The Intention That Outlives You

A Christian, an atheist, and a monk - not the start of a bad joke - are discussing the purpose of life.

Three distinct perspectives that never truly intersect, and perhaps never can (a reason I might explore in the future).

Then, a great question is posed:

“If you were writing a book, and you knew for certain that the world would end - wiping out all life on Earth a short while after you die, would you be more or less motivated to write it?”

Different philosophies underpin all three viewpoints. For the Christian meaning would be found in Christ and his teachings. For the monk it would be in the act itself, the doing as a form of presence. And for the atheist, meaning would vanish altogether. There would be no meaning as nobody would read it, a view rooted in a kind of philosophical naturalism, which seems to be the most despairing when taken to its conclusion.

But it leads me to further questions like; wouldn’t it be just as pointless even if someone did read it?

What would it matter now that you’ve decomposed?

How does it benefit you?

Why should it matter that it benefits anyone else in a world shortly destined to end?

So, if you knew the world would end soon, would you still carry on writing your book?

And if you wouldn’t - why not?

There’s something subtle yet important here; it speaks directly to intentionality and purpose.

Why do you do what you do?

And with what intention?

When I first heard the question, there was no dilemma. As it isn’t hypothetical and it pointed straight to faith.

Because intentionality when rooted in faith is clear, even if we sometimes fall short and allow our lower selves to take over.

We do things for Allah ﷻ, or at the very least we know we should. And as guilt-ridden we sometimes feel with the choices we make, this is something we always fall back on, which allows us to ease our anxiety. We delude ourselves into thinking that because we are doing; we are also responsible for the outcome.

The Prophet ﷺ answered the original question; as well as reminding us that even at the end of times, our meaning is to act sincerely, and not worry about the outcome with the following hadith:

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,
“Even if the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, let him plant it.” (Musnad Aḥmad)

There’s something vast in this imagery that almost defies words.

The world is ending, everything you know collapsing, and in your hand is a small sapling. Something so fragile yet temporary and alive.

Before you stands the unimaginable power of Allah ﷻ, and yet you are asked to plant it anyway.

Because it was never about the result. It was always about the intention with the act.

So if you ever find yourself asking, “What’s the point in doing this?” - ask instead:

Would I finish writing that book?

Then be honest with yourself.

You might not like the answer, but at least you’ll know where you truly stand.

And that honesty - however uncomfortable - is the beginning of growth, and a clearer understanding of yourself and your relationship with Allah ﷻ.