Islamic View of the HumanIslamic 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...
Islamic View of the Universe By Dr. Jamal Badawi
How humans view their own nature is a question imposed in the foundation of any ethical system. Some common views deny the existence of any purpose for life, or of any divine plan that makes humans any different from other beings. These opinions basically view mankind as an evolving animal.
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Another viewpoint overemphasizes the spiritual aspect of life, resulting in the renunciation of the world and belief that torturing one's body is a virtue that serves the soul.
A third view of human nature tends to overemphasize the intellectual aspect of life, which overlooks the fact that humans need divine guidance as well as intellect.
One other view puts sin out of proportion, leading to a pessimistic view of life that causes people to feel constantly haunted by their sins.
The ethical outlook of the individual and his behavior is not only affected by the person's view of his own nature, but also by the person's view of the world around him. Islam regards the universe as a tool helping mankind to perform his role as a trustee of God on earth.
A verse in the Qur'an explains this viewpoint: And He it is Who hath constrained the sea to be of service that ye eat fresh meat from thence, and bring forth from thence ornaments which ye wear. And thou seest the ships ploughing it that ye (mankind) may seek of His bounty and that haply ye may give thanks. (An-Nahl 16:14)
This proves that unlike some common views regarding natural phenomena as an adversary to humans, Islam views the entire universe as subservient to mankind in order to fulfill their duty.
Fourteen hundred years ago, the Qur'an clarified that God created the whole universe and made it subservient to mankind so he could explore and harness nature.
This is referred to in the Qur'an where Allah says what means: And hath made of service unto you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; it is all from Him. Lo! herein verily are portents for a people who reflect. (Al-Jathiyah 45:13)
Another verse refers to harnessing and pondering over phenomena in nature as a moral obligation and a part of the humans' trusteeship on earth: Have they not considered the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and what things Allah hath created, and that it may be that their own term draweth nigh? In what fact after this will they believe? (Al-A`raf 7:185)
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