The following words are my own opinion and understanding derived from listening to elders, teachers and from reading the Holy Qur’an and Hadith.

It has happened many a times when I’ve wondered why we are here on earth. What is the motive? What is our objective? What do we gain/ lose from taking any action? What is all this?

Though these are very basic questions, knowing the answer brings a great understanding. It brings peace in one’s life. I do not have the perfect answer but I do ponder on these questions and try to gain one – searching, asking, hearing and learning from books, people and the surroundings. Sadly, most of the times I am so engrossed in the world that these questions and their answers seem to be forgotten. It is the quiet times that bring forth these queries. This great and vast universe all has a purpose. What is the purpose of it? Ah! Such magnificent perfection!

Are we merely here to enjoy? Is pursuing worldly objects our only objective? What brings satisfaction in our lives? Money? House? Land? People? Knowledge?

Knowledge… hmm, this seems like the better option of the lot. The rest seem short-term, just like our lives. Though we know we will die, we can’t say when. So, for sure, money, land, house and gold cannot provide us peace. Yes, they can bring some excitement, adventure, an adrenaline rush or even thrill a person, but satisfaction? No, not satisfaction, and certainly not peace. Now where does this satisfaction come from? Where is the peace? Also, can anything allow us to have no worldly fear? No sorrow? Knowledge again comes to mind. Knowledge of knowing – knowing the truth – knowing the facts that are not flawed.

My understanding says that we are here to seek the Knowledge and spread it as we seek. Namaz, Fasting, Jihad, Hajj and Zakat are a must. Agreed. But knowing why it is so comes before practising. Knowing makes our Iman, and Iman leads to strength. It is this strength that makes our practice meaningful. This strength gives us courage to do good, spread good, restrain from bad, and stop bad. Knowledge brings the balance, the peace, the satisfaction.

"...there shall come to you guidance from Me and whosoever follows My guidance no fear shall be on them, neither shall they sorrow" (Holy Qur'an 2:38)

However, this knowledge does not come in a day or two; it comes with patience:

"O ye who believe! Seek help with patient, perseverance and prayer: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere". (Holy Qur’an 2:153)

We are not here for selfish motives. Collecting knowledge and then spreading it is our goal. Sharing is our way of showing care. Sharing is a way to peace.

My conscience leads me to the fact that the greatest source of knowledge is the Book of Truth – the Holy Qur’an. Reading it with an open mind, a firm faith and conviction leads to correct understanding. It answers all queries of our lives. Reading it again and again is the key, where each reading causes an increase in our faith, belief and knowledge.

I’ll end by saying that all I have said is how I have been able to give words to my understanding. I haven’t answered all the questions mentioned either. The precise and correct answers would come from one’s own reading and understanding of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith. I would be happy to be corrected wherever I may have gone wrong. It would be great to learn from others’ knowledge. And I most certainly proclaim not to be prefect or even near perfection by far; but I try, and that is what we should do. Keep trying to attain the Truth, the Knowledge.

May ALLAH allow us to follow the right path. AMEEN.