From Many to One
Finding Purpose Through the Lens of Islam
We live for many things, and it's bizarre how often we try to narrow our life's purpose down to a single thing. Reducing everything I am and everything I aspire to be to one thing is ridiculous.
As Muslims, we believe we were created for one purpose: to worship God. But what does worship truly entail? In Islam, worship is not just about praying or reading the Qur'an. It encompasses adding value to those around us, taking care of the blessings we've been given, and appreciating the world around us. Even the simplest act of smiling at someone you pass by is a form of worship in Islam. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Your smile for your brother is a form of charity" (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
So, we live for many things, and this is established. But is it truly valued, and is it helpful to place such a high regard on “finding a purpose”? This philosophy is often challenged, especially among young people who feel compelled to tie themselves to one singular passion and associate their worth with it. I must admit, I too have fallen victim to this mindset.
For the longest time, I struggled with this point. I couldn't figure out what my passion was. I was stuck between photography, writing, music, and many other interests. Then, I heard a concept from someone: "Be a double-edged sword." Mix what you love on different levels to create something unique that is yours and only yours. After implementing this idea, I found my passion in film. I wondered why I hadn't thought of this before. For me, it was easy as film and cinema are already big fields in our world today, but it might be different for you. You never know.
The question should not be about identifying a single passion. Often, we find ourselves caught between various interests and values. Instead, we should seek the sweet spot where all our passions and values intersect. That is where we find our true selves. We are a unique combination of the experiences we've been exposed to, the things we want to do, and the things we actually do. You are the midpoint where all these elements converge, making you a unique individual.
Islam emphasizes the beauty and diversity of our contributions to the world. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind" (Daraqutni, Hasan). This shows that our purpose is not limited to a singular passion but includes the various ways we can positively impact others.
Amazing work!!