CPS NEWSLETTER

The Quran repeatedly invites human beings to use this higher faculty. It asks them to observe the heavens and the earth, to reflect on creation, and to ponder the signs of God spread throughout the universe. Such invitations would have no meaning if human beings were intended to live only at the level of instinct. Reflection itself is evidence that humankind has been created for a higher purpose. The Quran says: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for people of understanding.” (3: 190) The expression “people of understanding” points to those who do not stop at appearances but move from observation to realization. The world is a vast treasure-house of divine signs. Every object and every event carries a message. The purpose of human intelligence is not merely to earn a livelihood or achieve worldly success. Even a limited intelligence would be sufficient for survival. The true purpose of human intelligence is discovery—the discovery of God, the discovery of truth, and the discovery of the purpose of life. This is why the human being has been honoured above other creatures. Yet this honour is inseparable from responsibility. Privilege and accountability always go together. Because human beings have been given the ability to know, they will be questioned about how they used that ability. The Quran states that hearing, sight, and the heart will all be called to account. Human beings are not expected merely to exist; they are expected to understand. They are not expected merely to consume; they are expected to realize. The incident of monkeys being deceived by a picture therefore becomes a gentle reminder for thoughtful people. Animals may be excused for living at the level of appearances because they possess no higher capacity. Human beings have no such excuse. They have been given minds capable of reaching beyond the visible world and discovering eternal realities.