Allah’s Creation: A Purposeful Existence
1. Allah’s Infinite Wisdom in Creation
One of Allah’s greatest attributes is His supreme wisdom, reflected in His name al-Hakim (The Most Wise). Everything He has created serves a higher purpose, fulfilling roles and achieving ends that some people may understand, while others may not. Allah is far above doing anything in vain, and He emphasizes in His divine Book that neither humanity, the heavens, nor the earth were created aimlessly.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
- “Did you think that We created you without purpose, and that you would not return to Us?” (Al-Mu’minun 23:115-116)
- “We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything between them for mere play.” (Al-Anbiya 21:16)
- “We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play. We created them not except with truth, but most of them know not.” (Ad-Dukhan 44:38)
These verses remind us that existence is intentional and full of meaning. Allah warns those who disbelieve in the purpose of creation, saying: “But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned.” (Al-Ahqaf 46:3).
2. Purpose Seen Through Revelation and Reason
The wisdom behind creation is evident in both revelation (Shari’ah) and reason. Every person of intellect acknowledges that things are created for a reason. If people, with their limited abilities, would not engage in actions without purpose, then how could Allah, the Most Wise, do so? Wise believers accept that Allah’s creation is purposeful, while disbelievers reject this truth.
Allah highlights signs of His wisdom for those with understanding:
- “Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, are signs for those of understanding. Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying down and ponder the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying, ‘Our Lord, You have not created this without purpose. Exalted are You! Protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'” (Aal ‘Imran 3:190-191)
The Qur’an also reflects on the mindset of disbelievers who fail to recognize this wisdom:
- “And We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything between them aimlessly. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve.” (Sad 38:27)
Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sa’di explained that Allah’s creation of the heavens and earth is filled with wisdom and truth, intended to reflect His power and knowledge. Contemplating creation reminds us of the Resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and the justice that Allah promises.
Also see: Quran Memorization Online.
3. Humanity’s Higher Purpose
Allah’s intent for creating humanity is greater than just basic physical existence. We were not created to merely consume resources, reproduce, and enjoy fleeting pleasures, for if so, we would be no different from animals. Allah has honored humanity above many other creations, yet some people choose disbelief, denying the true wisdom behind life.
The lives of those who reject this purpose are described in the Qur’an:
- “Those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as cattle eat, and the Fire will be their home.” (Muhammad 47:12)
- “And We created many of jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle; rather, they are even more astray.”(Al-A’raf 7:179)
A wise person recognizes that every part of their being, such as sight and hearing, has purpose. It is only logical, then, that the Creator who endowed us with these faculties created our existence with even greater purpose. Allah informs us of this purpose: life is a test to distinguish those who obey Him from those who do not, with consequences and rewards based on these choices.
4. Creation as a Test
Allah describes that life’s purpose is to test humanity, rewarding those who obey and punishing those who disobey. He says:
- “And He created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His Throne was on the water, that He might test you, which of you is best in deeds.” (Hud 11:7)
- “He created death and life to test which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving.” (Al-Mulk 67:2)
Through these tests, Allah’s names and attributes, such as His mercy, wisdom, and justice, are manifested. He is known as al-Rahman (the Most Gracious), al-Hakim (the Most Wise), al-Ghafur (the Oft-Forgiving), and al-Rahim (the Most Merciful). The trials of life make apparent Allah’s wisdom, compassion, and justice.
5. Worship as the Ultimate Purpose
One of the greatest reasons Allah created humanity is to worship Him alone, fulfilling Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah). He says:
- “And I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)
As Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sa’di explains, Allah created us to know Him, worship Him, and ultimately return to Him for judgment. The Hereafter will reveal the rewards or consequences of our choices, proving that existence has ultimate purpose and accountability. He says (interpretation of the meaning): “But if you were to say to them: ‘You shall indeed be raised up after death,’ those who disbelieve would be sure to say, ‘This is nothing but obvious magic.’” (Hud 11:7)
