What is the concept of Life in Islam?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Life is a brilliant demonstration of God's wisdom and knowledge, and a vivid reflection of His art and power. He is the Giver and Creator of life. Nothing comes into existence by chance. Life is a dear and cherishable asset, and no sensible or normal person would like to lose it by choice. Life is given to mankind by God, and He is the only Rightful Owner to take it back. This is why Islam forbids all kinds of suicide and self-destruction, and recommends patience and good faith when a dear soul passes away. When a murderer is executed in punishment, his life is taken away by the right of God and in accordance with His Law. It is a tragedy that the secular and the religious, the scientific and the spiritual seem to be in conflict in secular societies. Islam puts an end to this conflict and brings harmony in all these aspects of human life.
When God gives life to men and women, it is not in vain that He endows them with unique qualities and great abilities. Nor is it in vain that He charges them with certain obligations. God means to help man to fulfill the purpose of life and realize the goal of existence. He means to help him to learn the creative art of living and enjoy the good taste of life according to Divine guidance. Life is a trust from God, and men and women are trustees who should handle this trust with consciousness of responsibility to Him.
We have indeed created man in the best stature
Life may be likened to a journey starting from a certain point and ending at a certain destination. It is a transitory stage, an introduction to the Eternal Life in the Hereafter. In this journey, men and women are travelers and should be concerned with only what is of use to them in the Future Life. In other words, they should do all the good they can and make themselves fully prepared to move any minute to Eternal Life. They should consider their life on earth as a chance provided for them to make the best of it while they can, because when their time to leave comes they can never delay it for one moment. If their term expires, it will be too late to do anything about it or extend it. The best use of life, therefore, is to live it according to the teachings of God and make it a safe passage to the future Eternal Life. Islam has laid down a complete system of regulations and principles to show man how to live it, what to take and what to leave, what to do and what to shun, and so on. In one of his comprehensive statements Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, wisely advised man to consider himself a stranger in this life or a traveler passing through this world.