How does the Quran respond to the issue of emptiness or absurdity of life?

The Holy Quran, the divine word of Allah, offers a profound and comprehensive response to the issue of the emptiness or absurdity of life. In essence, one of the primary messages of the Quran is a firm rejection of any notion of futility or meaninglessness in existence and human creation. By elucidating the purposeful nature of creation and humanity's special place within it, the Quran fundamentally uproots the foundations of nihilism and sketches a bright, meaningful horizon for human life. From the Quranic perspective, existence is built upon divine wisdom and justice, and nothing within it is absurd or purposeless. The creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, and everything that exists in the universe are all signs and manifestations of Allah's infinite power, knowledge, and wisdom. Humans, as the noblest of creations and Allah's vicegerents on Earth, are endowed with a great mission and a lofty destiny. The Quran explicitly states that humanity was not created in vain nor will it be left to its own devices; rather, the purpose of its creation is the worship of the Creator. This worship, however, is not about humiliation or subservience, but rather about elevation, perfection, and achieving eternal bliss. The life of this world is merely a passage and a testing ground where individuals, through good deeds and adherence to divine teachings, prepare themselves for the eternal abode of the hereafter. Nihilism often stems from a lack of understanding of life's ultimate purpose, despair over justice in this world, and an attachment to fleeting and temporary worldly pleasures. The Quran addresses these issues by presenting a broad concept of time and space that encompasses both this world and the hereafter. This worldly life is only a part of humanity's long journey, and death is not the end of the road but rather a gateway to true and eternal life. In this view, worldly sufferings and difficulties are also not meaningless; instead, they are opportunities for testing faith, spiritual growth, and earning immense rewards in the hereafter. Patience and perseverance in the face of calamities, reliance on Allah, and striving for goodness and righteous deeds all gain meaning within this framework, transforming individuals into purposeful and hopeful beings. Furthermore, the Quran clearly addresses the issue of divine justice and the precise reckoning of deeds on the Day of Judgment. This divine promise that not an atom's weight of good or evil deeds will go unaccounted for gives meaning and purpose to life, preventing despondency and despair in the face of oppressors and wrongdoers. Although complete justice may not be fully realized in this world, the promise of absolute divine justice in the hereafter provides humanity with peace and assurance that no good deed will be lost, and no injustice will go unanswered. This future outlook creates a strong incentive for performing good deeds and refraining from evil, thereby rescuing life from the abyss of absurdity. The Quran also places great emphasis on human relationships, empathy, cooperation, and assisting those in need. Social activities and striving to establish justice in society are also part of humanity's divine mission. These social dimensions of life, which are highly emphasized in the Quran, inherently give meaning and purpose to life. When individuals feel that they are part of a larger whole and can contribute to improving the condition of their fellow human beings and society, feelings of emptiness and meaninglessness dissipate. Connection with community and family, and fulfilling duties and responsibilities towards them, not only gives meaning to individual life but also contributes to the creation of a healthy and purposeful society. In summary, the Holy Quran offers a decisive response to the issue of life's absurdity by presenting a monotheistic and purposeful worldview. This response is based on several fundamental principles: the purposeful creation of existence and humanity, the worldly life as a testing ground, the existence of the Hereafter for reward and retribution, and the emphasis on divine justice and human social responsibility. These principles not only give meaning to life but also provide practical guidance for achieving true happiness and perfection, filling the human heart with hope and zest for life, freeing it from despair and hopelessness.