MAN

MAN An Islamic Perspective I F a group of people were asked, “What was the most important issue for mankind today?” Different people would have different answers. Some would say that the spread of nuclear weapons was the most important issue. Some would say the population explosion, while others might say that the production and distribution of wealth were of paramount importance. Such diversity of opinions shows that people in general do not properly recognize themselves. If they did, they would all agree that the most critical issue facing mankind was man’s total disregard of the reality of his existence. Man persists in ignoring the inescapable fact that one day he must die and be called to account before his Maker. If he were to become aware of the reality of his existence, it would be to the afterlife rather than to this world that he would direct his attention. If you stand in a busy shopping centre during the evening rush-hour and observe what people are hurrying towards, you will realize what today’s humanbeing has chosen as his fundamental issue. Why do you think there is an endless stream of traffic in the streets? Why has the merchant decorated his shop? Where are the crowds of people coming from and going to? What is the main topic of people’s conversation and the true purpose of their meeting one another? What interests them the most? To what use are their finest talents and resources put? What have people taken with them; from their homes, and what do they intend to return with? If you can answer these questions, you will also be able to deduce exactly what it is that mankind has chosen to base his life on and what he is endeavouring to achieve. In the series of topics given below the Islamic perspective about ‘man’ is presented to the discerning reader to think, ponder and compare it with his natural feelings and to observe nature outside of him taking new ideas for progress and success in life. The Concept of Man Man is God’s servant. Man has been created by God with a plan, that is, to place him temporarily on earth in order to give him the opportunities in the form of different situations to help him mould into a heavenly personality. Man persists in ignoring the inescapable fact that one day he must die and be called to account before his Maker.