The Long Search (or Struggle) for Purpose & Peace

Purpose. What is it?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, purpose is:

• Noun: “The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.”

• Verb: “To have as one's intention or objective.”

From this definition, your purpose can be understood as something that:

1. You actively work toward.

2. You embrace as a core part of your identity.

3. Shapes and defines your entire being.

If this is the case, wouldn’t it make sense for your purpose to be something deeply meaningful?

What is the Purpose for People?

In a 2010 study by Damon et al., researchers found that only about 20% of people have a clear sense of purpose. Many others, however, struggle to define their purpose or search for it without a clear direction. Some people don’t even embark on the search for purpose at all.

Several studies highlight the primary areas where people often find purpose:

• Relationships

• Personal Growth

• Career

• Spirituality

• Contribution to Community

But are these “real” purposes? If we reconsider the definition of purpose, it becomes clear that it’s more than just a preference or activity. Purpose is a profound concept—it’s something you live for, something you’re willing to die for, and something you’re prepared to struggle for.

Now, don’t get me wrong: helping others, working on personal growth, and nurturing relationships are all meaningful pursuits. But is that it? Are we confusing a purpose with simply “things we enjoy doing”?

Ask yourself: What is your why? What keeps you grounded when the world feels chaotic? What drives you forward when everyone else stops? What keeps you awake when the rest of the world sleeps?

Imagine a world where relationships fall apart, personal growth stagnates, and careers disappear. Suppose contributing to the community no longer motivates you, and what you once called spirituality becomes an empty routine. What remains then?

What is the one constant in life—unchanging, eternal, and infinite—that transcends all these fleeting pursuits? Regardless of belief, everyone agrees on its existence: a truth that has no beginning and no end.

Exit Your Gaflah (Heedlessness)

There is no constant except Allah. Even if someone doesn’t believe, this truth is evident on a logical level.

Everything in life is transient: your wealth, your family, your comfort, your health, your spouse, your children, your siblings—even the universe itself and its atoms. All of it can vanish in an instant.

But Allah remains. So why do people fail to recognize this? Why do they resist a truth so close and accessible?

If we were to delve deeply into this topic, even three newsletters wouldn’t suffice. Yet at its core, the explanation is simple: it comes down to two factors—Humans and Shaytan.

As a Muslim, what has always been taught as your greatest enemy? Even if you weren’t raised in a practicing environment, what is the universal concept of “evil”?

Yes, it’s Shaytan. But alongside him, we learn about the dangers of our own nafs (inner self). Allah confirms this in the Quran:

Our future depends on the battle against Shaytan and our own nafs. This struggle defines our path to attaining eternal peace and fulfillment—the ultimate escape from this dazzling, yet deceptive, illusion called life.

So, what is our main goal? To detach ourselves from this temporary world as much as possible.

Expect to lose what you cherish. Remember death frequently. Doing so helps you appreciate blessings in good times and cultivate patience in hardship.

When faced with calamity, remind yourself of Allah’s divine plan. Trust that with hardship comes ease (Surah Ash-Sharh 94:6).

Yet, millions of people lack this perspective. They live and die in misery, disconnected from the eternal truth. The worst part? Others profit from their suffering.

This leads us to today’s topic—a reflection on the illusions that bind us and how to find freedom through reliance on Allah alone.

Massive Conversions to Islam – Despite the Media’s Hate

The wave of conversions to Islam happening worldwide, even among famous personalities, stands as one of the clearest proofs of the truth of this deen.

Why do I say this? Because, in a world overwhelmed by chaos and unhappiness, where people are desperately searching for reason and purpose, Islam remains the only faith offering a clear perspective.

If you browse YouTube and listen to why people choose Islam, their reasons often sound like this:

• “It just made sense to me.”

• “It offers solutions to every problem on this planet.”

• “It has a clear belief in God.”

• “The Quran is full of wisdom and guidance for life.”

Here’s something I’ve personally noticed: when people accept Islam—or even when Muslims start practicing their deen seriously—they don’t just feel healthier, they look healthier too.

