboo Hurayrah.
by
t o I b i d . .v o l . 4 . p
20 Ibid .. vol. 4. p. 1 4 0 0 . o . 6 4 3 5 .
1400. n 6435.
no.
22. The Purpose of Crestion
The Purpose ofCreation
paradise would happilyaccept everlasting of blissand
paradise would happily accept an everlasting life of bliss and
an life
be thankful that they were not placedin helr. However,those
be thankful that they were not placed in hell. However, those
immediately placedin hell would askwhy. They would feel
immediately placed in hell would ask why. They would feel
a sense unfairness to their ignorance what theywould
of due
a sense ofunfaimess due to their ignorance of what they would
of
have done had they lived on earth. Those in hell would
have done had they lived on earth.Thosein hell would
relentlesslyarguethat had they beengiven a chanceto live
relentlessly argue that had they been given a chance to live
out their lives on earth, they would have believed and don~
out their liveson earth,they would haveberieved done and
righteousdeeds. consequently,
righteous deeds. Consequently, Allah allows human beings
Allah allowshumanbeings
to live out their Iiveson earthand makeall the choices
to live out their lives on earth and make all the choices they
they
would havemade, thateveryone
so
would have made, so that everyone who enters hell will know
who enters heil know
that theychose by themselves.
hell They
that they chose hell by themselves. They will recognize God's
recognize God's
mercy in their lives and acknowledge their sin in rejecting
mercy in their livesandacknowledge their sin in rejecting
His signs andguidhnce.
His signs and guidance. A.nd they will accept His judgment
A'd they accept judgment
His
as being just and beyond reproach. However, they will still
as beingjust and beyondreproach.However. they sti II
beg for another
beg for another chance to do good in this world. as cod says
chance do good in this world, as God says
to
in Chapter as-Sajdaft the Qur'an:
in Clrapter of the Qur'an:
as-Sajdah of
l-i~' ~~;.f~ ~ ~;~ r j-{ri iyr+.Jr it s; "f:}
t-i;di dr'r+r'+'#;, I;...fU ~;~,~! l.S} Jf~}
t rrti 6tvta,1;';;
{ ~A; If! ~~ ~ grti t:;;,
/
~~~ ~~ /
"If only you could see[the timel when the sinners
"If see lthe time) when the sinners
will bow their headsbefore their Lord, [sayingf,
will their heads before their Lord, [saying],
tour Lord! We have now seen and heard, so send
'Our Lord! We have now seen and heard, so send
us back and we will do righteous deeds,Verily; we
us back and we will do righteous deeds. Verily; we
now believewith certaintv.' ""
now believe with certainty.'
Qur'an, 32: 12
Qur'an,32:12
23. Purpose of Creation
The Purpose o[Crestion r
However, if Allah were to sendthem backto this world
However, if were send them back
having forgottenwhat they hadseenof hell, they would again
having forgotten whatthey had seen of hell, they again
choose evil and end up in hell as before.God spokeabout
choose and end as before. God spoke about
this in Chapteral-An'aaml
Chapter ai-An 'aam:
... '"
{iJ;~~ ~!J ~
I' ...
'*
{iji,iJ d* w i# e iririiit'r'i'r11
• 0.1
~ 'J~Al 'J~) JlJ}
.. C/I A ~ ......
"But if they were returned [to this worldl' they
"But if [to world],
would certainly go backlo what was forbidden to
back.to what
thelD. they liars."
them. Indeed thev are liars."
Qur'an, 6:28
Qur'an,6:28
Divine Love
God's love is manifestin beingsbroughtinto existence,
God's love is manifest in beings brought into existence,
disbeliever, enjoy life, if only
whether believer or disbeliever, to enjoy life, if only for a
whether believer a
brief moment. It i~ also realized in the creation
moment. is also realizedin the creation paradise
of paradise
thosewho chooserighteousness evil.
