“We honored the children of Adam, and bore them across land and sea… and exalted them above many of Our creatures.” [Qur’an, 17:70]
With the exception of man and jinn, all species and physical objects in the universe have originated to function in a predetermined and predictable way. Each is constrained to stay the course with no ability or dexterity to deviate from its defined path. None has the potential to demonstrate any ingenuity for transformation, adaptation, or divergence. They all conform to the intended purpose of their creation and, as such, are not subject to accountability by their Creator for their compelled behavior, conduct, or performance.
Jinn are invisible entity created from the heat of fire with existence without a physical component: “He…created jinn from smokeless fire.” [Q, 55: 15] They are invested with free will and are not inherently obedient to their Creator. They have the freedom to choose between belief and unbelief and between obedience and defiance. They can behave as they choose. However, they are accountable for the likely consequences of their actions and the choices they made willfully.
In contrast, first, man has been created most proportionately: “…We created man in the best mold.” [Q, 95: 4]. He is uniquely granted specific knowledge: “…Allah taught Adam the names of all things…” [Q, 2: 31] In addition to free will, he also has been invested in intellectual capability, creativity, and a curious mind to explore and expand further his knowledge. Vast resources have been placed at his disposal to accomplish whatever he chooses to accomplish: “It is He Who created for you all that is on earth…” [Q, 2: 29] All in all, man has been created inherently superior to all creations to dominate the universe around him: “Indeed, We honored the children of Adam, and carried them across land and sea and provided them with good things for their sustenance, and dignified them above many of Our creatures.” [Q, 17:70] These assets have enabled man to take initiatives at will for change, progress, and growth in every conceivable field of physical life. This has led to the development of human civilization. He has conquered the land, sea, and space by innovatively deploying gifted faculties and resources. Due to phenomenal advances in science and technology, medicine, transportation, and communication, today we live a life of unprecedented luxury and comfort our ancestors could not even fantasize.
Further, unlike all other living beings, man is not just a physical entity. Basically, human life is layered into two components – physical and spiritual. Each plays a crucial role in maintaining the physical existence of life and, at the same time, the moral integrity of personal character. Thus, each needs to be looked after meticulously and excelled to operate at its prime. However, in order to meaningfully achieve the intended purpose of life, they must be blended together such that the moral gear is always engaged in a commanding position. Contrary to non-humans, they cannot be separated nor practiced separately. It is the moral conscience and its dominance in human character that distinguishes man from the rest and paves the way to his ultimate ascension to honor – a status not available to others. His physical existence is enlightened with spiritual veracity to transform him into a personification of characteristics known as human values. The spiritual component signifies a specific essence comprised of consciousness, reason, and wisdom.
It is by the imprint of these attributes that man stands out singularly among all species of earthly creatures. He is transcended with specific personality and individuality to project his Creator’s attributes on earth: “He Who excelled in the creation of all that He created. He originated the creation of man from clay; then made his descendants from the extract of a humble fluid; then He duly proportioned him, and breathed into him of His spirit …” [Q, 32:7-9] It suggests that man’s merits of knowledge, reflection, cognition, preference, persuasion, judgment, authority, and similar distinctions that define him as a human being are reflections of his Creator’s attributes. These merits have no other source but the Creator Himself: “When I have fashioned shaping him and have breathed into him of My Spirit, then fall you (angels) down before him in prostration.” [Q, 15: 29] This leads to infer that the soul-infused into man is his Creator’s direct order.
Over and above, the gamut of means and mental faculties man possesses, the most precious and discerning sense that his Creator has instilled in him is the moral conscience that navigates him through the complexities of this life. It filters his motives and directs his actions for purity and nobility while dealing with the intricacies of day-to-day life. His moral compass is tuned to discern between right and wrong, just and unjust, and virtue and evil: “…and by the soul and by Him Who has perfectly proportioned it, and inspired it with (with the consciousness of) its evil and its piety.” [Q, 91: 7, 8] Given this discerning conscience, his Creator has shown him two contrasting paths to choose from: “And did We not guide him to the two clear ways ( good and evil)?” [Q, 90: 10] He conducts himself under the scrutiny of his conscience and the only guiding principle is the moral integrity of his actions. While the Creator has infused into man the propensity for both good and evil: “And proclaim: This is the truth from your Lord. Now let him who will, believe; and let him who will, disbelieve…” [Q, 18: 29], He has also impregnated every person’s subconscious that good and evil deeds are intrinsically different in their effects. There is a deep-seated sense that immorality is condemnable and righteousness is praiseworthy.
