Islam and Contemporary World Series No.1
Islam and The Meaning of Life
Dr. Nazir Khan
Dr. Nazir Khan (MD, FRCPC) is a medical doctor, clinical neuroscientist, Islamic theologian, and specialist in Qur’anic sciences. He is an Associate Professor at McMaster University and a doctoral candidate in Islamic theology at the University of Nottingham. He memorized the whole Qur’an during his youth, has ijāzāt in all ten readings of the Qur’an through both major and minor routes of transmission, and has also received certifications in the six books of hadith as well as numerous works of Islamic theology. He has served as a volunteer Imam for many years.
He is also a consultant for the Manitoba Islamic Association Fiqh Committee. Following medical school, he completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Manitoba and his fellowship in Neuroradiology at the University of Calgary with dual-board certification. His expertise in both medical sciences and Islamic theology uniquely positions him to address challenging contemporary questions regarding faith, reason, and science. He is a senior fellow at Yaqeen Institute and served as the founding president of Yaqeen Institute’s branch in Canada.
He is also a consultant for the Manitoba Islamic Association Fiqh Committee. Following medical school, he completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Manitoba and his fellowship in Neuroradiology at the University of Calgary with dual-board certification. His expertise in both medical sciences and Islamic theology uniquely positions him to address challenging contemporary questions regarding faith, reason, and science. He is a senior fellow at Yaqeen Institute and served as the founding president of Yaqeen Institute’s branch in Canada.
Paper Summary
1. The Universality of the Question
1. The Universality of the Question
- The meaning of life is a core question shared by all people, regardless of background.
- Western philosophy has historically struggled with this question, often veering into nihilism or relativism.
- Modern society faces a “meaning crisis,” contributing to mental health issues and rising nihilism.
- Islam offers a comprehensive and coherent answer grounded in tawḥīd (monotheism).
- Qur’an 51:56: “I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me” – this underpins life’s purpose.
- Worship in Islam encompasses all moral, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions of human existence.
- Spiritual: Developing a relationship with God through worship and devotion.
- Moral: Acting as God’s vicegerents on Earth, promoting justice and virtue.
- Intellectual: Using reason and knowledge to understand and fulfill our divine purpose.
- Worship includes not only rituals but every action done with the intention to please God.
- Each person can personalize their selection of voluntary acts of worship (nawāfil) based on their strengths and circumstances (e.g., charity, scholarship, justice).
- Suffering is seen as a test and an opportunity for spiritual and moral growth.
- Islam reframes suffering as meaningful, offering a path to know God through experience and emulation of His attributes.
- Western society's answers—materialism, individualism, relativism—fall short.
- Islam provides an antidote to this existential vacuum with a clear moral and spiritual framework.
- There is a surprising lack of academic Islamic literature on this specific topic.
- The paper calls for more Muslim scholarly engagement to articulate and share Islam’s view with broader audiences.
- Muslims should see themselves as stewards of a valuable message in a time of moral and spiritual confusion.
- Deep study of Islamic teachings can help believers understand their personal journey and share Islam’s answers meaningfully.