What is the purpose of mankind's perfection?

Sign in English Us



What is the purpose of mankind's perfection?

5684 0  share 0

Some ask that although the aim of our creation is human perfection, what is the purpose of this goal?
The answer to this question shall become clear by considering the fact that perfection is the final aim or in other words, it is:
غَايَةُ الْغَايَاتِ.

Explanation


If we were to ask a student: Why do you study? He would say: So that I can gain admission into a university.
If we ask: Why do you desire to get yourself admitted into a university? He would answer: So that I can become an able doctor or an engineer (for example).
If we ask again: Why do you desire to possess a medical or an engineering degree? He shall say: So that I may engage myself in a productive activity and also that I earn a good income.
If we were to persist and ask: Why do you need a good income? He would say: So that I can lead a respectable and comfortable life.

The answer to this question shall become clear by considering the fact that perfection is the final aim or in other words, it is:
غَايَةُ الْغَايَاتِ


Finally, if we ask him: Why do you desire to lead a respectable and comfortable life? At this juncture we shall notice that his tone changes and he will say: Well, so that I can lead a respectable and comfortable life.
He repeats his previous answer.
This proves that he has reached his final answer and, technically speaking, he has reached the غَايَةُ الْغاَياَت – the final aim of his efforts beyond which there exists no answer and which constitutes his final aim and objective. This is with regard to the material life.

This is the final aim. Expressing it differently, we desire everything for the sake of perfection and attaining nearness to Allah (s.w.t.), but we seek nearness to Allah (s.w.t.) for itself (i.e. nearness to Allah (s.w.t.) )


The case is similar in respect to the spiritual life too. When it is said: What was the purpose of the prophets, the revelation of the Divine Books, the religious obligations, and the educative set-up? We say: For achieving human perfection and attaining proximity to Allah (s.w.t.).
Now, if it is said: What is the purpose of achieving human perfection and attaining proximity to Allah (s.w.t.)? We say: For proximity to Allah (s.w.t.)!

This proves that he has reached his final answer and, technically speaking, he has reached the غَايَةُ الْغاَياَت – the final aim of his efforts beyond which there exists no answer and which constitutes his final aim and objective. This is with regard to the material life.


This is the final aim. Expressing it differently, we desire everything for the sake of perfection and attaining nearness to Allah (s.w.t.), but we seek nearness to Allah (s.w.t.) for itself (i.e. nearness to Allah (s.w.t.) ).1

1. Tafsir-e-Namuna, vol. 22, pg. 393

Related Post

Repentance, an invitation to more sins or a door to rectifying one's mistakes?

Repentance, an invitation to more sins or a door t...

One of the teachings of Islam -and indeed of all religions of heavenly origin-is...

The successorship of Imam Ali in the Hadith of Ghadir

The successorship of Imam Ali in the Hadith of Gha...

The Prophet halted the great mass of pilgrims returning from his last Hajj perfo...

Lady Fatima Ma’sumah (S.A.)

Lady Fatima Ma’sumah (S.A.)

Hadrat Fatima Ma’sumah (S.A.), the Blessed and the Gracious Divine Lady among th...

What is meant by ‘The Courses’ (Sunnat) of Allah’?

What is meant by ‘The Courses’ (Sunnat) of Allah’?

There is a concept mentioned in some verses of the holy Qur'an which is The Cour...

The Importance of Imamate (Leadership of Ahlulbayt)

The Importance of Imamate (Leadership of Ahlulbayt...

A person who does not know the Imam of his age is likened to a person who died b...

The tax of one-fifth (Khums)

The tax of one-fifth (Khums)

All the Fuqaha' of Islam are of the belief that spoils obtained in war should be...

A Brief Biography of Imam Ali (as)

A Brief Biography of Imam Ali (as)

...While returning from the last pilgrimage, the Prophet openly and clearly intr...

Comments

Please share your comments with us.

0 Comments

Blog Categories

IslamPlus Events Article Ahlulbayt View