Why do we exist? Or does it really matter?

Greetings everyone,

I came across this web site not too long ago, and as you’ve probably noticed, my name is fairly new. After going through some of the forums on this site, i’ve seen many interesting conversations - threads discussing several topics with numerous answers, given to various questions and concerns.

This has also raised a question, that i would like to ask everyone. What do you think the purpose of life is? I mean, being here on earth, is there a reason why we might be here? Or are we just here for no particular reason - by chance or something?

It would be nice to hear everyones views, and all responses are more than welcome.

I am not responsible for my existence. So I need not answer the question. Maybe I should ask my parents.

What is Life?
Life is a cereal.

Humor aside my friend, you asked a question which could unfold an unlimited number of point of views presenting different school of thoughts. It could be answered in a religious way, or philosophical or poetic or scientific or GKW ways. And no matter what the answer would be, the question would remain the same (and pretty much, unanswered). Are we an accident or a creation?

I am not a scholar, yet I feel comfortable to share my knowledge about this matter with you as I gained it from self educating myself (still a student and definitely not a master of this subject) . Please bare with me.

I don't know if you are aware of the "Principle of Uncertainty". This principle is a major break through in the world of physics and considered to be one of the foundation stones of a branch of Physics, known as Quantum Physics.

Quantum physics deals with the sub-atomic particles and the principle states that one cannot observe the position and speed of a sub atomic particle at the same time. In actuality, what quantum physics tells us that sub atomic particles lives in a partial stage of existence and non-existence and come to the stage of full existence only if someone decided to observe that particle. What this theory is telling us that a particle exist only if somebody is observing it, i.e. the existence is dependent of observation. Kind of like a weird idea but very true. This whole observation/existence dependability is very well put by a scientist with the name of Shrodinger who fabricated a mind experiment of a cat closed in chamber in front of a deadly gun which could go off if a radioactive element emits a particle and there is 50-50% chance of happening that. If you want to know more about "Shrodinger's cat", you can read any popular book available at your local book store on quantum physics.

Anyhoo, there is another principle which is gaining popularity among cosmologist and metaphysicists, now a days. It is called Antropic Principle which is, a kind of, carry over of the uncertainty Principle. This principle goes in a form of question and answer.

Q: Why is the universe the way it is?
A: The universe is the way it is so it could support an intelligent life form who could observe the universe and asked this question.

Again, this principle tells us that there is no such thing or concept as an un-observable universe (or a universe without an intelligent life form who could observe it). Such universe simply cannot exist.

So, to answer your question (from metaphysics point of view), our existence is required for this universe to exist. Our being here is certainly not an accident. We are part of a Master Plan. But now the big question comes. Why this Universe, then? But as you did not ask that question, I am not going to answer that (how about that to hide my ignorance).

Later.

Thats a million dollar question (actually I don't think you could put a monetary value on the answer to that question), I wished I knew, life would be so much easier.

Very Very interesting question, but do you think anyone of us can answer this, no, i don't think so. But i think the Lord, the God can surely answer this question, because after all He created us.

Allah SWT, our Creator, our Lord says in Quran (the holy book of Muslims) that :

I have not created jinn (ghosts) and ins (human beings) BUT to worship Me.

That is, our purpose of life is to worship our Lord. The worship includes obeying Him and submitting to Him completely and that is what the meaning of Islam is "Submission". You submit all your desires and wills to your Lord and live a life the way He wishes.

Please read a topic in religious affairs about Cat Steven now Yusuf Ali who reverted to Islam.

I hope this may answer your questions.

Some interesting ideologies here, each one differing with the next. Surely, they can't all be correct?

Oh, and thanks Abdulla for referring me to the religious affairs forum. I did indeed read the experience of Cat Stevens, it was interesting. But why did his brother not become a muslim also?

Tariq khan, that scientific explanation was impressive ... but how do you prove it? It was an explantion without proof.

So let me see, i got 4 responses (and was hoping for a lot more, to be honest): 1 didn't seem to care; 1 gave a physics explanation; 1 wished he knew and perhaps the answer would come to him?; and 1 gave a religious explanation.

Although the Jews have their own little doctorine, when you ask Christians and Muslims this question, many of them are baffled themselves, and don't know the answer, although they try and put an explanation forward. This is why so many are turning away from religion, and science cannot prove what it cannot experimentally grasp.

