In Islam, Allah’s view of the world is comprehensively described in the Quran and authentic Hadith (Prophetic traditions). Here are the key aspects of Allah’s perspective on the world according to Islamic teachings:
1. The World is a Test (Dunya is a Trial)
Allah describes the worldly life as a temporary test to distinguish between those who believe and do good deeds and those who disbelieve and follow their desires.
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Quran 67:2:
“He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed—and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” -
Quran 18:7:
“Indeed, We have made that which is on earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed.”
2. The World is Temporary and Deceptive (Dunya is Fleeting)
Allah warns against becoming overly attached to worldly pleasures, as they are transient and can distract from the eternal life of the Hereafter.
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Quran 57:20:
“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children… And the life of this world is not but the enjoyment of delusion.” -
Hadith (Tirmidhi):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.”
3. The World is a Means to Achieve the Hereafter
Allah encourages Muslims to use the world responsibly—seeking lawful provisions, helping others, and preparing for the Akhirah (Afterlife).
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Quran 28:77:
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.” -
Hadith (Muslim):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.”
4. The World is a Place of Worship and Obedience to Allah
The ultimate purpose of life is to worship Allah alone and follow His guidance.
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Quran 51:56:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” -
Hadith (Bukhari):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.”
5. The World is Under Allah’s Control and Decree
Everything in the world happens by Allah’s will, wisdom, and divine decree (Qadr).
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Quran 64:11:
“No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah—He will guide his heart.” -
Hadith (Muslim):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If the entire world were to gather to benefit you, they could not benefit you except with what Allah has decreed for you. And if they were to gather to harm you, they could not harm you except with what Allah has decreed for you.”
6. The World Will End, and Justice Will Prevail in the Hereafter
Allah promises that the world is not eternal and that the Day of Judgment will come, where everyone will be held accountable.
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Quran 40:39:
“O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter—that is the home of [permanent] settlement.” -
Hadith (Bukhari & Muslim):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established until wealth becomes abundant, fitnah (trials) appear, and killings increase.”
Conclusion
According to the Quran and authentic Hadith, Allah’s view of the world is that it is:
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A temporary test, not the ultimate goal.
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A means to worship Allah and do good deeds for the Hereafter.
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Deceptive in its allure, so believers should not be fooled by its pleasures.
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Under Allah’s complete control, and everything happens by His wisdom.
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Destined to end, with true justice and reward coming in the Afterlife.
Muslims are encouraged to live a balanced life, enjoying the lawful blessings of this world while keeping their focus on the eternal life of the Hereafter.
