Purpose of Islam

Purpose of Islam

By: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Oxford

The purpose of Islam is not to create an Islamic social or political system; rather the point is for individuals, young and old, men and women to strive to please God. Collective life, customs, manners and laws should help that purpose, not to replace it.

When we come into the world, we come as dependent dividuals, whose being is shared (divided) with parents and family and social and economic contacts. Over time dividuals become more and more differentiated. When we leave the world, we leave as the opposite, as individuals, non-divisibles. When we are judged all that we shared of being with others is of no account, no relationship is carried into the hereafter and presented as relevant. Parents and children, spouses, bosom friends have no care for each other, their only care is their individual soul.

In light of this, we should proportion and prioritize relationships and belongings in this world in such a way that we do not lose sight, or hide from ourselves, the final solitude in which our individual responsibility is presented, judged and recompensed. That said, it remains of the highest importance to seek and preserve that kind of familial and social environment which helps the individual to develop that sense of personal responsibility.

The commitment to Islam as a guide for personal and social development is a necessary part of one’s preparation for the judgement hereafter. The error is to judge the final worth of situations in this life in the terms of this life. Rather, they should be judged in expectation of knowing their true worth hereafter. The limitations of human reason and its partiality mean that final judgement about oneself and about others should be reserved. This is the only way to make room for hope for ourselves and others that repentance, reform and a favourable judgement are always possible.