But the reason why i put this question forward was because Muslims believe they have the answer, but i guess i was wrong, they seem as lost as everyone else.

Perhaps the hindus know.

John - You seem to have a hidden agenda here, especially when you posted this topic. What are you hoping to achieve?

Abdulla - I agree with the objective you've posted, and alhamdullilah this is a clear and defined objective for us.

[This message has been edited by Special2 (edited February 10, 1999).]

John.. if you want to know a 'Hindu' answer, this is a wrong forum to visit. There are not many Hindus or ones who have studied Hinduism here, I believe.

But though I am no scholar or follower of Buddhism, I know one story from Buddha's life. An intellectual goes and meets Buddha. He asks "What is soul?" Buddha keeps mum. He asks "Is their God" Buddha keeps smiling and does not answer. He asks "Is there life after death?" Now Buddha says "My friend, the questions you are asking are not YOUR questions. They are the questions which have come to your mind since you have read certain set of books. If you read different set of books, you would have asked different questions. Ask the questions that come from within and not the ones that come from reading. Come with me for an year. If after an year you have the same questions, I will answer them." An year passes. Buddha asks the itellectual "Any questions?" He keeps mum.

I dont understand this. why are we always suspicious of others. There is nothing wrong with John's post and i do not see any 'hidden agenda' behind it. He didnt get an answer from us so may be its not a bad idea for him to find the answer elsewhere. And John we the muslims look at life in a religious way and thats what brother Abdulla has tried to explain. I think u'll agree that we are not here by an accident. God created us for a purpose. May be that was to worship him than one thinks that he had jinns/angels to worship why us? They do not have a choice but we do. We are here free to live our lives the way we want to. May be its a test He has given us intellect and different choices so its upto us.
No one really has an answer to this question.

I'm sorry if i offended anybody. I merely wanted to know what Muslims believed as being the purpose of our existence. I received 4 responses prior to my earlier posting, and 4 diffeerent answers, while perhaps the answers should have been somewhat similar, as you all belong to one religion. Although i must admit Abdulla's answer was interesting. Maybe not all the Pakistanis on here are Muslims - perhaps i was being a little presumptuous.

Zainab,

thanks for being understanding. You also seem a little confused over the purpose of life, and why we're here, but at the same time you agree with Abdulla. Where does the confusion lie?
By the way, what is a jinn?

John,

Answer to your question is clearly being given in Holy Quraan. I have read a number of books on "Existence" while studying "Management of Technological Change" and "Organizational Theory and Design" but I did not get any satisfactory answer to above question. Perhaps it is only the Holy Quraan which gives you a complete answer.

According to Quraan the purpose of life is:-

1)True and sincere faith in God. Faith is not merely a matter of words. We must realize the presence and goodness of God.

2)We must be prepared to show it in deeds of charity to our fellow-men

3)We must be good citizens, supporting social organizations

4)Our own individual soul must firm and unshaken in all circumstances.

5)This life is an interlude, a preparation for the real Life, which is the Hereafter. This world's vanities are therefore to be taken for what they are worth. They should not be allowed to deflect our minds from the requirements of the inner life(spirituality) that really matters.

All there are interconnected, and yet can be viewed separately.

Sincerely,

FARID M

[This message has been edited by Farid (edited February 11, 1999).]

John

You are quite right being presumtious that you would find all Pakistanis Muslims. It is an official Pakistani forum but it does not mean that we all Pakistanis are indeed Muslims or even if we are we are not good ones.

Well if you so far are not convinced of a Muslims's reponse of our existance and purpose. Then reply to me of the following:

1: do you look after your parents
2: are you a good neighbour
3: do you donate money to help the poors
4: do you keep away from adultry
If reply to all the above questions is yes, then all you have to do is to stop eating swine and drinking alcohol and you are almost Muslim.

Once you recite ooath with Allah then you will become agood Muslim and onec you do that, you will find out the purpose of your existance and having read Quran you will comprehend all the answers to your questions.

[This message has been edited by s malik (edited February 12, 1999).]

