The Purpose of Creation

by Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

The purpose of creation is a topic that puzzles every human being at some point in his or her life. Everybody eventually asks the question, “Why do I exist?” or “For what purpose am I here on earth?” Dr. Bilal Philips examines the attempts by various cultures and religions to answer these questions, and compares the scriptures of the major world faiths on this burning issue. The result is a fascinating discussion in a book that you will not want to put down until you reach the last page.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Spirituality

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips was born in Jamaica, but grew up in Canada where he accepted Islam in 1972. He completed a diploma in Arabic and a B.A. from the College of Theology (Usool-ud-Deen) at the Islamic University of Madeenah in 1979. At the University of Riyadh, College of Education, he completed a M.A. in Islamic Theology in 1985 and in the department of Islamic Studies at the University of Wales, U.K. he also completed a Ph.D. in Islamic Theology in 1994. He taught Islamic Education and Arabic in private schools in Riyadh for over ten years and for the past three year he has been lecturing M.Ed. students in the Islamic Studies department of Shariff Kabunsuan Islamic University in Cotabato City, Mindanao, Philippines. Since 1994 he has founded and directed The Islamic Information Center in Dubai, U.A.E. and the Department of Foreign Languages at Dar al Fatah Islamic Press in Sharjah, U.A.E. ' to 'Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips was born in Kingston, Jamaica, but grew up in Canada where he accepted Islam in 1972. He completed a diploma in Arabic and a B.A. from the College of Theology (Usool-ud-Deen) at the Islamic University of Madeenah in 1979. At the University of Riyadh, College of Education, he completed a M.A. in Islamic Theology in 1985 and in the department of Islamic Studies at the University of Wales, U.K. he also completed a Ph.D. in Islamic Theology in 1994. He taught Islamic Education and Arabic in private schools in Riyadh for over ten years and for the past three years he has been lecturing M.Ed. students in the Islamic Studies department of Shariff Kabunsuan Islamic University in Cotabato City, Mindanao, Philippines. Since 1994 he has founded and directed The Islamic Information Center in Dubai, U.A.E. and the Department of Foreign Languages at Dar al Fatah Islamic Press in Sharjah, U.A.E.

Reviews

[Faizah Hamdan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only when i'm 29 years of age,i started to ask my self why "I'M HERE"? Living life in a fast lane, make us forget our real purpose of life.We falls into our daily routine which tends to conform with our surroundings and people around us.Is this what life is all about?.Go to school and get good grades, have a good job,married have kids and eventually die!!! I believe that I'M HERE for something big (i mean REALLY BIG) which will eventually lead me to a life full of contentment. And u know what? this book just confirmed it!!!:-D

[Faruk Hossain · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you delve into the reason for your presence, you are with so many random questions needing answers. This book takes you on a journey to make you think in a manner more disciplined and your thoughts will be reasoned enough to understand what is that you seek. The purpose of life, let it be personal, social or national, has been categorically analyzed and the need for such purpose has also been discussed. If you are the one seeking answers, insha Allah this book will help you. May Allah accept us and our good intentions. May we serve the purpose for what we're created.

[Kendell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and straight to the point.

[şeyma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and precise explanation of what the purpose of mankind is. I feel more guided than my previous attempts to search for a meaning. Some things were hard to swallow, but over all I learned a lot of information about Islam. The commentaries of the writer are not always in line with my opinion. However it is nice to see Islam from this perspective, as a source that guides my existential crisis. The advices on suffering and namely suicide were very well written, and I think I needed that. I feel enlightened by learning my own religion once again!

[Edona Ibrahimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Scared? Pray.
Over thinking? Pray.
Losing hope? Pray.
Worried? Pray.
Struggling? Pray.

Pray and trust in Allah!”

[Abe · Rating 2 out of 5]

For such a short book, its central theme could be clearer and should feature in every chapter, but the book digresses a lot from directly answering the main question.

[Max · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected, the question remains unanswered in my opinion, its deeper than the shallow and simple facts of which the author have proposed.

What was really disappointing is when he explained the tragic events of the war that the Serbs have launched against the Bosnians, saying that this was a punishment by God because the Bosnian people have strayed away from Islam. How absurd and foolish can it get? not that this explanation is valid because they're a lot of devout Muslims there, but the argument merely falls apart considering that sin and obscenity is everywhere in the world either in Non-Islamic or Islamic countries...