over statesin
for those who choose righteousness over evil. Allah states in
that He lovesthosewho do good(5:13),
the final revelation that He loves those who do good (5: 13),
the final revelation
(5:42),thosewho are pious(9:4), those
those who are just (5:42), those who are pious (9:4), those
those who are
who are patient(3:146),those put their trust
who are. patient (3: 146), those who put their trust in Him
in repentance
(3: 159), those who frequently tum to Him in repentance and
(3:159), thosewho frequentlyturn to and
those who puriff themselves (2:222).However, is He who
those who purify themselves (2:222). However, it is He who
has definedfor humanbeingsthroughthe scriptures the and
has defined for human beings through the scriptures and the
prophets what is good,just and pious.ConseQuently,
prophets what is good, just and pious. Consequently, thosethose
who follow the prophets mostbelovedto God.ln Chapter
who follow the prophets are most beloved to God. In Chapter
are
'lmraan, Allah instructedProphetMuhammad'(#E) say
Aal 'Imraan, Allah instructed Prophet Muhammad- (~) to say
to
the following to the believers:
the following to the believers:
'"3r'-;ei"-t
{~j~ ~ ~J ~ ~::;.,; ~~~ ~, ~ kJ ~ ~!}
li"$;il ,rrt:hr oi7.r;r bll
t&;i
24. fh" P"rprt" rf Crettir,
The Purpose ofCreation WI
_
65If you really love Allah,
"If you really love Allah, follow me and Allah will
follow me and Allah witl
you and forgive your sins."
loveyou and forgive your sins."
love
Qur'an n3 : 3I
Q u r ' a 3:31
The prophetsshould be followed not only in the
The prophets should be followed not only in the
compulsoryacts ordained by God, but also in their eagerness
compulsory actsordainedby God, but also in their eagerness
to do acts of voluntary worship.
to do acts of voluntary worship.
The love of God is also manifestin His mercyand
The love of God is also manifest in His mercy and
blessings which He grantsfo thosewho deserve
blessings which He grants fo those who deserve them as well
them as well
as thosewho do not. But, is particurarry
as those who do not. But, it is particularly manifest in His
manifestin His
willingnessto forgive the sins whomsoever
willingness to forgive the sins of whomsoever turns to Him
turnsto Him
in sincererepentance. From the creation Adam and Eve,
in sincere repentance. From the creation of Adam and Eve,
repentancewas granted to them erasetheir sins as an
repentance was granted to them to erase their sins as an
example to all human beings who would follow them into
example all humanbeingswho would them into
this world.
this world. No matterhow great humansins rnaybecome,
matter how greathuman sinsmay become, the the
door for sincere repentance
door sincere repentance remainsopen until the lastday
remains open until the last day
of this world. AnasquotedAllah's Messenger as saying,
(~)
of this world. Anas quoted Allah's Messenger (#) as saying,
"Allah. the Almighty, has said.-O son of Adam, as long as
the has said: 0 son ofAdam,
you call on Me and ask of Me, I will forgive what you hate
you call ask ofMe, I will forgive have
done, and II do not mind. O son of Adam. evenif your sins
done, mind. 0 son ofAdam. even ifyour sins
reachedthe cloudsandyou askedIrIyforgiveness,II witt
reached clouds andyou asked My forgiveness, willforgive
forgive
you. O son of Adam, ,f you came to Me with sins nearly as
you. 0 son ofAdam, ifyou came to Me with sins nearly as
great as the earth and you met Me without giving Me partners,
great as the earth andyou met Me without Me partners,
II will give you a similar amountofforgiveness."2l
will give you a similar amount offorgiveness. ,,21
2f
21 collected by at-Tirmithee and authenticatedin galre
Collected by at-Tirmi!hee and authenticated in Sab.eeb. Sunan at-
elt sunan at-
Tirmilhee,vol. 3. pp. 175-6. no. 2805.
Tirmifhee, vol. 3. pp. 175-6. no. 2805.
25. The Purpose ofCreation
Grace
Divine Grace
paradise, they will not enter it solely based
As forthose in pmadise, will enter solely based
on their good deeds.It is the graceof God that will ultimately
good deeds. It grace of will ultimately
Prophetof Allah (#) said in this
carry them there.The final Prophet of
carry them there. The (~) said
regard, "Try your best to do right, and be l*ppy. For none
regard, "Try your best be happy. For none
will enterparadise onlybecause hisdeeds."His companions
will enterparadise only because of
ofhis deeds. " companions
said, "0 Messenger Allah! Not even you?" He replied,"Not
said, "O Messenger of Allah!