Farid,

I appreciate your response mate. I sort of also agree with some of it. But if you believe that is the purpose of life, why is it that when you ask muslims this question, they give me so many answers, or they're confused? Anyway, it's okay, you don't have to answer that question if you don't want to.

s malik,

You're not a good muslim? Do you speak on behalf of everyone when you say that?

The criteria that you listed, is that really all you require to bacome a good muslim? Surely, there must be more to it than just this. I've also known muslims who drink alcohol and fornicate. And if I understand correctly, muslims are also not allowed to earn interest. Does it mean such muslims are no longer muslims?

Another question I would like to ask, if you don't mind me asking - will all muslims go to Paradise?

John...

Nice topic.
It is difficult to keep this from getting too religious.

You guys make the decision how the thread will go and if it needs to be moved. HINT :)

John
jinn=ghost

The confusion is that we are not clearly told the purpose of life but, we have to find the purpose ourselves. Worship is one of the basic purposes.Just praying to God is not the only kind of worship. Every good deed we do in this world is infact worship to God.

I dont think all muslims will go to paradise. No this will be unfair.

[This message has been edited by zainab (edited February 12, 1999).]

Kashmirigirl - please forgive me for digressing into the topic of religion, I don't see how you can talk about the meaning of life without including a discussion on religion.

Dear John,

You mentioned that you often ask Muslims questions regarding their religion, yet are baffled when you get a colorful and varied response in their answers. I think the problem you are having, is (like so many others examining religion), you are viewing Islam as a mono-lithic religion, which it definately isn't. Muslims themselves are guilty of doing the same (I do it myself on occasion). Yes it is true, that Muslims have one Qur'an, and they profess faith in the seal of Muhammad's prophecy, but the diversity in views is the product of differing interpretations of religious text. Furthermore, the Muslim expierence varies from region to region. Muslims in Indonesia differ from their brothers and sisters in Azerbaijan, who in turn differ from those in Turkey, Morroco or Bosnia. The fundamentals of religion stay the same, but minor deviations from one another definately exist.

In terms of the question of existence, for Muslims, as I understand it (an my knowledge is limited), there is no concept of original sin in Islam. When Adam and Eve trangressed their bounds and ate from the fruit of the forbidden tree, Allah in his mercy forgave them. This is in stark contrast to the Chrisitian interpretation of events. Allah placed humans on earth to be the vice-regents and caretakers (this is probably most closely related to the Christian concept of Stewardship) of His creation (not as a punishment for the "original sin"). What exactly this vice-regencey entails is documented in the Qur'an (which you could probably best read yourself - its really too much detail to go into here, and I don't really feel qualified - but I think you can begin to imagine the enormity of the task bestowed on humans). While on earth humans are judged on the basis of their duties and faith. In Islam, religion is not something practiced solely in the privacy of your homes, it pervades every aspect of your life - your work, your play, your social interactions, your relationships, even your sexual encounters (these all can be a form of worship if done properly and all contribute to the role of vice-regent humans play on earth). In the process of doing our roles as vice-regents we are tempted by Iblis (Shaytan or Satan) who attempts to take us off the "straight path". In the end we are judged by a merciful and forgiving Creator.

In terms of judgment, Islam is not a closed or cruel religion. The Muslim Creator is forgiving and merciful, and did not create a heavan solely for the purpose of Muslims. Non-Muslims, including "Christians, Jews, and Sabeans", if "righteous" and believers in the "last day" and the oneness of "God", will "have nothing to fear from Allah" (Qur'an 2:62 - sorry for the paraphrasing, you can check this out for yourself). This verse is reitterated again in Chapter 5 of the Qur'an, I don't recall exactly where. It is also disputed (interpreted differently) by traditionalist scholars (just goes to show you the diversity of opinion in Islam).

On other minor concerns you had: Muslims who fornicate and consume alcohol, will be judged by the same merciful Allah on the last day. The zealous negation of these sins (fornication and alcohol consumption) symbolize a rejection of western values more than anything else. They aren't necessary the gravest sins a Muslim could commit. On Jins - they are a different life form, made of fire I believe and Iblis (the latin word diabolique is derived from Iblis - who refused to prostrate to Adam when ordered to do so by Allah) was a Jin. The Jins exist among us, they are good and bad (just like humans) and are also subject to Allah's test.

