We are different from animals
In Surat al-Dhariyat Allah says:
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.Surah Dhaariyaat: 56
Allah tells us in this ayah, that He has created us to worship him. This is different from the animals, who were created for other reasons, such as being for our benefit:
وَالْأَنْعَامَ خَلَقَهَا ۗ لَكُمْ فِيهَا دِفْءٌ وَمَنَافِعُ وَمِنْهَا تَأْكُلُونَ
“And the grazing livestock He has created for you; in them is warmth and [numerous] benefits, and from them you eat.”Surah Nahl: 5
Unlike animals, we have capabilities such as the ability to understand, to intend or will something, to direct ourselves to Allah, follow His guidance and repent after committing sins. We are able to make decisions, and see right from wrong.
Wasting time and being lazy does not allow us to live up to this purpose.
