Why Do We Sometimes Get Tired of Being Human? A Quranic Perspective

Addressing the profound question of why one sometimes feels weary of their human existence requires a deep contemplation of the luminous verses of the Holy Quran and an understanding of humanity's place in the universe from a divine perspective. This feeling of weariness, or as you put it, “getting tired of being human,” is not a phenomenon exclusive to our era; rather, it has deep roots in human nature and the inherent challenges of worldly life, which the Quran beautifully elaborates upon. The Quran introduces humanity as a complex being with multiple dimensions. On one hand, humans are appointed as Allah's vicegerents on Earth (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 30), endowed with the gifts of intellect and free will, capable of reaching the highest levels of perfection. On the other hand, they are described as weak, hasty, forgetful, and prone to error (Surah An-Nisa, verse 28; Surah Al-Ma'arij, verses 19-22). This duality in human nature provides a fertile ground for the emergence of conflicting emotions, including fatigue and despair. One of the primary reasons for this weariness is the concept of “Ibtila” or divine testing. Allah (SWT) repeatedly emphasizes in the Quran that worldly life is a field of examination for human beings to reveal the extent of their faith, patience, and righteous deeds. “He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed” (Surah Al-Mulk, verse 2). These trials encompass fears, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and fruits, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” When confronted with such tribulations, it is natural for a sense of heaviness and fatigue to overcome a person. This weariness is a sign of the heavy burden of responsibilities and challenges that humanity carries on its journey of divine testing. Another contributing factor to this weariness is the transient and fleeting nature of this world and its attachments. Humans are inherently drawn to perfection and permanence, yet the material world is full of imperfections, instability, and perishability. When individuals tie their entire identity and happiness to worldly matters—be it wealth, status, human relationships, or even physical health—and then face loss or deficiency in these areas, a deep sense of emptiness, disillusionment, and profound fatigue can set in. The Quran repeatedly points to this truth: “And what is the life of this world except play and amusement? And the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah. Then will you not reason?” (Surah Al-An'am, verse 32). Understanding that what pains us are primarily fleeting worldly attachments, rather than the intrinsic nature of being human, can help alleviate this heavy burden. The Quran offers profound solutions for confronting this weariness and regaining inner peace. The most significant among them is “Dhikr Allah” or the remembrance of God. Allah says in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” The remembrance of Allah, encompassing prayer (Salat), recitation of the Quran, supplication (Dua), reflection on creation, and any act that connects a person to the Creator of the universe, is a tremendous source of resilience against difficulties and a means of finding meaning in life. When individuals forget their primary purpose of creation and dedicate all their concerns to worldly affairs, they gradually experience spiritual emptiness and extreme fatigue. However, by turning back to Allah and His remembrance, the vitality and joy of life return to them. Patience (Sabr), as one of the crucial moral virtues in the Quran, plays a vital role in overcoming weariness. “And seek help through patience and prayer” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153). Patience means steadfastness in the face of hardships, self-restraint amidst adversities, and maintaining hope against despair. Prayer is not merely an act of worship but also a spiritual sanctuary that separates individuals from the clamor of the world and connects them to the inexhaustible source of peace. Therefore, the feeling of weariness from being human is not a weakness; rather, it is sometimes a wake-up call—an invitation from within to re-evaluate priorities and return to one's true essence. The Quran teaches us that this fatigue can result from forgetting the primary purpose of creation, being immersed in materialism, and drifting away from the ultimate source of peace. By turning to Allah, strengthening faith, persevering through challenges, and reminding oneself of life's philosophy as a test, one can transform this feeling of weariness into an opportunity for growth and proximity to the Divine, thereby rediscovering freshness and meaning in one's human life. This perspective not only helps individuals cope with existential challenges but also guides them towards a more purposeful, fulfilling, and internally peaceful life. This weariness is, at times, an indication that our soul needs nourishment and rejuvenation, and the best nourishment for the soul is a connection with its Creator.