Purpose of Creation and Objectives of Sharia
Before delving into the discussion of system and governance, we will discuss the purpose of human creation and the objectives of Sharia. This is because, unless we understand why humans were created and why Sharia or a divine system is necessary for them, we cannot comprehend the entire system.
We will clarify the difference between the objectives of Sharia and the purpose of creation. In light of the Quran and Sunnah, it will be explained that the purpose of human creation is trial and testing, while the objective of Sharia is guidance and the establishment of justice. Our religious literature has extensively covered both subjects, purpose of creation and objectives of Sharia, separately, but there is no discussion on which should be prioritized if their demands conflict. This discussion is necessary. After explaining that the demands of the purpose of creation take precedence over the demands of the objectives of Sharia, it will be shown what the consequences of violating this principle—prioritizing the demands of the objectives of Sharia over the demands of the purpose of creation—can be. It will be suggested for reflection that some recent incidents of violence and destructive actions in the name of Islam, particularly killings due to sectarian differences, are largely a result of this violation. Those who are fueling violence in the name of Islamic caliphate are also violating this principle. The damage that Islam and Muslims are suffering due to these actions can only be prevented when everyone understands that the attainment of the objectives of Sharia should be done while keeping in mind the purpose of creation.
It will be emphasized that due to imitation or political hustle, no individual should ignore the voice of reason and nature in matters where there is no clear text (nass). For those who continually study the Book of Allah and the example of the Prophet, this voice should outweigh every argument and pressure. The purpose of creation, i.e., testing, if it implies freedom of choice on one hand, it also demands ijtihad (independent reasoning) on the other. To succeed in the test, one must choose the path that aligns with God’s will at every turn of life. Since the guidance given in the Quran and Sunnah is limited and the situations where guidance is needed are unlimited, ijtihad is indispensable. Every Muslim should strive to understand Allah’s will in the issues at hand. This effort is called ijtihad.
Purpose of Creation
Allah has stated in numerous verses of the Quran that the purpose of creating humans and settling them on the earth is to test them.
“Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent – [He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:1-2)
“And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:165)
“Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:7)
Success in the test of life is through the worship of Allah. Therefore, it is stated:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:56)
Worship is valid only when it is according to Sharia.
“We said, ‘Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.'” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:38)
“Then We put you, [O Muhammad], on an ordained way concerning the matter [of religion]; so follow it and do not follow the inclinations of those who do not know.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:18)
Sharia is also given for trial and testing.
“And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:48)
Worship deserves reward only when it is based on free will.
“O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My verses, then whoever fears Allah and reforms – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. But the ones who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:35-36)
“And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muhammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?” (Surah Yunus, 10:99)
“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256)
“So to that [religion of Allah] invite, [O Muhammad], and remain steadfast in it as you are commanded and do not follow their inclinations but say, ‘I have believed in what Allah has revealed of scripture, and I have been commanded to do justice among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. There is no [need for] argument between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is the [final] destination.'” (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:15)
Freedom of choice is necessary for trial and testing. Although it is desirable that a person uses reason and chooses good, if someone chooses the opposite path, they should be allowed to do so because depriving them of free will and forcing them on the right path contradicts the purpose of creation, which is trial and testing.
