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Did Man Come to Earth as a Tourist?

A Conversation on Life’s Purpose

Two men were engaged in a conversation. While one continued working, he explained the purpose of his efforts to the other:

“I have three main pleasures in this world, my friend. I live and work for them: eating, drinking, and satisfying my desires. That is my life. Besides, life has no other purpose.”

Although many people might not verbally express this belief, their way of living often reflected it. They worked, earned money, sustained their families, had children and grandchildren, and eventually passed away, leaving this world behind.

The Divine Order and Human Responsibility

Nevertheless, our Creator had defined the fundamental needs of human beings in both this world and the hereafter—eating, drinking, sheltering, and procreation—while also providing guidelines for working toward success in both realms. Moreover, He promised even greater rewards in the afterlife.

He designed the world as a magnificent palace, adorned with diverse plants and animals, and filled it with blessings for the eyes to see and the tongue to taste. The sun, the moon, and the stars were assigned roles, and the ever-changing seasons were created with precision.

The Role of Prophets as Guides

People arrived in this world in groups, much like tourist expeditions. Prophets served as guides for these groups, introducing them to the palace and their Creator. They addressed humanity with these words:

  • “Our Creator wishes to make Himself known to you through the creation of this palace. Recognize Him and strive to know Him well.”
  • “With these decorations and beauties, He wants to endear Himself to you. Appreciate His artistry and admire His works so that He may love you in return.”
  • “Through these visible blessings, gifts, and favors, He demonstrates His love for you. Show your love in return by obeying Him.”
  • “With the abundance of provisions and hospitality you witness, He shows you His compassion and mercy. Express your gratitude and respect toward Him.”
  • “Through these magnificent creations, He wishes to display His divine beauty. Show your desire to see Him and earn His love.”
  • “By placing unique seals, distinct imprints, and inimitable marks on each of His creations, He reveals that everything belongs solely to Him, bearing no partners. Acknowledge Him as the One and Only, unparalleled and without equal.” (1)

     

    The Three Dimensions of the World

    A tourist is someone who travels for leisure, exploration, and experience without any specific duty or responsibility. However, although human existence in this world resembles that of a tourist, it is far more purposeful and carries a responsibility. This is because both the world and all things within it have three fundamental dimensions:

    1. The Spiritual Reflection of the Divine

    “The first dimension reflects the Divine Names of God (Asma Ul Husna); they serve as mirrors to His attributes. This aspect is eternal and immune to decay, separation, or annihilation; rather, it is subject to renewal and rejuvenation.” (2)

    The world and the universe are schools where one learns about God’s names and attributes. This dimension is beautiful, worthy of admiration and love.

    If a person internalizes the lessons of these divine attributes and reflects them in their life, they will attain everlasting generosity and blessings in the infinite realm.

    The apparent death and disappearance of the universe are merely a renewal process, like turning a new page. It does not signify permanent loss or destruction.

    2. The World as a Preparation for the Hereafter

    “The second dimension pertains to the hereafter. It serves as a field for cultivation, a garden of mercy, and the source of paradise. Like the first dimension, it is also beautiful and deserving of love, not contempt.” (3)

    In this aspect, the world serves as a preparatory ground for the afterlife. Here, one sows, and there, one reaps. The more one invests in good deeds, the greater the rewards.

    If one plants goodness and devotion in this worldly field, they will harvest the eternal paradise in the hereafter. This aspect of the world does not go to waste. As the Qur’an states:

    “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it. And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (4)

    3. The Illusionary Nature of Worldly Desires

    “The third dimension caters to human desires and serves as a veil of heedlessness. It is the playground of worldly pursuits. This aspect is ugly because it is transient, deceptive, and painful. It leads to delusion and disappointment. This is the aspect condemned in hadiths and by the people of truth.” (5)

    This dimension is the face of the world that appeals to the self-indulgent nature of humans. It sees the world as a place of amusement and heedlessness. It causes individuals to neglect the purpose of their existence—faith and worship—wasting their lives in frivolities. This transient face offers nothing but torment and punishment in the hereafter.

    The dimension of the world that distracts people from God and the afterlife, leading them into a life of sin and heedlessness, is ugly, harmful, and dangerous. It is not worthy of love but rather of disdain.

    “The life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But the home of the Hereafter is far better for those who fear Allah. Will you not then understand?” (6)

     

    References:

    1. The Words, Eleventh Word
    2. Letters, Twenty-Fourth Letter
    3. Letters, Twenty-Fourth Letter
    4. Surah Al-Zilzal, 99:7-8
    5. Letters, Twenty-Fourth Letter
    6. Surah Al-An’am, 6:32

This article is inspired by Master Said Nursi‘s Risale-i Nur Collection

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