What is Life?

 

In Between Life & Death

We often visit hospitals, the last time I visited a hospital was a few days back when my grandma was ill, after ending the visiting hour, after the evening I was standing with my relatives and saying our goodbyes and taking tea together from a local shop across the street from the hospital. The evening had settled in; it was getting dark and the street lights flickered on. I was taking a sip of tea and looking at the blue light of the ambulance that had just arrived. At that moment a scene unfolded before me that I'll never forget- I saw a hearse also parked nearby, somebody died and came to take the dead body, and in the ambulance, a mother was going home with her newborn child.

One car was carrying a new life—fresh, innocent, just beginning its journey of life—while another was carrying a dead body with no life, which had reached the end of its journey of life in that car. Life had begun for one and ended for another. Those moments stopped me in my tracks and left me in deep thought. I found myself reflecting on this stark reality- people are born, they live and then they die, end their lives. In between these points, there is life. But what is it? what is the meaning of it? 

Imagine the person who had passed away that day, once he was also born just like that newborn child cradled in their mother's arm, full of potential, full of life but that day their time had come to an end. Life begins and life ends, but have you ever thought of it that what is in between?

What is life?

I've thought about it in many ways-

Is it just the ticking of the clock? The endless cycle of days that turn into weeks, months, and years? Or is there something deeper that calls to us from the silence, urging us to search for a higher meaning?

We are born into this world with no understanding of why we are here. From our earliest memories, we are swept into the current of life—school, work, relationships—each phase blurring into the next. But deep within, a yearning stirs. A desire to know: what is the purpose of this existence? Is life simply the pursuit of success, happiness, and comfort? Or are we meant for something far more eternal, something far more profound?

A person can have everything he once dreamed of — a good job, a family, friends, and a home. But yet, even with all of that, a strange emptiness lingers, a quiet voice in the back of our mind that whispers: Is this all there is? Is life all about going through the motions, chasing success, raising a family, and then quietly fading away? Or is there something more?

After that day, after that fleeting moment outside the hospital, it made me realize that life is more than the sum of our days, more than the pursuit of fleeting desires. It’s a pause in time, a moment to reflect, and an opportunity to seek something deeper. But what is that something?

The Temporary Nature of Life: A Fleeting Moment

After that day, my mind often wandered back to that scene — the hearse and the ambulance, life and death juxtaposed so clearly. It made me realize something undeniable: life is incredibly short. We rush through our days, caught up in the demands of work, family, and personal ambitions, often forgetting the fragile nature of our existence.

“Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So, he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion?”
( Surah Al-Imran 3:185 )

This verse from the Qur'an rings with truth. It reminds us that the life of this world is fleeting, and no matter how much we achieve, accumulate, or experience, it will one day come to an end. Our lives are nothing but a temporary pause in the grand scheme of existence. But how often do we pause to reflect on this?

On that quiet evening outside the hospital, I found myself staring at the street, watching people go about their lives — each of them busy, rushing, unaware of how close we all are to our inevitable end. There’s a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that comes to mind:

"Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveller along a path."
( Sahih al-Bukhari )

The wisdom of this hadith is profound. We are travellers, passing through this world on a journey, and like all journeys, ours will eventually reach its destination. Yet, how many of us live as if we are permanent residents, clinging to this dunya (the material world) as if it will last forever?

Sometimes, I look around at the home I live in, the walls that have seen my life unfold. I always feel that one day I will leave this world, but this house, these walls, this yard, and everything else will remain. One day, perhaps, a generation will start living in this house who will have no memory of me. Forget remembering me, they might even struggle to recall my name. Those who could have reminded them about me — my children, nephews or grandchildren — will probably have completed their journey in this world by then. Within just two or three generations, all traces of my existence will likely be erased from this earth. But the Earth will remain here, and everything will go on.

The very thought of it makes my soul tremble. I wonder — after all this running, all these efforts, and all the hustle — everything will one day cease to exist. If life passes by in this mirage-like attachment to worldly things, caught up in such unnecessary busyness, what will I have left as my true possession in the end?

That thought weighs heavily on me. Our time here is temporary, and whatever we accumulate in this world will eventually fade. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded us of this truth when he said:

"What have I to do with this world? My example in this world is that of a traveller who takes rest under the shade of a tree and then moves on."
( Sunan al-Tirmidhi )

The things we cherish, the homes we build, and even our very names will fade from memory. What, then, are we truly striving for? It’s a sobering realization that life, in its essence, is not about the material but about what we leave behind for the hereafter — our deeds, our faith, and our connection with Allah.

