If God is Absolutely Self-Sufficient, why did He create humanity and why does He expect us to worship Him?

This profound and fundamental question delves into our understanding of the Divine essence and humanity's place in existence. The Holy Quran eloquently and logically addresses this query, dispelling misunderstandings that may arise from God's infinitude and His independence from His creation. A correct understanding of this matter not only brings spiritual tranquility but also illuminates our path in life and our interactions with the world. Firstly, we must grasp that Allah, the Exalted, is "Absolutely Self-Sufficient" (Al-Ghani). This attribute signifies His complete independence from everything. He needs neither our worship, nor our creation, nor our support, nor even the existence of the universe itself. His existence is inherent and not contingent on anything for its continuation or perfection. Verses such as: "O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy" (Fatir, 15) clearly state that it is we who are in need of Allah, while He is Self-Sufficient and Praiseworthy. Therefore, creation and the call to worship from Him are not out of His need, but rather out of His supreme wisdom, boundless mercy, and endless grace. But why did He create humanity? The creation of humanity and indeed all of creation is a manifestation of Allah's power, wisdom, knowledge, and will. Since Allah is absolutely perfect, He willed that His perfect attributes be reflected in the mirror of His creation. This reflection does not mean adding anything to Allah, but rather displaying His majesty and glory. The universe and humanity serve as a platform and arena for the manifestation of Allah's names and attributes, including Creator (Al-Khaliq), Sustainer (Ar-Razzaq), Giver of Life (Al-Muhyi), Planner (Al-Mudabbir), and Merciful (Ar-Rahman). If Allah had not created, His power would not have diminished, nor would His self-sufficiency have been affected; yet, creation is an expression of His perfection. Humanity, with its unparalleled capacities for intellect, free will, and the ability to understand and choose, was created as the noblest of creatures to reach the highest possible degree of perfection and attain a station where they can know Allah and draw near to Him. This lofty goal is what the Quran refers to as "Divine vicegerency" (khalifah), meaning humanity has the potential to manifest some of Allah's attributes on earth. Secondly, why does He expect us to worship Him? Allah has no need of our worship, as stated in "Indeed, Allah is free of need from the worlds" (Al-Im Imran, 97). Thus, the purpose of worship is not to benefit God, but to benefit humanity itself. Worship ('ibadah) is a process of spiritual education and development for the human soul. It is akin to physical exercise, which benefits our body, not the trainer; or education, which fosters a student's intellectual growth, not the teacher's needs. Worship, including prayer (salat), fasting (sawm), charity (zakat), and pilgrimage (hajj), are means for: 1. Awareness and Knowledge: Worship helps awaken individuals from heedlessness and reminds them of Allah and the purpose of life. This awakening leads to a deeper understanding of oneself, the universe, and the Creator. 2. Gratitude: Worship is an expression of gratitude and thanks for Allah's innumerable blessings. Gratitude opens the doors to more blessings: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]" (Ibrahim, 7). 3. Moral and Spiritual Development: Worship refines the human soul, strengthens moral virtues such as patience, piety, altruism, humility, and honesty, and purges moral vices like arrogance, envy, stinginess, and selfishness. Prayer deters one from indecency and evil: "Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing" (Al-Ankabut, 45). 4. Tranquility and Connection: The human soul inherently needs connection to the infinite source of peace and power. It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find rest: "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured" (Ar-Ra'd, 28). This connection provides individuals with the strength to face challenges and instills a sense of security and support. 5. Order and Purpose in Life: Worship gives meaning and direction to human life. When individuals know they were created for a sublime purpose and that all their actions are aimed at pleasing the Creator, their lives are freed from emptiness and meaninglessness and attain a divine order. This order, both individually and socially, leads to a healthier and more just society. Ultimately, the purpose of creating jinn and mankind, as stated in the verse "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me" (Adh-Dhariyat, 56), is "worship." However, this "worship" does not merely mean outward ritual acts, but rather living a life of servitude, knowledge, and obedience to Allah. This servitude is the pinnacle of freedom and perfection for humanity, as it liberates them from the bondage of the ego, desires, and the world, guiding them towards human dignity and eternal felicity. Allah is Self-Sufficient, and we are in need; worship is a way for us to draw near to Him and benefit from the countless blessings of knowing and connecting with Him. This relationship stems from love and wisdom, not need or compulsion.