Thats my rant on Islam's take on "why do we exist?" I'm sure I'll get a chorus of disagreement - just to show you that Islam (like any other religion) is not as mono-lithic as you may have originally percieved.

John

You seem to be missing the point I made, and others have tried to put across. I never said that I am a good Muslim. You obviously have made a mistake by assuming that all Pakistanis are Muslims or indeed good ones.

Since we are all here in this world, whether you follow Islam or other relgion is beside the point; are you a good human being...that what really matters and if you are a good human being then what I am saying that you are automatically a Muslim because all goodness is embedied in the pricipals of Islam. You may go on discussing why and what for until the cows come home; but one has to get on with his life and one can have it the best way if he creates goodness around him because of his presence and goodwil towards others and that the meaning of our life and thats why we are here and thats what Islam is about.

Mr. John, Here's an article, I hope u find it efficient. The purpose of life for "all" mankind is not to go astray from the straight Path. Don't blame people of different religions when they go astray, and one shouldn't judge them either. Its just not right, b'cuz every human being has the potential to make a mistake, but we mortals shud not be the ones to judge them. Let the one and only Holy Devine Almighty Allah (Subhana watha ala) and Most Gracious, handle that task. One shud be taking care of his own deeds, rather pointing at others. One should remember that when he is pointing towards another, at the same time he is pointing 4 fingers towards himself. Anyway, hope u find the meanings of life, and if u really are true in ur concern, do some solid research, and ask those who are acknowledged in the Quran. InshAllah, U will find success.
I'll post the artical below, just so no confusion is created.
Rest Asalamo Alaikum to every one else.
Daysee Behna


"Ur belief in ur dreams makes them a reality. U are ur dreams. May u dream ur life BUT NOT dream ur life away."

<Picture: Go back to the Straight Path Section>

Islam Upon the Way of the Righteous Predecessors - Purifying the Way

Tafseer of the Verse: “And this is My Straight Path…”

From al-I’tisaam of Imaam ash-Shaatibee

Translation and Preparation by Abu 'Iyaad

Benefits and Deductions: That the verses in the book of Allaah which mentioning differing and splitting all relate to innovations and newly-invented matters in the religion. That it is the newly-invented matters which cause splitting and differing. That the groups of innovation with newly-invented beliefs, manners of worship and methodologies are responsible for the splitting of the Ummah.

Imaam ash-Shaatibee (rahimahullaah) said in al-I’tisaam (1/40-45):

…And Ibn Wahb said: "I heard Maalik saying: ‘There is no verse in the Book of Allaah that is harder upon those in disagreement amongst the People of Desires than this verse:

On the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when some faces will become white and some faces will become black; as for those whose faces will become black (to them will be said): “Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Then taste the torment (in Hell) for rejecting Faith.” [Aali Imraan 3:106]

Maalik said: “And which words are more clearer than these?’ And I saw him explaining these verses in reference to the People of Desires.”

Ibn al-Qaasim reported this and added: “Maalik said to me: ‘This verse is about the people of the qiblah *.” And what Imaam Maalik has said about this verse has been narrated from more than one person as has preceded such as al-Hasan.

From Qataadah, that he said regarding the saying of Allaah:

And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them [Aali Imraan 3:105]

“Meaning: The People of Innovation.”

And from Ibn ‘Abbaas, that he said regarding the saying of Allaah:

On the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when some faces will become white and some faces will become black [Aali Imraan 3:106]

“The faces of Ahl us-Sunnah will become white and the faces of Ahl ul-Bid’ah will become black.”

And also amongst the verses [that are related to the censure of innovation] is His saying:

“And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqûn” [Al-An’aam 6:153]

The ‘Siraat ul-Mustaqeem’ (Straight Path) is the path to which Allaah has called and that is the Sunnah. And ‘Subul (other paths) are the paths of the people of disagreement who turn away from the Straight Path, and they are the People of Innovation. And the intent here is not the ‘paths of disobedience’ because no one makes disobedience a path that he continuously treads upon - in imitation of and resemblance to the legislation, but rather this description is specifically for the invented innovations.

