From a Bahá’í perspective, the purpose of life is twofold: to know and worship God and to develop our spiritual qualities so we can contribute to the betterment of humanity.
1. Knowing and Worshiping God
Bahá’ís believe that God is unknowable in His essence, but we can come to know Him through His attributes—love, justice, wisdom, and mercy—which are reflected in the teachings of His Messengers (such as Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh). Worshiping God isn’t just about prayer and devotion; it also includes living a life of service, kindness, and integrity.
2. Developing Our Souls
The Bahá’í writings describe life as a temporary school for the soul. Just as a baby develops arms and legs in the womb (which it will need after birth), our time on Earth is meant to develop spiritual qualities—like patience, humility, and generosity—that we will need in the next world. The soul continues its journey after death, progressing toward greater nearness to God.
3. Serving Humanity
True spirituality isn’t about isolation or personal salvation; it’s about making the world a better place. Bahá’u’lláh taught that service to others is a form of worship. By promoting justice, unity, and love in our communities, we align ourselves with God’s purpose for humanity.
So, in short: we are here to know and love God, refine our souls, and contribute to the unity and progress of the world. 💙