of evenyou?" He replied, "Not
even I, unless Attah envelops me in His mercy and gtace.z2
even I, unless Allah envelopsme His mercy grace. 22
Allah one
And bear in mind that the deed most loved by Allah is one
thst the deed most
done constantly, even though it is small."Z3However, God's
done constantly,eventhough small. ,,23 However,
arbitrary. is basedon both correct faith and
grace is not arbitrary. It is based on both correct faith and
grace is
'Imraan,
righteous deeds. In Chapter Aal 'Imraan, Allah says:
righteousdeeds. ChapterAill says:
't
Jo'Hl,i ~::. I~ ~~ ,f q.Ai'p'ai y-alu. ",iI
~! ~~ ~ e#urrv : ; J ~~f ';:..s. ill f' ;J~ ~~ :;}
"q
{iiru r p; ,+r+
{~J~Hal ~ ;.A ~ J
"Whoever brings a good deed, will have [the
"Whoever brings will [the
an deed
value of] ten like it, and whoever brings an evil deed
ofl and
be punished one and they will
will only be punished with one like it, and they will
will
not be wronged."
be wronged.tt
Qur'ann6 :1600
Q u r ' a 6: 1 6
WereGodtohold humankind account
to strictly,no one's
Were God to hold humankind to account strictly, no one's
would outweightheir evil deeds. However,God
good deeds would outweigh their evil deeds. However, God
good deeds
has manifested graceby multiplyingthe value good
has manifested His grace by multiplying the value of good
His
deeds,while keeping evil deeds their facevalue. It is by
deeds, while keeping evil deeds at their face value. It is by
at
22 Sahih Muslim, vol. 4. p. 1473. no. 6765. reported by Aboo Hurayrah.
22 Sahih Muslim, vol. 4, p. 1473.no. 6765.reportedby Aboo Hurayrah.
23
" Sahih Muslim, vol. 4, pp 1473-4.no. 6770.reported by 'Aa'ishah.
Sahih Muslim, vol. 4. pp. 1473-4. no. 6770. reported by "Aa'ishah.
26. The Purpose 0/ Creation -
I 241
Il
the graceof God that the true believersenter paradise.This
the grace of God that the true believers enter Paradise. This
doesnot mean that deeds have no fO,le. Deeds have a major
does not meanthat deedshaveno role. Deedshavea major
role, but they are not the deciding factor. God's grace
role, but they are not the deciding factor. God's grace
outweighsthem.
outweighs them.
Consequently,the creationof humanbeings,the errors
Consequently, the creation of human beings, the errors
that they make and the good that they do are all circumstances
that they makeandthe goodthat they do are all circumstances
for the manifestation of God's attributes of mercyand
for the manifestation of God's attributes of mercy and
forgiveness, attributeofjustice and His attributeof grace.
His
forgiveness, His attribute ofjustice and His attribute of grace.
Humankind should not question why God choseto
Humankind should not question why God chose to
manifest His attributesin this way. can only be assumed
manifest His attributes in this way. It can only be assumed
that this was the bestway, because
that this was the best way, because Allah describes Himself as
describes as
being the wise and the
being the Most Wise and the Most Knowledgeable. Humans
Knowredgeable. Humans
can only understand what Allah chooses reveal them.
can only understand what Allah chooses to reveal to them.
to
'c'?i*#
{",ia ~!~~<~~~~~}
{~~ ~ lr +dr r;}
"They will only encompassof His trnor"hAge what
"They will encompass of knowledge what
He wishes.tt
wishes."
Qur'an 2:255
Qur'an 2:255
Thus, theyshould not try to equatethemselves
Thus, they should equate themselves with God.
God.
If He hastold humankind
If has humankind why He decidedto do somerhing,
decided something,
it is not for them to questionwhy He decidedto decide.such
it is not for them to question why He decided to decide. Such
questionsare without end andthus beyondhuman scope.It
questions are without end and thus beyond human scope. It
is theywho will be questionedon the Day of Judgmentabout
is they who will be questioned on the Day of Judgment about
their actionsandintentions andnot He.In chapteral-Ambiyaa,
their actions and intentionsand not He. In Chapter al-Ambiyaa,
Allah addresses point:
Allah addresses this point:
this
{.jU"Ji,W_6itu"t}
27. The Purpose of Creation
ofCreation
"He cannot be questioned as to what He does,while
"IIe questioned as what does, while
will.be questioned."
they will be questioned."
