“What is my purpose?”
This is a massively important question that human beings have been asking themselves since time immemorial.
It is something that each and every one of us will ponder at some stage of our lives, although the timing in every case is specific to the individual.
What is my purpose and why am I here? These are questions which once confronted with, are difficult to put out of our minds until we come up with a response which seems appropriate – for that time of our life, anyway.
As most of you reading this article are Muslims, in many cases still relatively early on your life’s journey, we will first examine the question from an Islamic point of view.
As Muslims, our ultimate purpose in life is to worship God – Allah (SWT) – and to follow the teachings of The Qur’an and our beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
We should strive to lead a life which is righteous, and by fulfilling our obligations to Allah, it means we are also fulfilling our duties to our family, our community and indeed, the whole of humanity.
As Muslims, it is also our belief that that everything in life is pre-ordained – that is, already written.
However, this doesn’t mean we should be complacent and just allow fate to take its course.
Allah SWT has defined a purpose for our lives and it is our duty as Muslims to fulfil this purpose.
So why are you here?
Definitely, this is a question which overwhelms some people and gives them sleepless nights.
However, once you find the answer/s, even though the response/s may change or evolve over time, you’ll find that you have a more fulfilling, a more meaningful and a more purposeful existence.
Your purpose in life may have many facets but it should always be in line with your values, your beliefs and your passions.
As previously indicated, defining your purpose in life is a question we must all face at one time or another.
Sometimes, the answer can be quite complex; it can involve a lot of consideration and isn’t something we can always answer on our own, without at least having a discussion about it, usually with someone we respect, who is older and has much greater life experience than ourselves.
This may be a parent, a teacher or some kind of other mentor like a counsellor or a life coach. In terms of our future work aspirations, discussions with people like career advisors and more senior work colleagues will hopefully also help.
A discussion with your religious leader – in the case of Muslims, a sheikh – is recommended, especially if you feel confused or ‘stuck’, spiritually.
Some Handy Hints
If you are currently feeling unsure about your purpose in life, here are some tips that the team at Invictus Solutions has put together for you to think about and these may assist you in gaining some clarity about the direction your life is headed:
- Think about your beliefs and values. Your purpose in life should be aligned with your core principles. Ask yourself what is most important to you and how can you best contribute to society.
- Identify and work to your strengths and what you are most passionate about: Your purpose should involve using your skills and talents in a way that brings you joy and fulfillment.
- Set realistic goals: We all have a ‘grand plan’, but this should be broken down into smaller, achievable goals that are specific, realistic, measurable and workable.
- Take the good with the bad: Setbacks and challenges in life are inevitable. However, they can also provide opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace challenges and most importantly, thank God: “Alhamdulillah for everything”.
- Have supportive people around you: Finding your purpose isn’t something you have to do alone. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, and who can offer guidance and advice when needed. People like (as mentioned earlier): parents, teachers, counsellors and sheikhs.
Summing up, your purpose in life should be a reflection of who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to have a positive influence on the world around you.
There is no easy answer…..it may take a lot of time, effort, and self-reflection to define and pursue your purpose, but when you do, you will derive a great deal of satisfaction.
Indeed, the rewards are impossible to quantify.
But any benefits gained in this life will pale into insignificance compared to the rewards you will receive in the afterlife for living your life as a good, responsible and caring person.
At Invictus Solutions, we work a lot with young members of the Muslim community – some of whom may be struggling to define their purpose in life, especially when it comes to career goals, personal development and relationships.
The services we provide include counselling, consulting, mentoring and workshops.
Be they one-on-one or in a group setting, our coaching sessions and workshops – run by qualified, highly experienced members of our team, headed by Invictus Solutions founder Dean Mousad, provide a safe haven for individuals to explore their goals, aspirations and challenges, and to gain the tools and resources they need to succeed in life.
We are dedicated to helping young Muslims find their purpose and live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Whether you are struggling with your career, relationships, or personal growth, our school and community workshops, coaching sessions, and support services will help you achieve your goals.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need extra support on your journey towards fulfilling your purpose in life.
