The Creator: The source of all bounties!

We are born into this world owning nothing that we earned and we depart from it with no assets that we may have acquired or saved. Between our birth and physical death, we are all utterly dependent on the bounties of the Almighty. Indeed, The Almighty (Allah) is the only Creator, Sustainer, Nourisher and Cherisher of the Universe.

The Human — the main Beneficiary of The Creator’s Bounties

The bounties of God embrace all creation. Yet, the main beneficiary of these bounties is none other than the human being. So then a very important question arises: What is the nature of the human and why is he here on earth?

Human Nature

The Holy Qur’aan declares “Such is He(God Almighty), the Knower of all things, hidden and open, The Exalted [in Power], The Merciful; He who has made everything which He has created most good. He began the creation of the human with clay. Then made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of despised fluid. Then He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His Spirit. And He gave [the faculties of] hearing, sight and understanding [and feelings]. Little thanks do you give.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 32 : v 6-9)

It is from the likes of this passage that the nature of the human, as a physical-intellectual-spiritual being, is clearly indicated.

Physical dimension

‘Clay’ represents the earthly aspect of the carnal elements of human nature. Urges and instincts in themselves, act as mechanisms through which the physical survival and perpetuation of the human race are fulfilled.

Intellectual capacity

The human is also endowed with intellect and the power of reasoning. It is true that reason alone is insufficient to understand all the mysteries of creation. Nonetheless, reason is neither irrelevant to the strengthening of a person’s faith, nor is it the antithesis of faith. Indeed, the use of the power of intellect and reason is not only accepted, it is also most desired and in fact encouraged.

The Holy Qur’aan calls out, “Do they not reflect in their own minds? It is only for a just purpose, and for a term appointed, that Allah did create the heavens and the earth, and all between them. Yet, there are indeed many among people who deny the meeting with their Creator (through resurrection)!” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 30 : v8)

In another verse : “Do they see nothing in the sovereignty of heavens and the earth and all that Allah has created?” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 7 : v185)

Spiritual element

Whilst the physical component of human nature is shared by other living beings and different creatures do possess intelligence in varying degrees, it is only in the case of humans does the Qur’an say that Allah breathed into him something of His spirit. It is that ‘breath’ which endows the human with innate spiritual and moral qualities. It also establishes the unique position of the human as the crown of creation.

Allah Himself declares “We have honored the children of Adam(humankind); provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favors above a great part of Our Creation.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 17 : v70)

Countless significant symbols of this honour is manifest from the time of the creation of the first human (Adam) and even upto this moment all over the globe!

Responsibility

This position of honor is closely related to the fulfillment of one’s role as God’s trustee and as a free agent. It is a heavy responsibility; one which requires making the right choices. Failing to make such a choice leads to the loss of that position of honor and distinction. The human may then even descend to a position, which is less than that of animals. These are the ones who:

“Have hearts [minds] wherewith they understand not, eyes wherewith they see not, and ears wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle, nay more misguided; for they are heedless (of warning).” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 7 : v179)

Constant struggle

The physical, intellectual and spiritual elements in human existence are not regarded as three different compartments. They are not necessarily irreconcilable either. The human is neither regarded as a fallen angel nor as an ascending animal. Rather, the human is a responsible being with the potential of ascending to a position that is higher than that of the angels, or descending to a position that is lower than that of animals.

The ‘forbidden tree’ symbolizes the universal ethical experience of every human being. It eloquently and effectively sums up the concepts of freedom of choice, temptation, decision- making, erring, realisation of error, repentance and forgiveness. It represents the main ethical challenges before humankind:

(a) Rising above the purely physical element and ruling over it instead of being ruled by it.

(b) Developing the spiritual and intellectual elements and bringing them into harmony with the Divine will through conscious submission to God

(d) Striving to succeed in the ‘test’ of this earthly life, in order not to merely return to an even greater ‘garden’ after one’s physical death, but to enjoy the ultimate bliss of nearness to God and the company of the pure.

Just see how beautifully the Holy Qur’aan highlights this: “All who obey Allah and the Messenger are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah: of the Prophets, the Sincere [Lovers of Truth], the Martyrs and the Righteous. Ah! What a beautiful companionship it is with such (luminaries).” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 4 : v69)

These challenges are related directly to one’s conception of the purpose of creation, which we will discuss in the next article.

For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan,

please contact:

Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars

Publications Department,

P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare

Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003

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