Legacy or Absurdity a Quranic View

1. Introduction

The Qur’an repeatedly frames human existence as purposeful and morally consequential. In contrast, actions devoid of moral, spiritual, or social benefit are classified as (عبث Abath) , a term carrying connotations of absurdity, play, vanity, and lack of purpose. This dichotomy shapes the Islamic ethic of legacy, in which meaningful impact (athar) is privileged over physical monuments or impressive but empty achievements.

2. Qur’an 26:128 and the Critique of Futile Achievement

One of the clearest Qur’anic articulations of (عبث abath) appears in the narrative of the people of ʿĀd.

Allah says:

“أَتَبْنُونَ بِكُلِّ رِيعٍ آيَةً تَعْبَثُونَ”“Do you build on every high place a monument for amusement and vanity?” (Qur’an 26:128)

This verse criticizes the construction of grand monuments devoid of spiritual or social purpose. The Qur’an does not object to architecture or civilization itself, but to projects motivated by showmanship, arrogance, or the desire to leave behind hollow symbols of power. In this framework, achievement without intention becomes (عبث abath) an illusion of greatness masking moral emptiness.

3. Legacy as Enduring Benefit: Qur’an 36:12

In contrast, the Qur’an defines legacy as an enduring benefit.

Allah states:

“إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ وَنَكْتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُوا وَآثَارَهُمْ”“We give life to the dead and record what they send forward and the traces they leave behind.” (Qur’an 36:12)

This verse introduces a dual register of accountability:

1. Deeds performed (mā qaddamū) and

2. Lasting effects (āthārahum).

Here, legacy is defined not by physical structures but by the continuation of one’s beneficial influence knowledge, charity, justice, or moral guidance. This establishes (athar) as the opposite of abath: purpose versus purposelessness.

4. Human Purpose and the Rejection of عبث: Qur’an 23:115

The Qur’an further rejects the notion that human life itself is purposeless:

“أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا”“Did you think We created you in vain?” (Qur’an 23:115)

This verse situates the debate on legacy within a broader theological anthropology: human beings are created with intention and accountability. Thus, a life lived in (عبث abath) contradicts the very nature of creation. Human worth is tied not to worldly display but to alignment with divine purpose.

5. Conclusion

The Qur’anic discourse establishes a clear ethical distinction between lasting legacy (الأثر) and absurd purposelessness (العبث). Qur’an 26:128 critiques civilizations that equate grandeur with meaning, while 36:12 affirms that true legacy is measured by enduring benefit. Qur’an 23:115 grounds this framework in the purposeful nature of human existence.

Through these verses, Islam presents a worldview in which meaningful contribution, intentional action, and moral purpose define a worthy life, while actions pursued for vanity, ego, or empty display fall under the category of (عبثAbath). Thus, the Qur’anic concept of legacy is inseparable from divine purpose, ethical responsibility, and the pursuit of lasting good.

Allah Knows Best