Qur'an. 21 l:23 3
Qur'an,2 :2
In this regard Prophet Muhammad (~) was reported by
this regardProphetMuhammad(*) was reported
'Abbaasto have said, "Reflect on the creation ofAllah but
Ibn 'Abbaas havesaid,"Reflecton the creation of AIIah
do not reflect on Allah."2oTo reflect on the reality of Allah is
do reflect on Allah. ,,24 reflect on the reality of Alldh is
reflect on the infinite. And, as the mind boggles when
to reflect on the infinite. And, as the mind boggleswhen it
reflects on the of the universeandthe galaxiesand
reflects on the limits of the finite universe and the galaxies and
stars within it, it will be more confounded when it attempts
stars it, be more confounded when attempts
to understand the uncreated. The Prophet (~) warned that the
the
understand uncreated. The Prophet(ff) warnedthat the
satanic forceswould seek introduce doubtsin the hearts
satanic forces would seek to introduce doubts in the hearts
questions aboutGod.
of the believers by raising unanswerable questions about God.
the believers raisingunanswerable
by
Aboo Hurayrah related that Allah' sMesseng~r (~) said,
Aboo Hurayrah relatedthat Allah's Messenger said, (S)
"Sstan will come everyoneof you ask: Who
"Satan will come to everyone ofyou and ask: Who created
this and that?-until he questions: Who created your Lord?
this that?-until he questions; Whocreated
Wen he comes that, one should seekrefuge
When he comes to that, one should seek refuge in Allah [say: fsay:
I ffirm my faith in and HisprophetsJ25 avoid
1 affirm my faith in Allah and His prophets)25 and avoid and
[such thoaghts]. ,,26
[such thofrghtsJ."26
ta Collected by Aboo NU}liym in gl-lf.ilyah and authenticated by al-
24 Collected by Aboo Nugym inql-Hiah and authenticated al- by
Albaanee in Silsilah al-A!l.aadeeth a~-S.a!l.eebah, vol. 4. p. 12. no. 1788.
Albaanee in Silsilahal-Aftaadeeth as--Sakeehah, 4. p 12. no. | 788,
vol.
'Umar collectedby ag-Jabamanee
There is also a similar narrationfiom Ibn
There is also a similar narration from Ibn 'Umar collected bya!-Iabaraanee
in al-Awsaland al-Bayhaqee .Sftu'ab
in al-Awsa{ and al-Bayhaqee in Shu 'ab al-Eemaan.
in al-Eemaan.
25 SahihMttslim,vol. l- p 77. nos.242 &.2,43.
25 Sahih Muslim, vol. L p. 77. nos. 242 & 243.
'u lbid., vol. l, p. 77. no. 244 andSahihAl-BuWnri, vol. 4, p. 320, no, 496.
26 Ibid., vol. 1, p. 77. no. 244 and Sahih AI-Bukhari, vol. 4, p. 320~ no. 496.
28. rt
The Purpose of Creation
ofCreation il
Why Did God Create Mankind?
God Create
RO~ TF{E PERSPECTTVE HUMANKIND,
noM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HUMANKIND, THE
F
T.t
I
F{
qUESTION
what purpose
did God createman?" implies
QUESTION "Why did God create man?" implies "For
wasman created?" the final revelation,
ln
what purpose was man created?" In the final revelation,
this question is answered without any ambiguity.Humans
this question is answered without any ambiguity. Humans
informed God that every humanbeing is born
are first informed by God that every human being is born
are
with an innate consciousness of God. In Chapter al-A 'raq/~
an innateconsciousness God. Chapteral-A'raq/:
of
Allah said:
Allah said:
~ itA¥) ~~~ ~?~ ~ ~;~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~!)}
JF:qli; ilJrl e:*b i;; .F b {; ;;f i11}
~ It' ~lii, '. , i. ~:: ~i lr -~ i: i .l . ~~, ~- · 'i·'fi;;i
~' - r'rlfbf ~~ ii'i &t U*ti ~fi
ei *l y[ilr ~Jt y~ *y -,r,. r-l:............,~.
y
',.-'^{r::t
g', ,F b u;qtl Gl jrr'ti'g#,vt:,^
~ i;~~ ~~ Jj ~ uJ1i~ ~~i Wl ij~ ~i ~~ ,lA :f
!'-hi f
{ ~ ~i, v- ~: ~i· ~
.It..·~
{ii9I'r ',;i - ~,.
