islam and humanity ungs

8/10/2019 Islam and Humanity Ungs

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ISLAM AND HUMANITY

A definition of humanity seems easy to think of yet difficult to propose, and there

have been disputes about it among different schools of thought. Most pioneers in social

thought and leaders of movements claim that the main feature of their activities is theirhumanism and humanitarian efforts. To avoid having misconceptions about humanity or

sinking in the whirlpool of literal interpretations and logical disputes, we need to first focus

on the reality of the human being and his different aspects, and then discuss the derived

infinitive word form humanity, its meaning, virtues, and functions.

1. Human beings are objective beings who are different from other objective beings with

respect to freedom of choice, meaning that their actions and behaviours are a result of

their reasoning and will, albeit relatively.

2. Human beings are to a large extent affected by their surroundings, that is, the physical

environment and other beings.

3. Human beings are social beings who naturally interact with other human beings.

4.

Human beings are created by God, the Creator of the universe. This relation with God

has different dimensions which affect them as persons and all of their relationships.

These four features are like four chapters of the book of humanity. Thus, human

values are those basic elements in the nature of human beings which are to be developed by

his own efforts. This development is an evolutionary movement in which no part of the

human existence harms the others and none of these elements should stop the movement ofthe human being towards a better state.

The holy Quran emphasizes on the full alignment of religion and humanity is Surah Ar-Rum

(30:30):-

So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: (establish) Allah's handiwork

according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the

work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind

understand not.


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Characteristics of Man

Defining man and his characteristics cannot be carried out by man himself. There are

several reasons for this, the most important of which are listed below:

1.

Peoples understanding of themselves and their feelings is influenced by their socialand cultural standpoints, their unique situations, and their worldly interests.

2. People are at various stages of continued development and therefore, they never

exactly understand existential dimensions of human beings as they progress and make

efforts to reach them.

Thus, if a human being wants to define human dimensions, features and virtues, his

definition will be limited or biased to some extent. This leads to a multiplicity of definitions

of humanness which causes a human beings goals and purposes to go into a halo of

imaginations.

But, Allah (swt), the Creator of the human being and the entire universe, is the only

Able One to define the human beings characteristics. These characteristics are, in fact,

dimensions of one perfect humanity. This is the meaning of necessity of heavenliness,

unseenness (ghaybi), and absoluteness of religion.

To emphasize on the truth of this issue, we need to refer to the opinions of Islamic

scholars. We are also guided by principles such as legislative obligations are graceful

indicators of intellectual obligations and whatever judgement is made by reason is made by

religion and vice versa. Thus, we can conclude that Islam is identical with humanity and

human values and vice versa.

The Fundamental Qualities

The fundamental qualities that we must all acquire to serve mankind or to develop a

passion to serve mankind are: love for humanity, kindness in our hearts for others, a

charitable disposition, humility, honesty, a thirst for knowledge, a desire to share knowledge

with others and a constant desire to strive in the cause of Allah by doing good. We must be a

people from whom goodness flows towards others. Most Ahmadi Muslims possess these

characteristics.

The teachings of the holy Quran and the example of the Holy Prophet (peace and

blessings of Allah be on him) direct us on how best to serve mankind. The Holy

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) practiced the teachings of the holy Quran

to the fullest extent and is the best example of the true representation of service to mankind

and to Allah. That is why Allah says in the Holy Quran:


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especially if we suppose no higher values exist for them. If service is confined to this, what

would be the difference between Abu Dhar and Mu'awiya?"2

Definitely, mere provision of food and shelter does not fulfil the purpose. There has to

be an additional form of service. Every Muslim is expected to render his duties towards the

society in which he lives. The actual service to human beings lies in treating them as humansfirst. We need to help our fellow human beings in nurturing and growing their innate qualities

which define them as humans. Man is different from all the creatures of both the worlds and

so are his duties and responsibilities towards his Creator. Surely, service to this special

creature has to be by helping him understand and render his responsibilities towards his

Creator.

Man is born with the innate ability of learning and understanding. He is capable of

multiplying his knowledge through understanding and analysing what he has learnt. Man is

not pre-programmed to obey and pray to Allah (SWT). He does so by his own free will. This

makes him different from the rest of creatures, and therefore heaven and hell are made to

reward and punish him accordingly. The method of serving man is by grooming andmoulding him in accordance to the tenets of Islam. This helps man to distinguish himself and

highlight his superiority towards other creatures. Education and awareness are the two

methods that can be implemented to help man understand himself.