The Soul’s Journey: Life as a Test

A few days after the hospital visit, a close friend shared his struggles with me. He was overwhelmed by life’s hardships — the stress of work, family responsibilities, and the anxiety of an uncertain future. “Why is life so difficult?” he asked me one evening. “What’s the point of all this if we just end up dying in the end?”

His question was not unfamiliar. We all have moments when the weight of life’s trials feels unbearable. But it is during these moments that I remember one key truth in Islam: life is a test.

“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed — and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.”
( Surah Al-Mulk 67:2 )

Allah has created life and death to test us. Every joy and every sorrow, every blessing and every hardship, is part of a divine plan. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that this world is not our permanent home. We get so absorbed in our struggles and routines that we lose sight of the fact that life’s trials are meant to purify us, to elevate our souls, and to prepare us for what lies beyond this world.

We are tested with wealth, poverty, health, sickness, and countless other trials. Some may seem small, like the inconveniences of daily life, while others strike us deeply, such as the loss of a loved one or personal hardships. But every test is an opportunity to draw closer to Allah. Each moment is a reminder that this life is temporary, and our purpose is much bigger than what we often allow ourselves to believe.

I remembered the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings about the believer’s trials. He said:

"No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."
( Sahih al-Bukhari )

This reminder gave me strength, and I shared it with my friend. Our difficulties are not meaningless. They are opportunities to turn back to Allah, to reflect on our purpose, and to grow in patience and faith. Each test we face, no matter how small or great, is a step toward becoming the best version of ourselves in the eyes of Allah.

Think back to that brief moment I witnessed outside the hospital: two lives heading in opposite directions — one just beginning, the other ending. Both journeys, while seemingly different, are connected by the same reality. Both the newborn and the deceased were brought into this world by Allah’s will, and both will return to Him. We are born, we live, and we die. But in between, we are given the opportunity to fulfil the very purpose for which we were created.

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”
( Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:56 )

Our trials, whether large or small, remind us that life is temporary, and the dunya (worldly life) is only a means to a much greater end — returning to Allah and seeking His pleasure. Every hardship, every success, and every moment in between, is an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with our Creator. It is a test not of our ability to avoid suffering, but of our ability to endure it with faith and patience, trusting in Allah's wisdom and mercy.

The Illusion of the Dunya

As I reflected more deeply, I couldn’t help but think about how easily we get entangled in the illusions of this world. The dunya constantly presents itself to us as something desirable — wealth, success, recognition, and comfort. We’re led to believe that these things will bring us lasting happiness. But, in reality, these are fleeting illusions that mask a deeper truth: everything in this world is temporary, and much of what we chase is merely a mirage.

We work hard to secure a future, build careers, accumulate possessions, and gain status. It’s easy to believe that the more we have, the more fulfilled we’ll be. But, in reality, the material things we cling to in this world often blind us to the truth: everything here is temporary.

The world we live in is filled with distractions. We chase after wealth, status, recognition, and comfort, thinking that they will bring us happiness. But the reality is that the pleasures of this world are fleeting. Our hearts become consumed by them, and we forget that our time here is limited. We work tirelessly to build homes, amass wealth, and chase success, but none of these things will follow us into the grave. They are merely distractions from the true purpose of life.

“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children. Like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries, and you see it turn yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion?”
( Surah Al-Hadid 57:20 )

This verse from the Qur'an paints a vivid picture of life’s transitory nature. The dunya, much like a plant that blooms after a rain, appears beautiful and full of promise at first. But with time, it withers away, leaving nothing but dust. This verse from the Qur'an reminds us of the transitory nature of life. The dunya is like a mirage: it seems beautiful and promising, but it fades away, leaving nothing of true value behind. And yet, we find ourselves captivated by these illusions, forgetting to focus on the eternal.

I remember meeting someone who seemed to have everything — a beautiful house, a prestigious career, luxury cars. To the outside world, he appeared to be living the dream. But in private, he confided in me that all these achievements, all the possessions, still left him feeling incomplete. He had spent his entire life striving for success, believing that each new accomplishment would bring him closer to happiness. But even after attaining what most would consider the pinnacle of success, he found himself yearning for something more — something that no amount of wealth or recognition could provide.