"[Rememberl
"l,w':k#!tb$
"[Remember) when your Lord extracted from the
Lord extracted
loins of Adam's children their descendants and
loins children descendants and
made them 'Am
made -them testify [saying]: 'Am I not your Lord?'
L,ord?'
[sayingl:
They said: 'Yes,
They said: 'Yes, we testify to it.' [This was) in
testify [This was]
say on the Day Judgment: 'We were
case you say on the Day of Judgment: 'We were
case
unaware this.t Or you say: tlt was
unaware of this.' Or you say: 'It was our ancestors
ancestors
who worshipped others besides God and we are
worshipped others besidesGod and are
•
descendants.Will you then destroy us
only their descendants. Will you then destroy us
for what those liars did?'"
thoseliars did?'"
Qur'an,7:172-3
Qur' an, 7: 172-3
29. The Purpose of Creation
The Purpose of Creation
The Prophet (~) explained that when Allah created Adam,
The Prophet(#) explained thatwhenAllah created Adam,
He took from him a covenant a placecalledNa'maanon
He took from him a covenant at a place called Na'maan on
at
the 9th day 7 ofthe 12th month. He then extracted from Adam
the fth dut'' of the 12thmonth.He then exffactedfrom Adam
all of his descendants would be born until the end
who
all of his descendants wltowould be born until the end of
the world, generationafter generation,
the world, generation after generation, and spread them out
and spreadthem out
before to take a covenantfrom them also.He spoke
before Him to take a covenant from them also. He spoke to
them, face to face, making them bearwitnessthat He was
them, face to face, making them bear witness that He was
their Lord. 28 Consequently, every human being is responsible
their Lord.z8 Consequently, eveiy humanbeingis responsible
for belief in God, which is imprintedon eachand every soul.
for belief in God, which is imprinted on each and every soul.
is based this inborn
on that Allah definedthe purpose
It is based on this inborn belief that Allah defined the purpose
humankind'screationin Chapteragh-Thaariyaat:
of humankind's creation in Chapter ath- Thaariyaat:
{IJJ"w ~l ~~I) ~ ~ I.A)}
{ir:**l 1! .r"!lt ;,+Jtc-il+ r.'1}
ttl did not create the jinn2eand the humankind
"I create jinn?9
except they should
except that they, should worship Me."
Qur'ann5 l :56
Q u r ' a 51 : 5 6
Thus, the essential
Thus, the essential purposefor whiclr humankindwas
purpose which humankind was
created is the worship of God. However, the
created is the worship of God. However,the Almighty is not
is
need humanworship. He did not create human beings
in need of human wors[rip.He did not createhumanbeings
17
27 Known as the day of 'Arafaat.
as the day of 'Arafaat.
2t Collected
28 Collected by Almad and authenticated Siisi/ah al-Ahaadeetha§.-
Ahmad and authenticated in Silsilah al-A!laadeeth as-
$.a!J.ee!lah. vol.'4,p. 158,no. 1623.
$afteefuah, vol:4, p. 158, no. 1623.
2e The;inn are
29 Thejinn are a classof invisible rationalbeings created
class invisible rational beings created by God from the
elementsof fire. They were endowedby God with free will, like mankind.
elements offire. They were endowed God free will, mankind.
Consequently,
Consequently, some of them are righteousbelievers and othersare evil
some of them are righteous believers and others are
disbelievers.
disbelievers. The evil among them are commonlycalleddemons.evil
The among them are commonly called demons. evil
spirits,devils.etc.
spirits, devils. etc.
30. Purpose ofCreation
The Parpose of Creation
out of a needon His part.If not a singlehumanworshipped
of need on part. If not single human worshipped
God, it would not diminish His glory in any w&], and if all
God, diminish any way, and if
of mankind ~orship~ed Him, it would not increase glory
of mankindworshipp.ed would not increase His
in any way. God is perfect. He aloneexistswithout any
any way. God is perfect. He alone exists without any
beings have needs. Consequently, is
needs. All created beingshaveneeds.
needs.All created Consequently, it is
humankindthat needs worshipGod.
humankind that needs to worship God.
