Introduction Human beings were not created without a purpose. The Qur’an makes it clear that our existence on earth is deeply meaningful. We are given intellect, free will, and a sense of morality, all of which make us responsible for our actions. According to Islamic teachings, human life is not just about survival or pleasure, but about fulfilling specific roles assigned by Allah. The Qur’an outlines three primary roles for mankind: Servant of Allah (‘abdullah) Vicegerent (khalifah) on earth Bearer of the trust (amanah) These roles define the duties and responsibilities of humans in the world and serve as guidance for a purposeful life. 1. Human as Servant of Allah The most fundamental role of a human being is to worship Allah. Worship is the central purpose of creation, as explicitly stated in the Qur’an: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat [51]: 56) In Islam, worship is not confined to ritual acts like prayer, fasting, or pilgrimag...
The rise of Islam was not merely the establishment of a religion—it was the birth of a transformative movement that reshaped the spiritual, political, and social fabric of the world. At the center of this monumental change stood Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his devoted companions. The early years of Islam were marked by profound struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance, as they laid the foundation for what would later become the Islamic Caliphate. The Revelation and the Beginning of Opposition In 610 CE, Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation from Allah (God) through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira near Mecca. At the time, Mecca was a center of trade, tribalism, and polytheism. The Prophet’s message of monotheism—worshiping one God—directly threatened the socio-economic and religious structure maintained by the Quraysh tribe, the ruling elite of Mecca. When the Prophet began to openly preach Islam, the opposition intensified. He called for justice, equal...