That conversation stayed with me. It reminded me that no matter how much we gain in this world, it will never fill the void in our hearts. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned us about this, saying:

"If the son of Adam had two valleys of wealth, he would desire a third. Nothing will fill the mouth of the son of Adam except dust (of the grave), but Allah will forgive the one who repents."
( Sahih al-Bukhari)

It’s easy to be deceived by the glitter of the dunya, but what truly matters is what we prepare for the akhira (the Hereafter). Our lives should be one of constant reflection and awareness — shifting our understanding of life from the mundane to the divine. We were not created to chase the fleeting pleasures of this world. We were created to worship, to serve a higher purpose, and to be mindful of our Creator in every step of our journey. The dunya offers us illusions, drawing us into its temporary promises, but in the end, it is our deeds and relationship with Allah that will last.

The dunya can be deceiving. It distracts us with its glitter and glamour, making us forget that our time here is limited. The wealth we accumulate, the status we attain, and the possessions we cling to — none of these things will follow us into the Hereafter, except our deeds. The only thing that will matter in the end is our relationship with Allah and the actions we perform to seek His pleasure. These things are illusions, temporary diversions from the real journey we must prepare for.

"And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter – that is the (eternal) life, if only they knew."
( Surah Al-Ankabut 29:64 )

The Eternal Life: The Akhira, Jannah, and Jahannam

The stark reality of life and death reminds us that this world is not our permanent home. It is simply a bridge to the eternal life that awaits us in the Hereafter. The moments I witnessed outside the hospital — the newborn child and the deceased — are symbolic of this greater truth. Life begins, and it ends, but death is not the final chapter. It is merely the transition to the next stage of existence.

We often fear death because we see it as the end. But in Islam, death is not something to be feared — it is a return to our Creator. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) described death as a gift for the believer, for it is the moment when we finally meet Allah.

"The gift of a believer is death."
( Tirmidhi )

Our entire existence is a preparation for that moment. How we live in this world determines the state in which we will meet Allah. Every action we take, every word we speak, and every thought we have is an opportunity to earn Allah’s pleasure and secure our place in Jannah (Paradise). But to do so, we must live with purpose. We must constantly remind ourselves of the reality of life and death and strive to align our actions with the will of Allah.

Jannah, the eternal home of believers, is where life will be free from the limitations, suffering, and sorrows of this world. The Qur'an paints a vivid picture of Jannah as a place where no soul will feel fear or grief, where every desire is fulfilled beyond what we can imagine:

“Indeed, the companions of Paradise, that Day, will be amused in [joyful] occupation. They and their spouses – in shade, reclining on adorned couches.”
( Surah Yasin 36:55-56 )

In Jannah, we will experience true peace and contentment. Everything we strive for in this world — peace, happiness, and fulfilment — will be found there, but in a form that is unimaginable in its beauty and perfection. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Allah says, ‘I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no heart has conceived.’"
( Sahih al-Bukhari )

Jannah is not just a place of physical pleasures but a reward for those who lived their lives with the consciousness of Allah. It is the true life — the one where every longing is satisfied, every hardship is forgotten, and where the believer is eternally united with their Creator. This is the ultimate goal of the believer — to live in a state of closeness to Allah in a home that knows no end.

But as we are reminded of Jannah, we must also reflect on Jahannam, the opposite reality for those who reject the truth. Jahannam is a place of unimaginable torment, reserved for those who turned away from Allah’s guidance. Though our focus is on Jannah as the eternal reward, Jahannam serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of living without purpose, heedless of the Hereafter.

“The companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise, ‘Pour upon us some water or from whatever Allah has provided you.’ They will say, ‘Indeed, Allah has forbidden them both to the disbelievers.’”
( Surah Al-A'raf 7:50 )

This sobering verse emphasizes the importance of living with the Hereafter in mind. Our choices in this world determine our eternal home, whether in Jannah or Jahannam.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded us of this profound reality when he said:

"The person who had the most difficult life in this world of those destined for Paradise will be brought forth and dipped into Paradise for a moment. Then he will be asked, ‘O son of Adam, did you ever face any hardship? Did you ever experience any difficulty?’ He will say, ‘No, by Allah, O Lord! I never experienced any hardship, and I never faced any difficulty.’"
( Sahih Muslim )

This is the promise of Jannah — a reward so great that even the most painful trials of this world will be forgotten in the face of eternal bliss. Every test, every sacrifice, and every hardship we endure in this life becomes meaningful when we know that it brings us closer to Jannah, our true and eternal home.

