A philosophical reflection on what separates a truly human existence from one that differs little from the animal kingdom
Syed Mustafa Ahmed
Life, by definition, is a struggle. It is a tapestry woven with threads of joy and sorrow, a continuous journey from birth to death where moments of happiness are invariably followed by periods of grief. It is within this oscillation between despair and elation that our mortal existence unfolds, eventually leading us to bid farewell to a world from which no traveller returns.
Thinkers and philosophers across epochs have grappled with defining this ephemeral concept, each constructing their own lexicon to describe it. For some, life is a voyage; for others, it is a preparation for the hereafter. Some equate it with the pursuit of pleasure—eating, drinking, and indulging in luxury. Yet others pessimistically label it a curse, a punishment meted out in this very world. The interpretations are as varied as humanity itself.
However, a singular thread runs through this diversity of thought: the notion that life is synonymous with struggle. To hold onto foresight during moments of despair, to sail one’s boat into an unrelenting storm, to seek light when darkness refuses to lift—this, indeed, is life.
The Limited Vision: A Life of Materialism
In our contemporary context, however, a rather narrow view of life has become prevalent. This perspective reduces existence to a checklist: eating, drinking, sleeping, earning, building a house, marrying, securing a child’s future, accumulating wealth, projecting an image of virtue in society, and basking in the praise of others.
While some of these are undeniably fundamental necessities—we cannot exist without them—they do not constitute the entirety of life. To suggest otherwise would be to define an incomplete existence. Animals, too, eat and drink. Every creature earns its keep. They build their nests and dens, their lives are filled with affection, and they exhibit traits of kindness and empathy.
If these pursuits become a human’s sole preoccupation, what then distinguishes human existence from that of an animal? If success is defined purely through materialism, it becomes clear that such a life is no life at all. It is inconceivable that the Almighty would endow humans with intellect and foresight merely to serve such limited purposes. To forget the specific objectives for which we were sent here and become obsessed with a handful of worldly pursuits defies logic. In a universe of immense vastness, concerning oneself only with a few thorns and flowers is antithetical to wisdom and human values.
A Life of Inquiry: The Search for Universal Truths
To truly live, one must, beyond fulfilling basic needs, adhere to certain universal principles. We must learn to see beyond material objects, prioritise substance over superficiality, and contemplate the diversity that is the very breath of life.
Contemplating this diversity is paramount. It is equally essential to ponder the philosophy of death. Observing the waxing and waning of the sun and moon, the cyclical arrival of seasons, confronting the realities of pain, and evaluating the fundamental tenets of religions are timeless necessities. This, in essence, is life.
Why is the stomach never truly satisfied? What is the reality behind this perpetual hunger? Why does greed have no limit? What is that one thing that can provide genuine peace of mind? Even more fundamentally, what is peace? Why is there such a profound aversion to sorrow? Why does everyone desire happiness? What is it about happiness that makes it so universally sought after?
What compels a person to become an ascetic or a renunciant? What is meant by the ‘self’ (nafs)? Why is it considered essential to control it? What would happen if there were no self? Why does the self become rebellious? What is its true nature? These are the questions that define authentic living.
Furthermore, what is my origin and my destination? What is the reality of God? Can this world even exist without a divine presence? What would happen if He were to withdraw His mercy from us?
A Call to Conscious Living
It is incumbent upon us to conduct an honest self-assessment of our lives. Such introspection will bring about discipline and order. An unexamined life is a precarious one. We must strive to ‘die’ before our physical death—to annihilate the ego—so that we may never have to experience spiritual death again.
This body is destined to perish one day. Since its departure is inevitable, we must endeavour to accomplish something before that final goodbye that immortalises our existence. Death is a certainty, but the quality of our living is within our control.
So, let us begin to truly live. Let us not wait until it is too late.
sy**********@***il.com