—his words, “and has not abandoned us to wander aimlessly”: the term hammal (wander aimlessly) denotes something neglected, cast aside, and deemed of no consequence. Allah created us and provides for us for a wise purpose; He did not bring us into existence in vain or leave us without guidance. The Most High says, “Did you think We created you for mere sport and that you would not be returned to Us?” (Q 23:115).

He, exalted is He, also says, “Does man imagine that he will be left without purpose? Was he not a drop of emitted fluid, then became a clot, then He created and proportioned?” (Q 75:36–38).

And He says, “We did not create the heavens, the earth, and all that lies between them in falsehood; that is the notion of those who disbelieve. So woe to those who disbelieve because of the Fire.” (Q 38:27).

Allah has created us, and granted us our sustenance and abilities, for a momentous wisdom and a noble end—namely, that we worship Him. He did not create us like the cattle that exist for people’s benefit and then perish, for they bear no obligation, command, or prohibition. Rather, He created us for His worship, as He, Most High, has said: “I did not create jinn and humankind except to worship Me. I require no provision from them, nor do I require that they feed Me. Indeed, Allah is the Provider, the Possessor of strength, the Firm.” (Q 51:56–58).

Nor did He create us merely for this worldly life, to roam about, take our pleasure, eat, drink, and expand our comforts with nothing to follow; rather, life