The dunya, with all its illusions, is temporary. But Jannah is forever. The ultimate goal for every believer is to earn Allah’s pleasure and to enter the eternal gardens of Paradise, where every hardship endured for the sake of Allah will be rewarded beyond measure. Jannah is where the believer’s heart will find its true home, while Jahannam serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from Allah’s mercy.

“And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life].”
( Surah Ad-Duha 93:4 )

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Meaning of Life

So, what is life? It is a journey — one filled with tests, trials, and moments of reflection. But more than that, it is an opportunity. An opportunity to draw closer to Allah, to purify our hearts, and to prepare for the real life that awaits us in the Hereafter. This dunya, with all its illusions, is merely a passage. The true destination is Jannah, the eternal home where our hearts will finally be at peace.

That evening outside the hospital, I was reminded of the fragility of life. We are all travellers, passing through this world on our way to something far greater. And though our time here is brief, it is precious. We are given the gift of life to fulfil a divine purpose, to worship Allah, and to seek His pleasure. Every moment we have is a chance to realign our hearts, to remember why we were created, and to live with intention.

In fact, everything we do in this life, no matter how small or ordinary it may seem, can be transformed into an act of worship if done with sincerity and in accordance with Allah's guidance. Our work, our conversations, our behaviour — all of it will be considered worship when we conduct ourselves in a halal manner. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Indeed, Allah has prescribed ihsan (excellence) in everything."
( Sahih Muslim )

This means that even the simplest daily tasks, when done to please Allah, carry great weight. Whether it's earning a living, helping others, or even speaking a kind word, when we follow the path that Allah has laid out for us, our entire existence becomes a form of worship. Allah has provided us with the guidance for how to live — from the smallest things to the hardest challenges — all we must do is follow His command. This is the true purpose of life: to live in a way that pleases Allah in everything we do.

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”
( Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:56 )

We cannot neglect this life if we seek success in the Hereafter. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has made this world a means of preparing ourselves for the Akhira. By living a halal life, and by making our daily actions pleasing to Allah, we are actively preparing provisions for the Hereafter. As we move through the day-to-day moments, we are constantly in the process of fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

But, this path is not always easy. It requires commitment, sincerity, and a conscious effort to keep Allah at the centre of all we do. For some, this may seem simple, while for others it may be difficult. There will always be those who stray, and Jahannam awaits those who neglect this purpose. Yet for those who strive, even through hardship, the reward of Jannah is waiting.

"Whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect."
( Surah At-Talaq 65:2-3 )

This is the essence of life. To live every moment in pursuit of Allah's pleasure. This is why we came into existence and have been given this life. Life, in all its complexities, is simply a means to fulfil this divine purpose. It is in following Allah’s guidance in every act — big or small — that we find the true meaning of life.

Once we understand the temporary nature of this life and the eternal nature of the Hereafter, we begin to live with a sense of peace. The anxieties of this world — our worries about wealth, success, and recognition — begin to fade. We realize that true success is not found in material things but in our relationship with Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"True richness is not having many possessions, but true richness is the richness of the soul."
( Sahih al-Bukhari)

This richness comes from contentment — contentment with the life Allah has given us, contentment with His decree, and contentment in knowing that our ultimate goal is to please Him. When we live with this understanding, we no longer chase the illusions of the dunya. Instead, we focus on what truly matters: our worship, our deeds, and our connection with Allah.

Life, as fleeting as it is, holds immense meaning when viewed through the lens of the Akhira. Every breath we take, every action we perform, and every thought we entertain can either bring us closer to Allah or pull us further from Him. As travellers on this path, our focus should not be on the distractions around us but on the destination ahead. This world will eventually fade away, but what remains is what we have sent forward for the Hereafter.

Let us not be distracted by the temporary pleasures of this world. Instead, let us live with the Hereafter in mind, striving every day to earn Allah’s pleasure. So that when our time here comes to an end, and we pass through that inevitable doorway of death, we will be welcomed into the eternal gardens of Jannah, our true home, while avoiding the punishment of Jahannam.

In the end, life is not about how long we live, but about how well we prepare for eternity. This dunya is nothing but a fleeting shadow. What lies ahead, the Akhira, is the true and everlasting life. So, let us live with purpose, seeking Allah’s pleasure with every breath so that when our journey here is complete, we will meet our Lord with a heart at peace.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Three things follow a dead person: members of his family, his property, and his deeds. Two of them return, and one remains with him. His family and property return, but his deeds remain with him."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6514) 

May Allah guide us all to live in a way that pleases Him with good deeds, and may we be among those who understand the true meaning of life.