[Feryel Talbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever looked at the vastness of the universe and thought, "Why am I here?" This fundamental question of existence has haunted humanity for millennia, inspiring countless philosophies and religious doctrines. Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, in his book "The Purpose of Creation," tackles this very question, taking us on a journey through various perspectives on why we exist.
Philips, a renowned Islamic scholar, doesn't simply present the Islamic view as the sole answer. He dives into the answers offered by different philosophies and religions, from ancient Greek concepts to modern-day scientific theories. He examines the idea of creation as a random event, the search for meaning through personal fulfillment, and the concept of service to something greater than ourselves.
Throughout the book, Philips masterfully analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective. He challenges readers to critically think about their own beliefs and consider the evidence presented. Whether you agree with his conclusions or not, the book undoubtedly prompts introspective reflection on the very essence of our existence.
One of the key strengths of "The Purpose of Creation" is its accessibility. Philips avoids dry academic jargon and presents complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner. This makes the book approachable for readers of all backgrounds, regardless of their religious or philosophical leanings.
However, it's important to acknowledge that the book isn't without its criticisms. Some readers might find Philips' focus on the Islamic perspective overwhelming, especially if they're not familiar with it. Additionally, the book's brevity can leave some feeling that certain arguments could have been explored further.
Despite these drawbacks, "The Purpose of Creation" remains a valuable read for anyone seeking answers to the big questions about life. It offers a comprehensive overview of different perspectives on existence, encourages critical thinking, and ultimately helps us find meaning in a seemingly chaotic world.

[Ali Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do we(mankind) exist in the world? what caused God to create mankind? Why did God descend mankind on earth? And above all, what was the purpose of God to create mankind? These are some questions that hunt almost all of us in our lives at some time or the other. "The Purpose of Creation" by Dr. Bilal Philips has answers to these all questions and much more. It provides the best answers and satisfies the readers to the backbone.
This book also clarifies very beautifully the concept of worship - "Abaadah" in Arabic. The people who read the Quran - the divine message of Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be upon him) - know that Allah said in the Quran that He has created men and jinn to worship Him. But what is worship? If mere prostrating before God is worship, then angels have been prostrating before Him since billions of billions of years. And suppose, if no living beings prostrate before God, will they decrease God's grace? Likewise, their prostration never increased His grace. Then what is worship or Abaadah? This book provides an answer to this question in a very unique way. And of course, the questions raised in the beginning are the actual matter of debate of this book.

[Muhammad Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have been sent here with a purpose, uncover it by asking the divine scriptures why were we sent here.

[Zainab Abdul Aziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

SubhanaAllah.

It's a brief but comprehensive book and serves as an eye-opener as well as a reminder for us.

[Neida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its normal for human wanting to know his/her purpose of being created in this world. This book explains it in a very simple and precise manner.

[Arkam Frz]

Small book that convinces you to ask yourself why you are here

[Dalilah Athman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MashaaAllah Tabarakallah

[Cryleo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5⭐

[Zahir Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, Clear & straight to the points.
My favorites points from this Books are below:

Why did God create man?
to worship God. (Sin is generally committed when God is forgotten)

Why did GOD create mankind on earth?
To test which of you is best in conduct, a good deed.

Generosity: Negative desire can only be overcome by giving one’s wealth charitable.

Contentment: Wealth is not (measured) in property but in contentment.

Animals & Vegetation:
Killing animals for sport is forbidden and sinful.
In the service of every living being, there is a reward.
Planting trees is considered an act of charity.

Conclusion:
You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah

[Anakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was simply clear & to the point. I would recomed that anybody who is anybody should read it.

[Abdul Aziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete with reference from the verses of al-Quran and authentic hadith.

[Tourya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but I was expecting deeper explanations and development.

[Sherchan Deepak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you!, miracle happens.Wisdom is to become wise & to have right understanding.

[Bara'a Lepsuruqa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This booklet is good to know somewhat of the laws of Allah that keep the safety and organization of the life system.

But there is no clear discussion or points that clarify the main title: “ the purpose of creation “ for non believers , atheists and secular materialistics.

Each chapter gives brief answers about some major questions in life and shows the readers the divine laws.