Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 4

 

When Purpose Is Lost, Reality Speaks

Faith is not lived in isolation. It shows itself in the condition of individuals, families, and entire communities. When purpose is neglected, its absence becomes visible.

The state of the Ummah today forces us to reflect—not only on what others do to us, but on what we have neglected within ourselves.

Muslims across the world face oppression and injustice. The suffering of the Palestinians, among others, is a painful reminder of our collective vulnerability. Yet outward hardship should drive inward reflection, not distraction.

We live in a time where immorality is normalised and deception is widespread. Islam, however, remains powerful and complete. If it appears weak in practice, it is not because the message has failed—but because we have failed to embody it.

We make countless decisions daily. How often do we pause to ask: What does Allah and His Messenger ﷺ say about this? How often do we speak confidently about matters of deen while remaining uncertain of their rulings?

We invest heavily in worldly success, while Islamic education is often treated as secondary. We hope for righteousness in our children while neglecting the foundations that nurture it.

As Ramadan approaches, Allah reminds us that fasting was prescribed so that we may attain taqwa—consciousness of Him.

Conclusion

Ramadan is not merely a ritual; it is a reset. An invitation to realign our lives with our purpose. May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers, and our efforts, and guide us back to a faith that is lived with awareness, sincerity, and responsibility.

 

Charity begins at home. It is the right of the child that you give him/her a good foundation in the religion. Spend for the sake of Allah. The month of Ramadan, the month of the Qur’an, is an ideal starting point.

See Part 3:  The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 3

Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 3

 

The Simplest Path to Allah’s Love

Many people ask how to draw closer to Allah. Some search endlessly for complex answers, while the Qur’an gives us something remarkably clear. Allah Himself tells us how His love is attained.

The path is not mysterious, but it is demanding.

Allah sent prophets to every nation, all calling to the worship of Him alone. With the coming of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, this message was completed, and Islam was perfected as a way of life.

Human beings are imperfect. We falter due to forgetfulness, ignorance, and weakness. Yet Allah, in His mercy, showed us a clear criterion.

Allah says in the Qur’an (3:31), interpretation of the meaning:

“Say, ˹O Prophet˺, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins.’”

Following the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not a slogan—it is a commitment. It is the means by which Allah’s love is attained, and Allah’s love is the true gateway to paradise.

Every claim about the religion must be supported by evidence. Sincerity without knowledge can still cause harm. This is especially true in public spaces, where unauthenticated statements and fabricated hadith are often shared with good intentions but serious consequences.

Sometimes, restraint is itself an act of worship.

Conclusion

The one who fulfils the obligations, avoids major sins, and dies upon Islam has achieved the minimum. But those who speak publicly or influence others carry a heavier trust. Following the Prophet ﷺ is not only about salvation—it is about responsibility.

 

Often people say “but we did that (sin) when we were young, so leave them (the youth)” is contrary to the ayah instructing us to call to good and forbid the evil. That Allah granted you an opportunity to repent does not mean that Allah will grant your children long life to repent – therefore, O Muslim, take care of yourself and your family and save yourself and them from the fire.

See part 4: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 4

See Part 2: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 2

Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 2

 

Eemaan Is a Responsibility

Eemaan is what defines as Muslims. It is not merely a matter of the heart. Islam defines eemaan far more precisely. It is not merely felt; it is lived.

Allah, in His mercy, created us knowing our weaknesses. He knows we forget. He knows Satan exploits that forgetfulness. That is why Islam is a religion of constant return.

Our purpose in life naturally leads us back to the remembrance of Allah. The fact that we have been granted eemaan is itself a gift—one that demands gratitude through action.

True eemaan consists of three inseparable elements:

• belief in the heart,
• declaration on the tongue,
• and action through the limbs.

Without action, eemaan remains incomplete.

Allah reminds us of our collective responsibility in the Qur’an (3:110) – interpretation of the meaning:

“You are the best community raised for humanity—you enjoin what is good, forbid what is evil, and believe in Allah.”

This role cannot be fulfilled without knowledge. At the very least, a Muslim should not promote sin. Ideally, one should discourage it—beginning with their own life.

Those who are learning must cling to the basics: the pillars of eemaan and the pillars of Islam. Those given greater ability must seek sound knowledge and act upon it with humility.

In our time, social media has magnified this responsibility. A single post shared in ignorance can spread error far beyond intention. While good can multiply, so can sin—and once something is online, its effects may outlive us.

Conclusion

This reality should not silence us, but it should make us thoughtful. Eemaan is not proven by how loudly we speak, but by how carefully we act. Responsibility is part of faith, whether offline or online.

 

Your indifference, your lack of taking a strong stance is based on your commitment to enjoin the good and forbid the evil. Imitating the disbeliever in actions and festivals is a reflection of your faith.

 See part 3: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 3

See Part 1: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 1

Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 1

 

Most Muslims will tell you, without hesitation, that the goal of life is Jannah. That answer is correct—but incomplete. Wanting paradise is easy. Understanding the purpose that leads us there is where the real work begins.

Islam does not call us to vague spirituality or blind hope. It calls us to responsibility, awareness, and obedience. To understand our purpose, we must return to the very beginning of human creation.

Allah informed the angels that He would place a successor on earth—a vicegerent entrusted with responsibility.

Allah says in the Qur’an (2:30) – interpretation of the meaning:

“Indeed, I will place upon the earth a successive authority.”

Human life was never meant to be accidental or self-serving. It was purposeful from the outset.

When Adam (peace be upon him) was created, Allah commanded him not to approach a specific tree. The test was not merely about eating—it was about obedience. Adam and Hawwa (peace be upon them) knew Allah, yet in a moment of forgetfulness, they slipped.

From this moment, we learn something essential about ourselves. Human beings sin for three primary reasons:

• forgetfulness,
• ignorance,
• or arrogance.

Forgetfulness is human and corrected through repentance. Ignorance requires learning. Arrogance, however, is the most dangerous—it is rejecting the truth once it is known.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ explained:

“The one who has even a mustard seed of pride in his heart will not enter Paradise.”
Pride, he said, is rejecting the truth and looking down on people. (Sahih Muslim)

Speaking about the religion without knowledge, or refusing correction, is also a form of pride.

Conclusion

The question is not whether we sin—we all do. The question is why we sin, and whether our lives align with the purpose Allah created us for. Paradise may be the prize, but purpose is the path that leads us there.

 

There is much required of us to bring back justice to this world. However, while collectively we neglect Allah’s commands, we must take responsibility for the state of this world. The Palestinian issue gives us a reminder. What improvements have we made individually, as a society and as an ummah?

see part  2: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Paradise Is the Goal, but What Is the Purpose? - Part 2