And what Ismaa’eel has narrated from Sulaimaan bin Harb gives evidence to this: "Hammaad bin Zaid narrated to us from ‘Aasim bin Bahdalah from Abu Waa’il from Abdullaah [Ibn ‘Abbaas] who said: ‘One Day the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) drew for us a long, straight line’ and then Sulaimaan drew for us a long, straight line, ‘and then he drew lines to its right and to its left and then said: This is the Path of Allaah. Then he drew lines to its right and to its left and said: These are different paths, upon each of these ways is a devil calling to it’, and then he recited the verse:

“And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths…” [Al-An’aam 6:153]

meaning these paths

“…for they will separate you away from His Path” Al-An’aam 6:153]"

Bikr bin ‘Alaa said: "He meant the devils amongst men and these are the innovations and Allaah knows best.

And the hadeeth has been reported in many ways.

And ‘Umar bin Salamah al-Hamdaanee said: “We were sitting in the circle of Ibn Mas’ood in the mosque, which had been plain land after it had been covered with gravel. ‘Ubaidullaah bin Umar ibn al-Khattaab, who had just returned from an expedition, said to him: ‘What is the straight path O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmaan?’ He replied: ‘By the Lord of the Ka’bah, it is that which your father was firmly established upon until he entered Paradise’ and then he swore firmly upon that three times, Then he drew a line in the ground with his hand and also drew lines to either side of it and said: ‘Your Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) left you upon this end and its other end is in Paradise. So whoever remains steadily upon it will enter Paradise and whoever takes any of these lines will be destroyed.”

And in another narration: “O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmaan, what is the straight path?” He said: “The Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) left us upon the nearest end of the line and its other end is in Paradise. And to its left and right are roads in which there are men who invite those who pass by them, saying: ‘Come this way! Come this way!” So whoever is taken by them to those paths will end up in Hellfire and whoever remains steadfast upon the great path will end up, through it, in Paradise." The Ibn Mas’ood recited:

“And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqûn” [Al-An’aam 6:153]

And Mujaahid said about the saying of Allaah:

…and follow not (other) paths [Al-An’aam 6:153]

“The innovations and doubts.”

And Abdur-Rahmaan bin Mahdee said: "Maalik bin Anas had been asked about the Sunnah and he said: ‘It is whatever has no other name for it except ‘the Sunnah’ and he recited:

"And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. [Al-An’aam 6:153]

Bikr bin ‘Alaa said: “He means - if Allaah wills - the hadeeth of Ibn Mas’ood that the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) drew a line…” and he mentioned the hadeeth.

And this explanation (tafseer) shows that the verse includes all the different paths of innovation and does not specify one innovation over others.

And also amongst the verses [that are related to the censure of innovation] is the saying of Allaah the Exalted:

And upon Allâh is the responsibility to explain the Straight Path but there are ways that turn aside. And had He willed, He would have guided you all (mankind). [An-Nahl 16:9]

The explained path is the Path of Truth and that which is other than it, turns away from the truth - and these are the paths of innovations and misguidance - may Allaah protect us, by His Excellence, from travelling upon them. It is sufficient for whatever turns away [from the Truth] that it is warned against and the verse contains a warning and a prohibition [of taking other paths that turn deviate from the Truth].

And Ibn Waddaah mentioned, saying: "’Aasim bin Bahdalah was questioned: ‘O Abu Bakr, have you considered the saying of Allaah, the Exalted:

And upon Allâh is the responsibility to explain the Straight Path but there are ways that turn aside. And had He willed, He would have guided you all (mankind). [An-Nahl 16:9]

He replied: ‘Abu Waa’il informed us, from ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood saying: “Abdullaah bin Mas’ood drew a straight line and drew lines to its right and to its left and then said: ‘The Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) drew just like this, and he said about the straight line: ‘This is the path of Allaah’ and about the lines to its right and left he said: ‘These are different ways, upon each of these ways is a devil calling to it.” Allaah the Exalted said:

"And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it… [Al-An’aam 6:153]

to the end of the verse.

From at-Tustaree, that he said: “Explanation of the path (qasd us-sabeel) - that is the path of the Sunnah, ‘ ways that turn aside’ (wa minhaa jaa’ir) - meaning to the Hellfire and they are the sects and innovations.”

And from Mujaahid, that he said: "“Explanation of the path (qasd us-sabeel) - meaning the one who is justly balanced between exaggeration and negligence and this shows that the one who turns aside is one who commits excesses or is negligent, and both of them are amongst the descriptions of the innovations.”