We find in Islamic history the best examples of love and compassion for fellow

human beings. Sometimes we find the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his progeny)

serving the needy and weak; sometimes we see Imam Ali (peace be upon him) sitting with

the sick and the poor, attending to their needs affectionately; and sometimes we see other

members from our holyAhlul Bayt (peace be upon them) giving the same service to needy

ones. Islam has laid great stress on helping the poor and needy ones. But we know that man's

needs are not confined to just material aspects of life; rather, he seeks to fulfil higher needs as

well, like guidance and seeking knowledge. Hence we find that along with material needs, the

Holy Prophet and Ahlul Bayt have quenched humanity's spiritual thirst as well. Man is a

creature who always longs for company, love and compassion.

If Islam had given the world nothing but this one simple clarion message,

Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created-Surah Al-Alaq (96:1)

That too at the dawn of the Seventh Century - the entire world would still be in its

debt forever. But the tragedy is that Non-Muslims don't know and Muslims won't tell.Imam

Ja'far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) served mankind by educating the people, he had more

than 6,000 students studying under him from all over the world. They did not just learn about

Islam, but were taught various subjects including mathematics, astronomy and science. This

eventually terminated the Dark Age in Europe.

2The Perfect Man by Ayatullah Murtada Mutahri
http://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/ahlulbayt.asphttp://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/imam.jafar.as.sadiq.asphttp://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/imam.jafar.as.sadiq.asphttp://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/imam.jafar.as.sadiq.asphttp://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/imam.jafar.as.sadiq.asphttp://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/ahlulbayt.asp


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The holy Quran stated in surah An-Nisa (4:36):-

Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents,

kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are

strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right

hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;-

In this verse, Allah very beautifully guides the Muslims to discharge their duties

towards all of society. We should display kindness to everyone whether they are kind to you

or not. In this way by following this teaching you can create peace, love and harmony in the

society.

Noble Qur'an expressly declares that the human race is one family. All of us are thechildren of Adam and Eve, whether our skin is white or black. At various places it says:

"Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings

and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in

matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to

them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His


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Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For

Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight." Al-Baqarah (2:213).

Mankind was but one nation, but differed (later). Had it not been for a word

that went forth before from thy Lord, their differences would have been settled between

themSurah Yunus (10:19).

"Verily, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord

and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other)." Al-Anbya (21:92)

And verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your

Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other).Surah Al-Muminun

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,

emphasised love, sympathy and kindness towards all mankind, he said Onewho is not

grateful to mankind is not grateful toAllah(Tirmidhi). Not only that, the Holy Prophet has

said:Noneamong you is a true believer unless he loves for others what he loves forhimself.(Bukhari)

Furthermore, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be

upon him, emphasised love and kindness for all of Gods creation, he saidIfa Muslim

plants a tree and men and animals eat from it, all of this will be regarded as an everlasting

act of charity.(Bukhari)

Again the Holy Prophet has exhor ted:-All creatures of Allah are His family,

therefore, amongst His creations, God likes the person who treats His creatures in a good

manner (and takes care of their necessities). (Mishkat)


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One of the attributes of the Prophet (s.a.w.) as mentioned in the Quranis

gentleness. Surah Ali Imran(3:159) reads:-

It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou

severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over

(Their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of

moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves

those who put their trust (in Him).

It is clear from thisAyahthat the secret of the Prophets success, among other things,

was his gentle and kind approach to his disciples. A teacher who has the mission of imparting

knowledge to his students has to act in the same manner so as to ensure success in his task.

The Qurancondemns Jewish scholars and priests for their dubious character in Surah

Al-Baqarah (2:44):-

Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (To practise it) yourselves,and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?

A Muslim teachers conduct, whether in public or in privacy, should correspond to his

assertions. If the teachers person does not reflect Islamic character, students may not be

expected to be sincere to him in learning from him. This disturbance of relationship between

the teacher and the taught may disturb the whole process of education, causing students to

feel confused.


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Etiquettes Pertaining to the Students Relationship with His Lecturers

Seeking knowledge is a sacred duty that is obligatory on every Muslim, male and

female. The first word revealed of the Quran wasiqraor read. Surah Az-Zumar (39:9)

says:-

Is one who worships devoutly during the hour of the night prostrating himself or

standing (in adoration), who takes heed of the Hereafter, and who places his hope in the

Mercy of his Lord - (like one who does not)? Say: "Are those equal, those who know

and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive

admonition.