The Meaning of Worship
Meaning
understand why humanbeingsneedto worship God,
To understand human beings need worship God,
what is meant theterm 'worship.'
one must first understand what is meant by the term 'worship.'
onemustfirst understand
'worship' comes from the Old English
The English term 'worship' comesfrom the Old English
The English term
weorthscipe meaning'honor.' Consequently, worship in the
weorthscipe meaning 'honor.' Consequently, worship in the
'the performance devotional
of
English language definedas
English language is defined as 'the performance of devotional
is
man
acts in honor of a deity. ,30 According to this meaning, man
acts honor a deity.'30Accordingto this meaning,
is instructed to ~how gratitude to God by glorifying Him. In
is instructed show gratitude God glorifuing
Chapter an-Na~r of the final revelation, Allah says:
Chapter an-Na;r the final revelation, Allah says:
{drh'#l
"Glorify the praises your
"Glorify the praises of your Lord."
Qur'an l0:3
I
Qur'an 110:3
to
gloriffing God, man chooses be harmony
In glorifying God, man chooses to be in harmony
the rest creationwhich naturallyglorifies its
with the rest of creation which naturally glorifies its
Creator. addresses this phenomenon many
Creator. Allah addresses this phenomenon in many
chapters of the Qur'an. For example, in Chapter al-lsraa,
chapters the Qur'an.For example,in Chapteral-Israa,
Allah states:
states:
3o The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary. p. 1148.
30 The Living lhebster Encltclopedic Dictionarrr, p. I 148
31. The Purpose ofCreation
ThePurposeof Creation
;! ~~ ~ ~!j ~ :;j ~~~j ~ ~J~ ;j ilJ]
rl :F tt')'4 c1,io'st[Ir Lr3ttr rt ~}
"y { ~ ~ JfMi ~ ~J"
tiithJ-J rtitir r l5[ o~:~,
" " • ~ , :".~ ". ~I' , ",
1F|#-
*The seyen heavens
"The seven heavens and the earth and whatever
eerth whatever
is in them glorify Him and there is nothing which
is glorify Him
does not glorify His praise.31 However, you do not
does glorify preise.'' Howeyer,
understand their glorification."
their glorification.'
Qur'an, 17:44
Qur'an, 17:44
However, in Arabic, the language of the final revelation,
However, Arabic, the language the of revelation,
worship is called 'ibaadah,whichis closelyrelated the
worship is called 'ibaadah, which is closely related to the
'abd,meaning'a slave.' slaveis one
noun 'abd, meaning 'a slave.' A slave is one who is expected
expected
noun
to do whatever his ma'ster wills. Consequently, worship,
do whatever his ma'ster Consequently, worship,
accordingtothe revelation,meaas 'obedient submission
according to the final revelation, meaas 'obedient submission
to the will of God.' This was the essence of the message of
the will of God.' was the essence the message
of of
the prophetssent God humankind.
all the prophets sent by God to humankind. For example, this
example,
understanding of worship was emphatically expressed
understanding of worship was emphatically expressed by
Prophet Jesus the Gospelaccording Matthew, 7:21,
Prophet Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew, 7:21,
me 'Lord' will enter the kingdom
"None of those who call me 'Lord' will enter the kingdom
"None of those who
of God, the one does the wiII of
of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in
Father
heaven." It should be noted that '-will' in this quote means
heaven." should be notedthat'.will' quote means
'what God wants human beings and not 'what God
'what God wants human beings to do' and not 'what God
permits humans to do,' because
permits humans to do,' because nothing happens in creation
nothinghappens creation
(permission) God. The 'Will of God' is
without the will (permission) of God. The 'Will of God' is
without the
contained in the divinely revealed laws which the prophets
contained in the divinely revealed laws which the prophets
3t The thunder is described as glorifying God in 13: 13, the day and night
31 The thunder is describedas glori$ing God l3:13. the day and
in 2 t :20 and the mountains 38: 18.
in 21:20 and the mountains in 38:18.
