Why do I sometimes feel my life is fruitless?

Feeling that one's life is fruitless or without purpose is a profound human experience that many encounter at different stages. This sense of emptiness or futility, though often painful, is not, from the Quranic perspective, an endpoint. Rather, it can be an invitation for deep reflection and a re-evaluation of life's true meaning and objective. The Holy Quran, as the divine word of Allah, offers us a clear and purposeful vision for our existence, directly addressing this question with unwavering principles. First and foremost, the Quran emphasizes that the creation of humanity and the entire universe is not in vain or without a grand purpose. Allah Almighty states in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." This noble verse defines the fundamental objective of our existence: worship. However, worship in Islam is not confined merely to ritual acts like prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. It is a comprehensive concept encompassing all aspects of life. Every good deed, every kind word, every act of assistance to others, every sincere effort expended in seeking beneficial knowledge, every act of excellence in one's work, and every instance of patience during adversity – all of these can be considered acts of worship if performed with sincerity and devotion to Allah. When an individual realizes that their life, with all its intricate details, is an ongoing opportunity for worship and drawing closer to Allah, the feeling of "fruitlessness" begins to dissipate. This is because they understand that every step they take and every breath they draw can carry immense reward with Allah. Secondly, the Quran strongly highlights the immense value of righteous deeds and assures us that no effort expended in His path goes to waste. Surah Al-Asr, though remarkably concise, brilliantly summarizes the human condition: "By time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience." This powerful Surah outlines the path to salvation from loss, emptiness, or futility. It mandates belief in Allah, performing good deeds that benefit the individual and society, enjoining truth (calling people to goodness and justice), and enjoining patience in the face of life's hardships, obedience to Allah, and abstaining from His prohibitions. When a person adheres to these principles, they fill their life with goodness and contribution, thereby witnessing the fruits of their actions, even if these fruits are not material or immediately apparent in this world. The Quran teaches us that the true value of an action lies not always in its visible outcomes, but in its sincerity and righteous intention. How many actions may seem small in the eyes of people, yet are mighty in the scales of Allah? Thirdly, the Quran reassures us that Allah never wastes the reward of those who do good, and that every righteous deed holds a magnificent recompense. In Surah An-Nahl, verse 97, Allah says: "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do." This divine promise of a good life in this world and a grand reward in the Hereafter serves as a potent motivator to overcome feelings of emptiness. "A good life" here does not necessarily imply only wealth or material success; rather, it refers to a life filled with contentment, tranquility, serenity, and blessings, even amidst challenging circumstances. This inner peace and satisfaction are the true fruits stemming from faith and righteous deeds, and they are sufficient to dispel any sense of futility. Fourthly, the Quran reminds us that this worldly life is a temporary abode of test, not a permanent dwelling. This perspective helps in understanding life's fluctuations and various conditions, including periods of feeling "fruitless." Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Mulk, verse 2: "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." When we view life as a test, we understand that the goal is not always to achieve grand, visible accomplishments, but rather to strive with sincerity and devotion in everything we do. Even periods when we feel weak or incapable can be part of this test, serving as opportunities for patience, supplication, and repentance—all actions of immense value in the sight of Allah. Fifthly, the Quran calls for optimism and warns against despairing of Allah's mercy. Feelings of despair and emptiness can be an entry point for Shaytan (Satan), and the Quran cautions us against falling into this trap. "And do not despair of the relief of Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of the relief of Allah except the disbelieving people" (Yusuf: 87). The belief that Allah is with the patient, with those who do good, and that He never abandons His servant, brings immense comfort and strengthens one's resolve to continue striving and giving. To overcome this feeling, the Quran advises the following: 1. Deepen your knowledge of Allah and contemplate His signs: The more one's faith and knowledge of Allah grow, the greater their understanding of divine wisdom in all things, diminishing feelings of aimlessness. 2. Increase in the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr): "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured" (Ar-Ra'd: 28). Remembrance, prayer, and recitation fill the heart with tranquility and relieve worries. 3. Initiate good deeds, even if seemingly small: Do not underestimate any good action. A smile, a kind word, helping someone in need—all hold weight with Allah. 4. Connect with others and engage in community service: Isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and futility. Helping others and feeling a sense of belonging gives life meaning. 5. Patience and Supplication: Seek help from Allah through patience and prayer. "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient" (Al-Baqarah: 153). In conclusion, the feeling of "fruitlessness" is a temporary state that can be remedied by returning to the essence of our noble faith. Islam imbues life with profound meaning, making every moment an opportunity to draw closer to Allah, and guaranteeing the fruits of one's efforts in both this world and the Hereafter. Always remember that your existence is not a coincidence, and every sincere effort you make is recorded by Allah, never to be lost.