Islamic View of the Human

Islamic View of the Human By Dr. Jamal Badawi

Islam views humans as quite distinct from other beings, as humans are the trustees of God on earth. This viewpoint has main effects on a person's outlook that could be summarized in four basic points. The first is self-acceptance by realizing one's own nature, whether it is weaknesses or strengths. This results in a mental balance: people are neither haunted by their sins and weaknesses nor too arrogant about their strengths.

The second point is, by realizing that humans are the trustees of God, they should abide by the limitations He set for them on earth. These limitations do not contradict with individual ownership; they only prevent people from abusing the gifts placed in their hands by God.

For example, Islam considers the environment as a personal trust and not personal property. This is why the destruction or unwise use of the environment is regarded as a moral crime. dissolution is also considered morally wrong because the body is one of God's gifts entrusted to humans, which they should use to fulfill their mission as trustees. Even money is considered a trust; people cannot burn it and claim that they are free to use their property as they please.

People's self-acceptance and limits on trusteeship lead to an integrated view of life, which refuses the distinction between spiritual and material aspects of life. This prevents the confusion caused when dividing life into two different spheres and setting certain rules that apply to one area, regardless of the other.

One verse in the Qur'an says what means

Blessed is He in Whose hand is the sovereignty, and, He is able to do all things. Who hath created life and rest that He may try you which of you is best in conduct; and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving. (Al-Mulk 67:1-2)

This means that the Islamic perspective regards life as a test, which indicates that life is not just an experience that a person goes through without having a purpose. On the contrary, the distinction and dignity of the human race lies in making the most of their materialistic, intellectual and spiritual capabilities in order to overcome weaknesses and shortcomings and to fulfill their mission as trustees.

This Islamic viewpoint does not only strive for individual piety but it provides for a more dynamic view of life that demands active participation of humans in righting the wrong and striving to achieve peace and social justice.

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