Life is a Test, Not the Final Chapter

Have you ever felt like something is missing, like no matter how much you achieve, there’s still an emptiness inside? Have you ever questioned the purpose of life, wondering why you are here on this planet?

You are not alone. These questions have been asked for centuries. But here’s something to deeply reflect on: this life is not the final destination. It is a journey, a temporary stop where we are meant to learn, grow, and transform.

Life is a Test, Not the Final Chapter

In Islam, this world is called Dunya, and it is meant to be a place of trials. It is not designed to give us everlasting happiness, because it is not our permanent home. Just as a student must pass exams to graduate, we are placed in different situations in life—some pleasant, some painful—all meant to teach us lessons and prepare us for something greater.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Think about it—when you travel, do you cling to the hotel room? Do you get attached to temporary accommodations? Of course not. You know you are just passing through. The same is true for this life. Everything we have—our wealth, relationships, status—is temporary. The more we attach ourselves to them, the more we suffer when they are taken away.

Detachment: The Secret to Inner Peace

We live in a world that teaches us to attach our happiness to material things—success, money, love from people, social validation. But in reality, these things are fragile and unreliable. True peace comes when we learn to detach from creation and attach to the Creator.

The Quran reminds us:
“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return.” (Quran 2:156)

If everything in this world is temporary, then who should we rely on? The only One who is eternal—Allah.

Your Purpose is Greater Than This World

So, why are we here? According to Islam, we are here to worship Allah and to become the best versions of ourselves through our trials. Worship is not just about rituals; it’s about living with sincerity, kindness, patience, and discipline in everything we do. It’s about shifting our mindset:

• When we work, we work for Allah, not for validation from others.

• When we help others, we do it for the sake of Allah, not for praise.

• When we endure hardships, we remember that Allah sees our patience and rewards us.

The moment you shift your mindset from “I am doing this for myself” to “I am doing this for my Creator,” everything changes. You feel lighter. You let go of expectations. You focus on what truly matters.

Discipline: The Key to Freedom

In a world of distractions, true success requires discipline. Islam teaches us to train our souls, to control our desires, and to remain steadfast. Fasting, praying, waking up for Fajr—all of these are ways to strengthen our discipline and detach from temporary pleasures. The more we train ourselves, the stronger we become.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although there is good in both.” (Sahih Muslim)

You Were Created for Something Greater

If you’ve ever felt lost, know this: you were not created without purpose. Your struggles are not meaningless. Your pain is not unnoticed. You are here to grow, to be tested, to love, to worship, and to prepare for the eternal life that awaits you.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remind yourself:

• This life is a journey, not the destination.

• Attach your heart to the One who never leaves—Allah.

• Whatever you do, do it for Him, not for people.

And before you start your day, say Bismillah—“In the name of Allah”—and trust that you are walking on the right path.

With love and prayers,

Naima Bourhzal