The Quranic
verse that best defines my faith is the one where God rhetorically
asks, “Did you really think that we created you in vain and that
you would not return to Us?” (23:115).
“أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ”
This
verse epitomizes my faith as a Muslim. It underscores the transience of
this world, a fundamental belief to Muslims, and reminds me of my
ultimate return to my Creator. It is only my cognizance of this
ultimate return to God that gives my life on earth any meaning or
purpose. For the journey of a sojourner who is unaware of his/her
destination is pointless and irrelevant. That person will take one
detour after another and never know whether or not he is any closer to
his ultimate destination.
Similarly, the purpose of life can only be comprehended within a
framework that establishes the afterlife as its benchmark. For only
when we understand that we will return to God, can we ever understand
why we are alive. Because the concept of a rebirth or return to God
implies consequence; it implies human accountability.
As a Muslim, the essence of my religion is moral accountability. I
recognize that by virtue of being alive, I have a duty and moral
obligation to God and to humanity at large. I realize that I cannot
justify the time I spend on this earth unless I contribute to it in a
meaningful way, unless I attempt to create change, unless I leave
behind something that makes this world better than I found it. My faith
compels me to alleviate grievances, to eliminate injustices, and to do
the right thing whether or not it is in my personal interest.
The Qur’an describes the faithful as “Those who feed the
needy, orphans and captives - no matter how great their own want of it
[the food], [and they say] We feed you for the sake of God alone: we
desire neither recompense nor thanks from you. Behold, we stand in awe
of our Sustainer’s judgment on a distressful, fateful Day!’”
(76:8-10). It is this sense of social conscience that has distinguished
Islam throughout its history. Islam’s civilizational legacy
without doubt has been its unconditional concern for the welfare of
humanity.
To me, this verse reflects the reason for which I live my life – to meet God with a sound heart.
As Abraham prayed, “(O Lord), do not disgrace me on the day
when souls are raised from the dead, the day when neither wealth nor
children will be of any use. Only the one who comes to God with a sound
heart (will prosper on that day)” (26:87-89).