Since this is a universal phenomenon, every society has fundamentally recognized and followed the standard of good and evil in some form. With some variation, each adopts a code of conduct and reward and punishment system commensurate to good and evil practices. The uninterrupted presence of this moral code throughout human history bears out that it is natural and is instilled in the human soul by its Creator. Man possesses innate knowledge about good and bad and their respective effects. He is charged with the responsibility of attaining piety, and this responsibility rests solely with him. One who purifies oneself attains the heights of piety and prospers. Conversely, one who suppresses the vibrancy and healthy development of one’s soul will be ruined: “He who purifies it will prosper, and he who suppresses it will be ruined.” [Q, 91: 9, 10]
Thus, at its very core, in the sight of the Creator, there is no difference between man and any other creature or stone. He has originated everything with varying features, functions, capabilities, or without. However, when man devotes his physical and mental energies under the guidance of moral principles and displays superior attributes inspired by his conscience, he becomes a human being and embarks on the road to human ascension reaching for his designated rank as his Creator’s Deputy on earth. These characteristics include Human dignity, respect for life, justice, peace, freedom of speech, liberty of religion, family values, interpersonal relations, and civic engagement for the health and prosperity of the society. The collective happiness of human society is predicated on these virtues alone – nothing else. Happiness is in doing your duty.
A society that has a sizable number of people, who degrade themselves by suppressing these human distinctions in violation of their own conscience, is gradually plagued with social and moral ills. As these problems mushroom and become uncontrollable, the degradation of the moral foundation of that society and the fragmentation of its social fabric becomes inevitable. Such problems sprout in a variety of ways. Fixation of lustful ambitions intensifies greed, jealousy, prejudice, and barbarism. Crumbling family structure, domestic violence, children without parents, obscenity, rape, murder, suicide, drug abuse, alcoholism, human rights violations, and gun violence are just a few examples of the devastating effects on the life of choosing the low road. An unchecked obsession with materiality without a moral dimension is a recipe for self-annihilation.
The US – the leading country in the world – is a case in point. Top-down corruption is rampant, especially in the political theatre, infecting all segments of society. Greed has corrupted even the judicial system at the very top. Gun violence has shaken all four quarters. In 2022, over 692 incidents of mass shootings killed over 20,000. Just in the first four months of 2023, over 14,000 are dead in 202 mass shootings. Since 1990, 1 million lives have been lost from gun violence. On average, gun violence kills 40,000 people and wounds twice as many every year. Even babies are not safe; no place is off-limits, not even hospitals. Worse yet, nothing is being done to save lives, while the carnage continues to roar. Lawmakers’ pockets are filled with lobby money and lips zipped in favor of guns. With the exception of gun crimes, most countries in the world are even worse, drowning in corruption. These are hardly the signs of a civilized society of humans.
From the Islamic perspective, an essential part of good conduct is civic engagement and being sensitive to society’s concerns, particularly its moral direction. Community outreach is an obligation in Islam. In fact, our own viability depends on this commitment; otherwise, despite being righteous in our own life, we could be counted among those who harm society: “…guard yourselves against the punishment which would not fall exclusively on those who were wrong-doers…” [Q, 8: 25] Complacence is an endorsement of bad behavior. The Prophet Muhammad SAW warns against silence on wrongdoing: “Indeed when people see an oppressor but do not prevent him from (doing evil), it is likely that Allah will punish them all.” [Dawud, Tirmidhi]. The implication of this warning is that, rather than being a part of it, we must be a partner in building the society of our residence. Only then, we may be able to influence its social and moral order.
