Life with Purpose

The Only Way to Truly Live

Life is beautiful when you have a purpose attached to it.

I’ve been working on videos for the last five hours. Although I’m mentally exhausted, I wouldn’t have it any other way. So many different ideas are running through my mind, I feel a sense of productivity and that I’m actually working towards something purposeful.

My life isn’t being wasted by cheap dopamine & my lowly desires; I’m working towards something bigger.

We all have our struggles in life. Many of you guys are in high school or even college, still trying to figure out what you want to do with your life. I’m sure you feel the pressure of trying to figure out a career or purpose.

As someone who’s had to go through that painful process, I want to reassure you that you WILL figure it out. Everything’s going to be ok.

BUT…

What are you actively doing to solve this issue?

Are you putting yourself out there in the world and trying new things? Are you shadowing different careers and connecting with people? Are you exploring different hobbies to see what you enjoy the most?

Or are you just sitting there…

Waiting for inspiration to come to you?

Because I’m here to tell you that that’s NOT how it works. When I first started my YouTube channel, I didn’t look up a million tutorials on “how to make the perfect video”. I just propped my iPhone 8 on my water bottle and started talking about a subject I liked. With more practice over time, I was able to fine tune my filming and editing skills, and produce higher-quality videos, which I became passionate about.

I’m not one of those hippies who raves about “following your dreams” and chasing your passion. I’m much more practical and realistic. But even then, you need to find some thing that genuinely excites you. Something that not only benefits you but benefits the Muslim community at large.

Orphans at a refugee camp we visited in Lebanon

There’s a crucial aspect that I haven’t mentioned yet. Everything about chasing your dream, finding meaningful work, working on a passion project; all of it is futile if this one thing isn’t connected to it.

Allah.

As Muslims, our purpose expands farther then just our work or hobbies. Our purpose is to worship Allah. Our purpose is to attain His pleasure and Jannah. If you can sit with yourself and reflect on this crucial point, you’ll find it much easier to work hard and produce something meaningful.

“I’m volunteering at my masjid because I want to go to Jannah”.

“I’m writing this book because I want to help other Muslims become closer to Allah, so I can attain His pleasure”.

“I’m working on this calligraphy so people can be reminded of Allah through it”.

I was on Facetime with a good friend of mine. I innocently asked him “how’s life treating you” and his response caught me off guard.

“listen man, we’re all in between 6 feet under and paradise”.

“Huh?”

A really interesting perspective on this Dunya which took me some time to comprehend. After asking him to expand on his statement, he said that

“we’re all currently living in the middle ground. A day will come where we’ll be 6 feet under the ground, and another day will come where we’ll be in Jannah inshallah. All the things that are weighing you down, all the exams, the worries you have about making money; all of it will seem futile”.

Interesting perspective…harsh, but quite accurate.

You can waste your life away if you wish. You have that choice. Nobody’s stopping you. Go ahead and keep scrolling. Keep binging. Keep lounging.

But everything is accounted for. Every wasted hour will be a means of painful regret.

It would serve us all well to change our ways. To get up and work. To provide something useful for ourselves and the ummah. To have something that we can show on the Day of Judgement. That even though I may come to you ya Allah as a lowly, sinful servant, I performed this action truly and sincerely for your sake.

“O believers! What is the matter with you that when you are asked to march forth in the cause of Allah, you cling firmly to ˹your˺ land?¹ Do you prefer the life of this world over the Hereafter? The enjoyment of this worldly life is insignificant compared to that of the Hereafter.”