Quranic Answer
From the perspective of the Holy Quran, the unequivocal answer is that life without purpose lacks true and lasting meaning. The Quran clearly states that the creation of human beings and indeed all of creation is not aimless or in vain. Allah Almighty has created existence on the basis of truth and wisdom, creating nothing without purpose. The question, 'Does life without purpose have meaning?' is one of humanity's most fundamental existential inquiries that has preoccupied the human mind for ages. From the Quranic viewpoint, purposefulness is evident not only in the creation of humankind but in every component of the universe; from the regular movement of stars and planets to the growth of plants and the complex system of life. No part of this vast universe is futile or meaningless, and each serves a specific role and purpose. According to this perspective, humanity, as the noblest of creations endowed with intellect and free will, cannot be an aimless being. Our primary purpose of creation, according to the explicit text of the Quran, is 'worship.' In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56, we read: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." This 'worship' is not merely about performing rituals and outward acts of devotion, but rather it signifies a complete life of servitude, obedience to divine commands, and placing the pleasure of the Lord at the forefront of all goals. This servitude encompasses all dimensions of individual and social life, from acquiring knowledge and striving for the betterment of the earth to upholding justice, showing kindness to others, and building a healthy and righteous society. In essence, any act performed with a divine intention and aimed at gaining God's pleasure is considered an act of worship. Therefore, the purpose of our lives is not merely eating, sleeping, and fleeting material pleasures, but spiritual growth, purification of the soul, and preparation for an eternal life in the hereafter. Moreover, the Quran presents this worldly life as a 'testing ground' and a 'trial.' In Surah Al-Mulk, verse 2, it states: "[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed." This verse clearly indicates that our lives are not a futile or purposeless journey, but rather an arena for demonstrating good deeds and moral virtues. In this world, we face challenges and blessings, hardships and ease, good and evil, so that the true nature of our existence may be revealed and our capacities for growth and elevation may be assessed. In this journey, Allah has sent prophets and divine scriptures to guide humanity, reminding them of the ultimate purpose of life and showing them the right path to servitude and prosperity. A life without this compass and guide is like a lost ship sailing endlessly in a vast ocean without a destination, constantly exposed to destructive storms and whirlpools. Having a divine purpose gives direction to human life, saves it from aimlessness and emptiness, and motivates it to move forward with diligence and hope towards a bright future. Lack of purpose in life is what leads many individuals to emptiness and depression. When a person does not know why they live, what moves them, and what horizon lies ahead, they become entangled in meaninglessness and despair. Material pleasures, fame, and power, without a divine purpose, are like mirages that do not quench human thirst and leave them stranded in an endless desert. However, one whose goal is God's pleasure and moving on the path of perfection endures even the most severe hardships and challenges and does not lose hope, because they know that every step they take brings them closer to the ultimate destination. This sense of purpose gives depth to life, motivates effort, and bestows a sublime and enduring meaning that transcends the fleeting pleasures of this world. Therefore, from a Quranic perspective, life without purpose not only lacks meaning but essentially lacks true existence, turning a human being into a wandering and fruitless entity. The divine purpose is the very spirit of life that infuses the human existence with meaning, motion, and hope.
Related Verses
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.
Adh-Dhariyat : 56
الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ
[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.
Al-Mulk : 2
أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ
Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?
Al-Mu'minun : 115
Short Story
In ancient times, there lived a wealthy merchant who, despite his riches, was perpetually worried and aimless. He lived a life of luxury but lacked inner peace and felt an emptiness within. One day, he sought refuge with a wise sage who lived in seclusion, and with great sorrow, he said: "O wise sage, I possess everything: wealth, status, and health, yet my life seems meaningless. I have no peace and do not know why I live or how to end these days." The sage smiled and, with a warm, paternal tone, said: "My son, you are like a ship without sails on an boundless sea. Have you ever considered why you have acquired all these blessings and to which shore you are steering this ship?" The merchant replied with embarrassment: "For comfort and pleasure! But true comfort eludes me, and pleasures are fleeting." The sage gently patted the merchant's shoulder and said: "True comfort and lasting pleasure are found not in accumulation, but in giving and in finding a destination. A life without purpose is like a ship whose destination is unknown; even if its sails are full of wind and it appears beautiful outwardly, it will still go nowhere and eventually crash upon rocks or be lost in the vast ocean. Purpose is the compass of life that gives direction and meaning. Your true destination should be the pleasure of God and service to creation. Then you will see that every step you take gains a new meaning, every breath becomes a light, and your soul attains true peace. All that you see for yourself today, tomorrow in the Hereafter, only the trace of your good deeds will remain. So, while you have the opportunity, make your life's purpose divine." The merchant listened to the sage's words with all his heart and took them to heed. From that day on, he dedicated his life to goodness and generosity, helped the poor, acquired and shared knowledge, and found the true meaning of life in discovering a divine purpose and serving others. And thus, his life's ship, with the sails of faith and the compass of purpose, set course towards the shore of happiness, seeking true peace along this path.