What is life?

What is life ?

As a kid I've often wondered what life is all about ? Even as a kid it always seemed like an intriguing mystery.
Is it a journey? Is it a learning experience? Is it merely a soul passing through time ?

From a religious point of view, is it a test? Is it a stage .. where we're simply being judged ?

It's not just tough..it's impossible to find the answer to the question. If it's a test and we shall be judged by the Almighty then who are these people around us that are usually the FIRST to judge us ? Does it make them superior than the Almighty ? I certainly don't think so.

We believe that we have the freedom to live our lives,  the freedom to make choices, the freedom to create and break rules. However,  the harsh reality is that we never have or had the freedom to live our lives. 

We are bound by numerous constraints and restrictions,  we are asked to follow the book sent by the Almighty and lead our lives according to his rules and regulations BUT our deeds and belief system seems rather far fetched in this superficial world.

Have you wondered how many times we ask this question " what will they think  ?" before taking a trivial or major decision?!

We lead our lives based on this society, their cultures and traditions.  We are bound in these meaningless yet relentless constraints..most of OUR decisions in life are based on OTHERS and that is a fact.

How often do we  stop to think and ask " What till Allah think ?" before taking small and big decisions?  Not as often as we should I'm afraid,  specially since that is the only criteria that should be given utmost importance...!

Sadly enough I've come to the conclusion that our lives are not our own...we have no command over it, the world has us tied with a leash,if only we surrender and give Almighty control over our lives.. we'd at least "LIVE" in some peace.

P.S.- I know this post isn't with respect to any particular hadith or topic..just few random thoughts that I've jotted down.