Why Do I Need to Live in This World and Be Happy When I Don’t Want To?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I always feel sad because I want to live and don’t desire death, and I’m not running away from problems, but I do not like to live this life. I see life as vain even though I am fully aware of why Allah created us. I perform good deeds and pray. But why is my life important? Why do I need to live? I do not want to be happy in this world. Can’t I just shut the door and seclude myself?
Answer
Thank you for your question. May Allah give you what your heart truly desires, and may you search within yourself to learn why you should live in this world and live the way that Allah wants you to.
Worship
You say that you pray and understand why Allah put us on this Earth but that you don’t feel the need to live and be happy. I say to you that aligning your will with Allah’s will is the only way to live out your purpose in this life. If you genuinely don’t desire anything for yourself, it seems that you can be one of the best Muslim worshippers on this Earth. Eliminating your ego and personal desires completely and doing only what Allah and His Messenger taught us will come easy to you, so I urge you to do that.
Vain
Our existence is not vain as it is the means to a goodly end or miserable end. All you have to do is choose which course of action is best for you. Allah Most High has summed it up in these words in the Quran, “(…) (when) one group of people will be in Paradise and another group in blazing Fire.” [Quran, 42:7]
Seclusion
Perhaps you are one of those who needs to remember Allah in seclusion. As long as you are fulfilling your obligations toward your family and dependents, you may shut the door and seclude yourself.
A man asked: “O Messenger of Allah, which of men is the best? He said: ‘A believer who fights staking his life and spending his wealth in the way of Allah.’ He asked:’ Who is next to him (in excellence)?’ He said:’ Then a man who lives an isolated life in a mountain gorge, worshipping his Lord and sparing men from his mischief.’” [Muslim]
Please see these links as well:
- On the Etiquette of Seclusion: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader
- Seclusion and Contemplation
- What is Our Purpose in This World?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
