What is the purpose of creating this universe?

The purpose of creating the universe, according to Islamic teachings, is fundamentally tied to the worship of Allah and the eventual accountability of all beings. The Qur'an emphasizes that creation was not an act of frivolity or without purpose. In Surah Al-Waaqia, the question is posed: Do ye create it or are We the Creator? 56:59, indicating that Allah is indeed the Creator of all that exists.

Ibn Kathir explains that Allah did not create the universe in vain; He created it so that His creatures would worship Him alone. This worship is tied to the belief in the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be held accountable for their actions. The commentary notes that Allah will gather all beings on the Day of Gathering to reward the obedient and punish the disbelievers, underscoring that life has a meaningful purpose beyond mere existence.

Similarly, Al-Mizan highlights the importance of purpose in creation, stating that Allah created the heavens and the earth with intention and that everything created must ultimately return to Him. It asserts that if creation were without purpose, it would imply a lack of care from the Creator, which is not consistent with the wisdom of Allah.

Thus, the overarching purpose of this universe, as derived from the Qur'an and its commentaries, is to serve as a stage for worship, moral testing, and the eventual return to Allah for judgment. This understanding encourages believers to reflect on their actions and strive to live righteously in accordance with divine guidance.