It’s not a coincidence. Many studies show that your mental state directly affects:

1. Your physical health, and

2. How you appear to others.

For example, recent research from 2023 highlights how improved mental well-being correlates with physical vitality and even outward appearance. This transformation reflects the profound peace and purpose that Islam instills in a person’s heart.

But here’s a question: Why are people converting despite the relentless hate and propaganda spread by the media?

A YouTube channel, Towards Eternity, analyzed this phenomenon and identified four major reasons. One of the most significant is this:

They Read Primary Sources

Many converts report being influenced by negative media narratives in their youth. Yet, they overcame these biases by seeking knowledge for themselves. They turned to the Quran and Sunnah, reading Allah’s words and understanding the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Most importantly, they studied how the Prophet ﷺ lived—his character, vision, and mission.

Think about it: when you have a teacher, their teaching style, passion, and vision can inspire you to excel—even in a subject you’re not particularly interested in.

I’ll share a personal example. At university, I once took a fundraising module just to fulfill a requirement. The topic didn’t excite me, but I stuck with it because the teacher’s enthusiasm was contagious:

• His teaching style was engaging.

• His knowledge was deep.

• He carried himself with dignity.

• He had a clear vision, and his love for the subject was evident.

When someone is passionate about their mission, it shows—not only in their work but even in their face.

Now, imagine the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His mission wasn’t about teaching a single subject—it was about changing the world. He was tasked with transforming not just one arrogant and stubborn society but multiple ones, across cultures and geographies, each with its own challenges.

And he succeeded. Through the will of Allah, his character, and his vision, countless hearts softened and embraced Islam.

Fighting the Hate

If we actively combat the hate and propaganda against Islam, the religion will continue to grow faster than ever. Allah’s guidance and the truth of Islam shine through—even in the face of adversity.

With the character of our Prophet (ﷺ) and the strength of our faith, there is nothing that can stop the spread of this beautiful deen.

Your Purpose Is Not a Burden

Do you ever feel burdened by prayer? By the thought of worshiping Allah, the very purpose of your existence?

Allah tells us in the Quran:

When life feels overwhelming, and organizing your day around prayer seems like another task on an endless list, it’s not just a distraction from your purpose—you are neglecting the core of your being.But this isn’t about guilt or regret.

Let’s focus on fixing this problem.

Reconnecting with Allah Through His Words

The key to repairing this disconnect is the Quran. Not just reading it, but living with it through tadabbur—reflecting deeply on its meanings.

When you bring the Quran into your daily life, something extraordinary happens:

• Your mind flourishes with clarity.

• Worries fade as your soul finds peace.

• You’re wrapped in purity, allowing your heart to heal.

The Quran isn’t just a book—it’s a guide for life. Its wisdom teaches history, language, morals, character, and love. Most astonishingly, it speaks to each of us uniquely. One ayah might touch your heart in a way that transforms you completely while impacting someone else in their own profound way.

Take the First Step

If you’ve subscribed to my newsletter, you’ve already received a free version of my soon-to-be-published Tadabbur Guide. It’s a practical resource to help you start reflecting on the Quran in:

• 10 minutes a day

• 15 minutes a day

• 30 minutes a day

The key is to start somewhere. With each session, you’re not just reconnecting with the Quran—you’re reconnecting with Allah. And in doing so, you’ll rediscover your purpose and rebuild your heart.

What Are You Waiting For?

Millions of people spend their entire lives searching for their purpose. Some never find it and live unfulfilled. Others chase distractions, only to leave this world empty-handed.

But you—you have your purpose right in your hands. It’s one:

• Last push,

• One prayer, or

• A pen and paper away.

Everything you’re seeking—peace, clarity, fulfillment—is within reach. Start today.

If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love it if you shared it with someone who might benefit from it. Also, feel free to hit reply and share your thoughts—your feedback means a lot!

That’s all for today.
Until the next one, I leave you

فِي أَمَانِ اللّٰهِ _{(In the care of Allah)}
❦ Dunja ❦