Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Confucius are enjoying a meal of steamed dumplings and Kung pal chicken at P.F. Chang’s Restaurant. They are discussing the question: “What is the meaning of life?” I happen to be sitting on a table near them and I can overhear their conversation. Buddha begins the conversation by posing the question to the other three.
Buddha: What is the meaning of life?
Mohammed: (Looking up from his meal and putting on a serious face) I believe that life is sacred and a gift entrusted to humans by God. Every human being should live his life with skill and honesty. God should be ever present in everything that a person chooses to do.
Jesus: (Nodding his head) I agree with Mohammed about including God in everything that a person does. Life is about serving God and obeying his commands. The meaning of life is to perform good deeds for the glory of God. Human beings should focus on finding out God’s purpose for the world. Humans should then work hard to fulfill God’s purpose for the world.
Buddha: (With a stunned face and shaking his head) I disagree with the two of you. I believe that the meaning of life lies on its purpose of ending suffering. Many people focus on things that provide short term happiness instead of seeking those things that will give lasting happiness. Things such as materials, health, and friends do not last forever. People who get attached to these things suffer a lot of sorrow when they lose them. These things bring joy to people, but the joy is only short-lived. Attaching yourself to a temporary thing will only cause more suffering. The best way to live life is by seeking enlightenment.
Confucius: (Smiling) My belief is totally different from that held by the three of you. I believe in mission and fate. Life is determined by your destiny or fate. Heaven has a mechanism that controls all the things on earth. These things include illness and health; poverty and wealth; and death and life. People should accept the things that happen to them because it is their fate or destiny.
Mohammed: (Looking at Confucius with a surprised face) Don’t you believe in a supreme being?
Confucius: No. I believe in predestination and that nobody has the ability to change his destination.
Jesus: (Looking at Confucius and Buddha) You should believe in God. God plans to heal the world and redeem sinners. My mission on earth is to teach people about the Kingdom of God. Every person should do good things so as to see the Kingdom of God. People should first seek the Kingdom of God, and all the other things shall be added unto them by God. People should give up the earthly pleasures and spread the good news to all the people in the world.
Buddha: (Shaking his head while looking at Jesus) That is your own opinion. I believe in the rebirth of human beings. Humans should work hard to seek enlightenment. The only way to attain enlightenment is by living as a monk.
Mohammed: (Shaking his head in disagreement towards Buddha) I agree with what Jesus has said. There is a supreme being that takes care of all our needs. God gives life to a human being along with unique abilities and qualities. There are obligations that accompany this sacred gift. The only way for a person to achieve his purpose in life is by endeavoring to please God. In return, God will reward that person with eternal happiness in the afterlife. Life is considered a transitory stage. The afterlife is determined by the good deeds performed by a person in line with God’s guidance.
Confucius: (Shaking his head) People should focus on the present life rather than looking into the afterlife or death. The future is unknown, and people should not waste their present by working towards the unknown future.
Mohammed: (Looking at Confucius with a calm face) I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
They all continue enjoying their meal while respecting each other’s opinion.
I agree with Prophet Mohammed view on the meaning of life. I agree with him because I believe in God and in performing good deeds. God’s guidance enables humans to live in peace with each other and to also help those who are in need (EIF 1). I also believe in eternal life, and Islam inspires me to do good things so that I can have a happy eternal life.
(759)
Works Cited
EIF. A Quick Introduction to The Islamic Faith. 2010. Web. 11 May. 2016. http://www.inspiredbymuhammad.com/islam.php?&content_80=2
