“Why Were We Created? Exploring the Ultimate Purpose of Life”
“Is Humanity Hardwired to Seek God?”
“Creation: A Divine Design or Mere Chance?”
“Suffering, Free Will, and the Purpose of Existence”
“The Ultimate Question: What is Our Connection with the Creator?”
“Science Meets Faith: Does the Universe Prove God?”
“The Search for Meaning: A Journey to Know the Divine”
“What Does the Quran Say About Why We Exist?”
“Faith, Philosophy, and Science: Unveiling the Purpose of Creation”
The Ultimate Purpose Behind Creation in the Light of Tafsir-e-Kabir and the Writings of Ahmadiyyat
The question of the ultimate purpose behind creation has perplexed philosophers, theologians, and scientists alike. From an Islamic perspective, particularly as elucidated in the Tafsir-e-Kabir by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad and the writings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the purpose of creation is profoundly tied to understanding the attributes of God, the development of human potential, and the pursuit of a meaningful connection with the Divine.
The Purpose of Creation: Theological Perspective
1. Manifestation of God’s Attributes:
According to the Holy Qur’an, God states, “I have not created the Jinn and the men but that they may worship Me” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:57).
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad, in his Tafsir-e-Kabir, explains that worship (ibadah) here means more than ritualistic practices; it signifies the recognition, love, and reflection of God’s attributes. Creation exists to enable conscious beings to know and experience God’s perfection.
2. A Journey of Progress:
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad elaborates that humanity’s ultimate purpose is spiritual evolution. In his work, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, he states that human life is designed to ascend from a physical existence to a higher moral and spiritual realm. This progression mirrors God’s mercy and wisdom, revealing His attribute of being the Ultimate Guide (Al-Hadi).
3. Free Will and Accountability:
A key theological insight is that God created humans with free will so that their journey toward Him is meaningful. Without choice, worship and submission would lack sincerity. This freedom underscores the balance between Divine omniscience and human responsibility.
Philosophical Reflections: Is Humanity Wired for Meaning?
The act of questioning itself—seeking meaning in existence—suggests an innate human desire for purpose. This aligns with the Qur’anic declaration that God “breathed into [man] of My Spirit” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:30). The writings of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad emphasize the following:
1. Innate Longing for the Divine:
Humans possess a natural inclination (fitrah) toward recognizing a higher power. This yearning for meaning is a spiritual compass pointing toward God, a recurring theme in the works of both Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and his son.
2. Search for Transcendence:
Philosophers like Immanuel Kant and existentialists ponder whether humanity’s relentless questioning is evidence of a transcendent purpose. Ahmadiyyat answers affirmatively, suggesting that this longing is proof of God’s design, as the search itself leads to the acknowledgment of His existence.
Scientific Concerns: Order in Creation as Evidence of a Creator
1. Fine-Tuning of the Universe:
The constants of the universe, such as the precise balance that allows for life, are seen by Ahmadi Muslim scholars as evidence of an intelligent Creator. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad interprets the Qur’anic verse, “He created everything in proportion” (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:3), as a divine assertion of purposeful design.
2. Consciousness and Divine Reflection:
The “hard problem” of consciousness—how subjective experiences arise from physical processes—points to something beyond materialism. In the Ahmadiyya perspective, consciousness is a reflection of God’s creative power, intended to enable humans to recognize and connect with Him.
Philosophical and Existential Concerns
1. Can the Finite Understand the Infinite?:
One of the profound questions raised is whether finite beings can comprehend the Infinite. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad likens human understanding of God to a drop compared to an ocean. Yet, the drop’s existence and ability to reflect the ocean’s attributes signify its purpose.
2. Suffering and Imperfection:
The apparent imperfections in the world, including suffering, are explained in Ahmadiyyat as necessary for spiritual growth. Without trials, virtues such as patience and gratitude would remain undeveloped. This aligns with the Qur’anic principle: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease” (Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:7).
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Tafsir-e-Kabir on Divine Love and Human Response
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad emphasizes that God’s purpose in creating humanity is rooted in love. The verse, “He loves them, and they love Him” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:55), encapsulates the reciprocal relationship intended by creation. Worship, therefore, is not a demand for servitude but an invitation to participate in a loving, transformative relationship with God.
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Practical Implications: How to Fulfill this Purpose
1. Recognition and Reflection:
Reflecting on God’s attributes, as demonstrated in nature and the Qur’an, cultivates a deeper understanding of creation’s purpose.
2. Service to Humanity:
Ahmadiyyat teaches that serving humanity is an integral part of fulfilling the purpose of creation. This service reflects God’s attribute of mercy.
3. Spiritual Development:
By adhering to prayer, meditation, and ethical living, individuals align themselves with the Divine will, achieving both personal fulfillment and closeness to God.
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The Infinite Journey
The ultimate purpose behind creation, according to Ahmadiyyat, is to enable humanity to embark on an infinite journey of spiritual discovery and divine nearness. This purpose is not confined to this world but extends into the hereafter, where the soul continues its eternal progression toward God. Thus, the very act of asking these questions is a testament to our intrinsic connection with the Divine, a reflection of the Qur’anic promise: “And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, all from Him. Surely, in that are signs for a people who reflect” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:14).
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