The Nature and Purpose of Man

Talieb Baker

Bismillah hir Rahmanir Rahiim

     Before we can begin to understand the purpose of man, we need to understand his nature. Man’s nature comprises of two elements - physical and spiritual. Because the physical body is the vehicle of the spiritual being, it is essential that the two should be in harmony with one another.

     With regard to man’s physical nature, we find that the Qur’an makes reference to our origin on numerous occasions. At times, that origin is described by the Qur’an in terms of  clay: “He it is who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term for you.” (6:2) At other times, man’s origin is referred to in terms of a drop of sperm: “From a drop of sperm He created him (man), and then moulded him in due proportions” (80:19). Man’s origin is furthermore referred to in terms of a congealed blood clot: “He created man from a clot of congealed blood” (96:2).

     Hence, when we think of clay, sperm or a blood clot as our origin, we must realize that there was a time when we were lowly. We were nothing, then we were moulded into something useful and beautiful, manifested in a strong physical being. Yet, we are often still haughty, arrogant and ungrateful.

     The physical human being appears in various forms, for example male and female, black and white, Arab and non-Arab etc. This notion is excellently illustrated by the following verse: “Oh mankind! We have created you (physical being) from a single (pair) of a male and female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you.”(49:13).

          Note that the reason Alláh has created us in physically different ways, was for the purpose of recognition, diversity and variety. It was not because Alláh ordained any superiority of one group over another, because of any physical attributes.  Preference is based on what is within, which is what one would refer to as inward piety. This is our relationship with Allah, which is not physically tangible or measurable.

         The spiritual component within man is mainly governed by the `aql (intellect) which differentiates man from the rest of creation. With `aql, comes a great responsibility and trust that the rest of creation refused to shoulder: “We did indeed offer the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains. But they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it” (33:72).

     Man’s intelligence enables him to aspire towards either good or evil, as he is left with the choice: “Man can pursue the path of good or evil” (91:7), however, aspiration towards good is what is expected of him.

       The Prophet (A.S.) says in a hadith: “Every human being is born pure and holy.” When people strive towards good, it means that they are in harmony with their natural uncontaminated state (spiritually). “We have indeed created man in the best of moulds.” (15:4). On the contrary, the intellect also allows man to aspire towards evil, which is contrasted with good. However, aspiration towards evil is not in harmony with the natural, pure state in which we were born.

    There is a continuous battle between good and evil. The battle against evil requires us to be strong physically and spiritually. But in terms of our strength and weakness, we have been created weak by nature: “Man has been created weak.” (4:28).

     As it is our nature to be weak, we continually need to be strengthened, and our strength depends mainly on the level of our spirituality. Here, reference is being made to our spiritual relationship with our Creator, as He is the source of all power. “Blessed is He in Whose hands is dominion, and He has power over everything” (67:1).

     When we have an understanding of our true nature, both physical and spiritual, then we can move towards understanding our purpose in life, which is to serve our Creator. Allah says: “And I have not created Jinn or man, except to worship Me.” (51:56). Our main purpose is thus to worship Allah and to realise our responsibility towards Him as Khalifat-Allah (the vicegerent of Allah) on earth.

     “Behold, Thy Lord said to the angels: `I will create a vicegerent on earth.’ They

      said: `Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?

     - Whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy name?’ He said: `I know

     what you know not.”(2:30).

     One should note that the only knowledge the angels have of man is that he aspires towards evil.  What they do not know, however, is that man has the ability to reach the highest spiritual level.  This is the reference, made in the Qur’an, to man being created in “the best of moulds” (95:4). All of creation serves Allah. “And to Him (Allah) submits everything that is in the heavens and the earth.” (3:38). This does not exclude man. The only difference between man and the rest of creation is that man has been given the choice in submitting to his Creator, or not.

     The natural order of things is to obey the will of Allah. Therefore, when man submits to Allah, it means that he is following the natural order of things. Furthermore, everything in creation has a purpose or responsibility in life, and man’s purpose and responsibility as the vicegerents of Allah is to ensure that Allah’s laws are carried out. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

     “You are the best of Peoples, evolved for mankind. Enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah”(3:110).                               

     When man realises his purpose in life, and he realises his responsibility towards Allah, this leads him to the first level of his spiritual development and that is to be Muslim. Fulfilling his duty as a Muslim admits him to the second level of his spiritual development, which is to be a Mu’min. Being unwavering in his purpose and responsibility leads him to the final level of his spiritual development, that is, to be a Muhsin, and this is the ultimate level that man should aspire to. 

     As the Prophet (A.S.) states in a hadith referring to the person that has reached the highest level: “To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you are not able to see Him, then verily He sees you.”

These, then are the phases in man’s spiritual development:

Second– Mu’min (actualizing one's purpose & role) - then, 

Finally, Muhsin (consistency in one's purpose & role).   

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