We all are blessed with life. Unfortunately, for some the purpose of life is to wake up for the office, do the duty, engage in the normal chores and then jump on bed, feeling tired about the day. The cycle repeats regularly. Add more to the purpose and you would find some people dreaming about availing the luxuries of the world and their sole purpose would be to become a millionaire so they can taste the richness of life. But what’s more than that? Even if you reach your purpose, would you have the meaning of your life? Would you ever understand for what purpose the Almighty has sent you?
As the famous quote of Henry J. Golding
“What our deepest self craves is not mere enjoyment, but some supreme purpose that will enlist all our powers and will give unity and direction to our life. We can never know the profoundest joy without a conviction that our life is significant-not a meaningless episode. The loftiest aim of human life is the ethical perfecting of mankind-the transfiguration of humanity.”
The most famous philosophical figure, Iqbal dedicated his life to the awakening of human beings because he believed that men have the energy within. Only he’s distracted by the grandeur that doesn’t let him awake to the reality of life.
Considering this, Zain Lahori, a writer from Lahore has penned a spiritual tale to make people realize the meaning of their lives. Starting from the first chapter, the Sermon in the Rain, Lahori starts a spiritual journey to question the purpose of his life. As he embarks on his journey, he finds himself engulfed in the deeper meaning, he’s confused yet also surprised at the people for being so courageously wrong and proud of living in the dark.
The book is a short read consisting of 13 chapters. However, the sermons are complex and you may require a re-read to understand their meaning. Since it’s a spiritual read, the book will also make you question your values such as what are we doing to enlighten our path, for the sake of humanity and for the sake of brotherhood.
In the chapter, the Quest for Brotherhood, the writer shares that the bond of brotherhood is more important than that of friendship but still we don’t value brotherhood. Why is that so?
Similar to this, you will find the writer questioning the terms like Solitude, Resilience, Conscience, Anarchy and Delusions. As the book unfolds, you’ll also find sermons with deeper meaning. Inspired by the vision of Iqbal the book is entertaining yet you might find it questioning your thoughts and the meaning one seeks in their lives.
As these kinds of books are rarely found in Pakistan, the writer has done an excellent job of sticking to the purpose of each and every word in the book. It might remind you of the philosophy of Iqbal but that’s what the writer is admired for and wants to develop in readers.
At one point, Lahori is stuck when a preacher knocks at his door to inquire about him for not attending the mosque. Still, Lahori is more concerned about a deeper connection with the Divine rather than confining himself to the five prayers.
The book is indeed soul-searching, self-reflecting and much needed to realize the sole purpose of life, especially of a Muslim; his strength sovereignty and connection to the Divine. If you’re into spiritual reading this is something you should try your hands on.
About the Author
Zain A. Malik as known as Zain Lahori is an author from Lahore who draws inspiration from the legendary philosopher Allama Iqbal. Zain considers himself to be the reembodiment of Iqbal, and in his debut work of Philosophical Fiction, he aims to awaken a sense of self-discovery and personal transformation in readers, encouraging them to embrace their own potential for greatness.
His Instagram handle: @Zainmalik162
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