But first Muslims themselves need to be educated, disciplined, and transformed by internalizing the message of the Qur’an to meet its demands: “This (Qur’an) is a plain exposition for mankind, and guidance and admonition for those who fear Allah.” [Q, 3: 138] The most effective way to indoctrinate the contents of the Qur’an is fasting during the month of Ramadan. Allah SWT injects three ordains in a row: (a) “…Fasting is prescribed…so that you may achieve taqwa.” [Q, 2: 183]; (b) “During…Ramadan the Qur’an was sent down as guidance to mankind … So those who witness the month should fast it…” [Q, 2: 185]; and (c) “And (He desires) that you should complete the period, glorify Allah for what He has guided you to, and give thanks to Him.” [Q, 2: 185]
Taqwa means spiritual vigilance and virtues that include all human values cited above plus many more: “… true righteousness (taqwa) consists in believing in Allah and the Last day … and in giving away one’s property in love of Him to one’s kinsmen, the orphans, the poor… and in freeing the necks of slaves, and in establishing Prayer (Salat) and dispensing the Purifying Charity (Zakat). True righteousness is attained by those who are faithful to their promise… and by those who remain steadfast in adversity and affliction and at the time of battle between truth and falsehood. Such are the truthful ones and … muttaqeen (who practice taqwa).” [Q, 2: 177]
Taking (a) and (b) together, fasting is a common denominator, implying that the real purpose of the Qur’an is to cultivate taqwa in the conscience of its followers. This is achieved through the experience of fasting. Instrumentally, fasting serves as a conduit in this process. Once complete, (c) requires the implementation of the acquired virtues. This is like a college graduate whose next step is to enter the real world and put his knowledge to work to be beneficial. Fasting too is an experience with the purpose of mentally and morally rejuvenating a person. Its completion marks the beginning of taqwa-driven conduct within and across society. At its very core is the recognition of Allah’s Sovereignty and accountability by Him for every action committed willfully. Conforming to His code is the way to magnify Him and thank Him for the Qur’an.
As we get overwhelmed by the errands of daily life, our connection with Allah SWT begins to wane. Sustained vigilance is needed to keep that bonding spirited. Consistency secures sanity, as repeatedly stressed by the Prophet SAW: “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.” [Bukhari] Those who remain steadfast live in the company of the angels: “Those say Allah is our Lord and then stand steadfast, angels descend on them and say…we are your companions in this life and in the Hereafter…” [Q, 41: 30]
The key to staying vibrant is to participate in the reform efforts: “O Believers! Respond to Allah, and respond to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.” [Q, 8: 24] Inspire people to reconnect with their Creator and live a life of purpose. The Prophet SAW said: “All creatures are a family of Allah and He loves most those who are good to His family.” [Bukhari] No deed is better than acting righteously and inviting fellow humans to nobility: “…Whose speech could be better than the one who calls to Allah and acts righteously and says I am a Muslim?” [Q, 41: 33] Those who engage in this effort, do so for their own good. Their own vitality and lifeline depend on inspiring others. The Prophet SAW reaffirmed the same principle: “Whoever invites to right guidance will receive a reward from him who followed right guidance without the reward of either of them being decreased …” [Muslim]
Perseverance during the struggle between truth and falsehood is a test. Patience and sacrifice are effective assets to prevail, as the truth is solid and falsehood is hollow: “Goodness and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is best…he with whom you have enmity, will become your closest friend.” [Q, 41: 34] Repelling evil with generosity has been Islam’s hallmark. This is how Islam has captivated the souls of its opponents and made inroads in every society. The amnesty granted by the Prophet SAW to his old foes after recapturing Mecca is a glaring example of his altruism that moved the entire community to enter Islam and become its champion on the world scene.
While treating the enemy magnanimously results in bonding between foes, it takes self-restraint and a visionary pursuit for reform: “…whoever pardons and seeks reconcilement, his reward is with Allah…” [Q, 42: 40] This is what Islam teaches and the fasting ingrains: “But none can attain this quality except those who endure with patience, and none can attain this rank except those who are people of good fortune.” [Q, 41: 35] This is the law of nature. Only people of extraordinary grit display such merits and live the purpose of their existence with the highest badge of honor.
Islamic Point of View 