And from ‘Alee (radiallaahu ‘anhu), that he used to read it: “Wa minkum jaa’ir…” (And amongst you is one that turns aside). They said: ‘He means by that this Ummah.’

So it is as if this verse along with the one before it have come with the same meaning.

And amongst the verses is the saying of Allaah:

Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad) have no concern in them in the least. Their affair is only with Allâh, Who then will tell them what they used to do. [Al-An’aam 6:159]

The explanation (tafseer) of this verse has come in the hadeeth from Aa’ishah (radiallaahu anhaa) who said: “The Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: ‘O Aa’ishah! Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects. Who are they?’ So I said: ‘Allaah and His Messenger know best.’ He replied: ‘They are the People of Desires, the People of Innovations and the People of Misguidance from this Ummah. O Aaishah! For every sin there is repentance, except [for] the People of Desires and Innovations, there is no repentance from them and I am free and innocent of them and they of me.”

Ibn ‘Atiyyah said: “This verse includes the People of Desires, Innovations and Deviation in the minor matters and others besides them from amongst the people engrossed in argumentation, and disputation with theological rhetoric (kalaam). All of this is directed towards the mistakes and the arena of evil beliefs.”

And he means - and Allaah knows best - by ‘amongst the people engrossed in argumentation, and disputation in the minor matters’ what Abu ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul-Barr in the chapter on ‘Censure of Ra’I (Opinion)’ in his book ‘Kitaab ul-‘Ilm’ and we shall mention it [in due course] with the power of Allaah.

And Ibn Battaal quotes in his ‘Sharh ul-Bukhaaree’ from Abu Haneefah that he said: “I met ‘Ataa ibn Rabaah in Makkah and I asked him about something and he said: ‘From which place are you?’ I said: ‘Kufah’. He said: ‘Are you from the town [whose inhabitants] split their religion and break into sects?’ I said: ‘Yes’. He said: ‘From which group are you?’ I said: ‘From those who do not revile and abuse the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), who have faith in Qadr and who do not declare anyone to be a disbeliever on account a sin [that he committed].’ So ‘Ataa said: ‘You know [the truth] so hold fast.”

And from al-Hasan who said: "Uthmaan bin ‘Affaan (radiallaahu ‘anhu) came out one day and addressed us with a sermon but the people interrupted his speech and began to throw pebbles at each other until — He said: ‘And we heard a voice from one of the rooms of the Wives of Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and it was said: This is the voice of the Mother of the Believers.’ He said: ‘So I heard it and she was saying: ‘Verily, your Prophet is free and innocent from the one who divides his religion and breaks up into a sect’ and she recited:

Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad) have no concern in them in the least [Al-An’aam 6:159]

Al-Qaadee Ismaa’eel said: “I consider that he means by his saying ‘Mother of the Believers’ to be Umm Salamah, that has been mentioned in some of the hadeeth and Aai’shah at that time was performing Hajj.”

And from Abu Hurairah: “That this verse was revealed in connection with this Ummah.” And from Abu Umaamah: “They are the Khawaarij.”

Al-Qaadee said: ‘The apparent meaning (dhaahir) of the Qur’aan indicates that everyone who introduces an innovation into the religion such as the Khawaarij and others besides them - that they come under this verse, because when they innovate, they argue and dispute [over this innovation], cause divisions and break off into sects."

And amongst such verses is the saying of the Exalted:

And be not of Al­Mushrikûn (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, idolaters, etc). Of those who split up their religion (i.e. the true Islâmic Monotheism), and became sects, *, each sect rejoicing in that which is with it. [Rum 30:31-32]

It is also read as ‘faaraqoo’ [instead of ‘farraqoo’ - thereby giving it the meaning ‘depart from and sever oneself from the religion’]. Abu Hurairah explained it with reference to the Khawaarij and Abu Umaamah has reported this in marfoo’ form.

It has also been said: ‘They are the People of Desires and Innovations’. They said: ‘Aa’ishah (radiallaahu anhaa) reported it from the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam)’ and that is because this is the nature of the one who innovates - as Ismaa’eel al-Qaadee has said and as has preceded in the other verses.