Mu`adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) said,"Seek knowledge, for seeking it

for the sake of Allah is a sign of consciousness of Allah; acquiring it is an act of worship;

studying it is a glorification (of Allah); and searching for it is (a kind of) jihad (striving inAllah's cause)"

There is a certain amount of etiquettes pertaining to the students relationship with his

lecturer that a student should follow. We will give you this advice and this etiquette for

seeking knowledge; may Allah cause you to benefit thereby.

1. The student should take as much care as he can to select teachers known for their piety,

humility, and religious commitment.

Knowledge cannot be gained only from books; you must also have a lecturer whom

you trust to open the door to knowledge and keep you from making mistakes. So youmust strive to choose lecturer who are preoccupied with seeking knowledge and are of a

good nature, who can help you in achieving your aim, add to the benefits you have

already gained, encourage you to seek more knowledge, stop you from feeling bored and

tired, who are religiously-committed, trustworthy and of good character, who are sincere

towards Allah and who are not merely messing about.

Beware of being preoccupied in the beginning with the disputes among the scholars,

or among people in general, because this confuses the mind. Instead, give your all to the

book that you are reading or the topic that you are studying until you become competent

in it.


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2. The student should behave humbly in his teachers presence and should show them

respect.

Observe the utmost standards of etiquette when you sit with your lecturer and speak

with him. Ask questions in a proper manner and listen attentively. Be polite when

studying the book with him and do not try to argue or compete with him. Do not initiateconversation with him, or walk ahead of him, or speak too much in his presence, or

interrupt when he is teaching. Do not call him directly by his name or nickname.

In Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11):-

O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and)

make room: (ample) room will Allah provide for you. And when ye are told to rise up,

rise up Allah will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and

who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all ye

do.

Ùbdah b. al-Smit relates that Allahs Messenger (peace be upon him) said: Whoever

fails to show honor to our elders, mercy to our children, and due deference to ourscholars is not one of us.3

3. A student should remain under his teachers tutelage in order to benefit from their

conduct and their practice. He should seek to emulate their good manners and behaviors.

He should avoid behaving contrarily.

The student should inculcate good conduct in his personality as he learns it from his

teachers.

Mlik said: My mother used to put my turban on and say: Go to Rabàhand learn

good manners from him before learning from his knowledge.

Àbd Allah b. al-Mubrak said:They used to learn good manners before acquiring

knowledge.

He also said:It is as if good manners are two-thirds of knowledge.

Ab Zakariyy al-Ànbar said:Having knowledge without good manners is like having

a fire without fuel. Having manners without knowledge is like having a body without a

soul.

3Musnad Ahmad(21693)Al-Haytham declares its chain of transmission to be good (hasan) in Majma` al-

Zawid(1/127)


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Al-Ghazl writes inIhy `Ulm al-Dn: A student should not neglect any respectable

discipline or branch of knowledge. He should at least be acquainted with its general

subject and its objectives. If his lifetime permits, he should make a detailed study of it all.

Otherwise, he should prioritize, dealing exhaustively with what is most important and a

making an overview of the rest.4

This is because the different branches of knowledge augment one another and relate to

one another. Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:11)

The Unbelievers say of those who believe: "If (this Message) were a good thing,

(such men) would not have gone to it first, before us!" And seeing that they guide

not themselves thereby, they will say, "this is an (old,) falsehood!"

4. The student should bear patiently any harsh treatment or sternness that his teachers might

sometimes exhibit. He should find some excuse for their behavior.

Seeking knowledge is one of the highest of pursuits, and heights cannot be scaledexcept by working hard and patiently. So be patient and persevere. If Jihad requires an

hour of patience, then the seeker of knowledge must be patient until the end of his life.

Surah Ali Imran (3:3) says:-

(O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance;

strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper.

5. The student should be considerate and polite in asking his teachers questions. Indeed, one

of the best approaches to seeking knowledge is to ask questions in the right way. If the

teacher remains silent, the student should not press him to answer.

Do not pressure him to give you an answer, and avoid asking too many questions,

especially in front of other people, for this will make you appear to be showing off and

make him bored with you.

4Al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulumuddin (1/55)


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