Explanation If we were to ask a student: Why do you study? He would say: So that I can gain admission into a university. If we ask: Why do you desire to get yourself admitted into a university? He would answer: So that I can become an able doctor or an engineer (for example). If we ask again: Why do you desire to possess a medical or an engineering degree? He shall say: So that I may engage myself in a productive activity and also that I earn a good income.
If we were to persist and ask: Why do you need a good income? He would say: So that I can lead a respectable and comfortable life. Finally if we ask him: Why do you desire to lead a respectable and comfortable life? At this juncture we shall notice that his tone changes and he will say: Well, so that I can lead a respectable and comfortable life. He repeats his previous answer.
We say: For achieving human perfection and attaining proximity to Allah (s.w.t.). Now, if it is said: What is the purpose of achieving human perfection and attaining proximity to Allah (s.w.t.)? We say: For proximity to Allah (s.w.t.)! This is the final aim. Expressing it differently, we desire everything for the sake of perfection and attaining nearness to Allah (s.w.t.), but we seek nearness to Allah (s.w.t.) for itself (i.e. nearness to Allah (s.w.t.) ).[^1] [^1]: Tafsir-e-Namuna, vol. 22, pg.