And amongst such verses is the saying of the Exalted:

Say: "He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another. [Al-An’aam 6:65]

From Ibn ‘Abbaas that: “Covering you with confusion in party strife, this is the divergent and varying desires (i.e. innovations).”

And built upon His saying:

…and make you to taste the violence of one another. [Al-An’aam 6:65]

is the pronunciation of takfeer [declaring someone a disbeliever] of some of you over others so that they fight each other, as occurred with the Khawaarij when they revolted against the Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. And it has been said that the meaning of:

..or to cover you with confusion in party strife [Al-An’aam 6:65]

is “Covering with differences/disunity”

Mujaahid and Abu al-‘Aaliyah said: “This verse is about the Ummah of Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam).” Abu al-‘Aaliyah said: “They are four in number, two of them appeared twenty-five years after the death of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), so they were covered with the confusion of party-strife and some of them were made to taste the violence of others - and two remained and they will occur, for sure: Being swallowed from underneath you (i.e. by the earth) and being transformed/disfigured from above you.”

And this, all of it, is very clear in that the differences and desires (i.e. innovations) are disliked and not liked and are blameworthy and not praiseworthy.

And from what has been reported from Mujaahid about the saying of Allaah:

But they will not cease to disagree - except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy (the follower of truth - Islâmic Monotheism) and for that did He create them. [Hud 11:118-119]

He said about ‘those who disagree’: “They are the People of Falsehood” and about ‘except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy’: ‘The People of Truth, there is no difference amongst them."

And it has been reported from Mutarrif bin ash-Shakheer that he said: “If the desires had been but one (i.e. united) then a person would have said: ‘Perhaps the truth is in it. But when the desires split and separate [and become many], every possessor of intelligence knows that the truth never splits [contradicting itself].”

From ‘Ikrimah “’But they will not cease to disagree’, meaning in the desires * and ‘except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy’, they are the Ahl us-Sunnah.”

And Abu Bakr bin Thaabit al-Khateeb has quoted from Mansoor bin Abdur-Rahmaan that he said: "We were sitting with al-Hasan and there was a man behind me standing and he began to order me to ask him about the saying of Allaah:

But they will not cease to disagree - except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy [Hud 11:118-119]

So he said: "Yes, ‘they will not cease to disagree’ upon their different ways ‘except on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy’ so whomever He bestows His Mercy upon does not disagree.*

And Ibn Wahb reports from ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul ‘Azeez and Maalik bin Anas: “The People of Mercy do not differ.” And this verse has a beautiful explanation which will come later - if Allaah wills."

Here is the site url..
http://www.islamworld.net****

Achtung..
I think you can very well talk about the meaning , or for that matter meaninglessness of life, without including religion..
Religion is only one of the ways of understanding life..( or maybe this is wrong , religion doesnt help you understand anything but itself...and believers are left to repeat words like parrots without knowing what they are talking about..and worst , thay invest so much of themselves in it that, no room for furthering their knowledge, or tolerance of other opinions is possible...
john,
My opinion is that we dont know what the purpose of life is, and at some level I dont think I need to care for it either. it is rather stupid to believe that my working for or against the grand design , matters in anyway.Existance would go on the same no matter what .What ever I do is what I was supposed to do.
I do not owe anything to "the creater".I am a temporary organization of elements, shaped into an organism , capable of limited creativity , and having a good time.my most evolved part is my brain , and its function is to gather and analize information. my biological duty is to keep the process going that created me.
Have a good time, that is your biggest gain. Making sure its not on anybody's expense, cause than other ppl would do the same no one would be happy.
Gather all the information that you can, and pass it on to the future generations , along with its shortcommings, so that they start a step ahead of you.
Reproduce and bring up a child , who is healthy physically and emotionally so as to be a good addition to the human race...
All that exists is part of the graet plan , all equally important... I was a stone once, that changed into grass , and tree , and mind of the holy man , and the brain of a scientist, and the heart of a young lover....and I will go through all those changes again and again till the elusive tricks would change the rules of the game...in any of these forms I was no more or no less important,,,and moreover there is nothing more important than me..and you and..all that is around us...
There are no ultimate answers that I am striving to resolve,,,,life is like an interesting puzzle , where my role is that of a player , who is enjoying to sort it out , not to end the game but to enjoy the process...