According to Islamic belief, Allah (God) created mankind with a specific purpose. The purpose of creating human beings, as mentioned in the Quran, is multifaceted and involves several aspects.
- Allah created humans to worship and serve Him. The Quran states, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Quran 51:56). Worshipping Allah involves recognizing His oneness, obeying His commandments, and seeking His pleasure through acts of devotion and righteousness.
- Allah created humans as a test to determine who among them would willingly submit to His will and follow His guidance. Life on Earth serves as a temporary test where individuals are given free will and are held accountable for their choices and actions. This test is an opportunity for humans to develop their character, display their faith, and strive for righteousness.
- Allah appointed humans as vicegerents on Earth, making them responsible for its care and management. The Quran states, “It is He who has made you successors on the earth” (Quran 6:165). As stewards, humans are expected to maintain a balance between utilizing the Earth’s resources for their needs and protecting and preserving the environment for future generations.
- Allah created humans in His image, endowing them with intellect, reason, and the ability to make choices. Humans possess a unique capacity for moral and spiritual growth, and they have the potential to reflect and manifest the divine attributes such as mercy, compassion, justice, and forgiveness.
- Allah created humans as beings with an eternal nature. The life in this world is considered a temporary phase, and the purpose of human existence extends beyond it. Allah promises rewards and punishments in the afterlife based on individuals’ actions and their relationship with Him during their earthly life.
It is important to note that these points provide a general understanding of Allah’s purpose for creating mankind according to Islamic teachings. Different interpretations and elaborations exist within Islamic theology, and scholars may provide further insights on this topic.