HUMAN STATUS AND RESPONSIBILITY (CHAPTER 3) PDF

HUMAN STATUS AND RESPONSIBILITY (CHAPTER 3) 3.1 OBJECTIVES 1. In Islamic worldview, on human roles and nobility. 2. Describing the purpose of life. 3. Comparing ethics and human values according to Islam and Western perspectives. 3.2 DEFINITIONS According to Ibn Miskawayh (1030M)...

HUMAN STATUS AND RESPONSIBILITY (CHAPTER 3) 3.1 OBJECTIVES 1. In Islamic worldview, on human roles and nobility. 2. Describing the purpose of life. 3. Comparing ethics and human values according to Islam and Western perspectives. 3.2 DEFINITIONS According to Ibn Miskawayh (1030M) akhlak is a state of our soul that encourage an act or deed without any rational thinking. Ethic is the moral philosophy itself, which is a discipline that discussing on the reality of good or bad deeds, wrong or right and comprises of discussion about system, theory, principle and moral values. Good ethics – a deed that is considered as good deed according to social standard. Akhlak is more focusing on spiritual aspect or good intention externalized into outwardly aspect of actions that mirroring our internal state. Ethics and morality generally understood as the human behavior or deed that are judge and discriminate by rational thinking. Islam has outlined the effort of pleasing God as the definitive purpose for every single act that committed, whether its internal or external, in accordance with human role in this worldly life. Aristotelian position – virtue & happiness relate only to this world. Philosophical virtues: 1) temperance, courage, wisdom, and justice. What is the significance of “taqwa” in determining human nobility according to Islamic teachings? It is the ultimate criterion for human honor, regardless of social status or wealth. O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) Chapter al-Hujurat (Q:49:13) Allah (swt) says, “O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness – that is best. That is from the signs of Allāh that perhaps they will remember.” Chapter Al-A’râf, (Q:7:26) 3.3 ETHICS AND HUMAN VALUES (MORALITY) What defined man? Is intellect alone sufficient without ethics and morality? Being humane or having humanity separate us from other creation. We are either being respected or humiliated based on this factor. Man without ethics and morality have no humanity. Differences in religion principles or teachings found the common ground in ethical perspective. "And do not [do] mischief on the earth after it has been set in order...” (Al-A'raf 7:85) Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. —Judaism and Christianity. Isaiah, 5.20 Man is unable to escape from morality and ethics in his life. Every act will not miss from being good or bad value, sin and reward in religious perspectives. Being good or bad is human consciousness. Even for the atheist who rejects religion is following the moral and ethical standards for the outcome of his action. The only difference is, in Islam and other revealed religion, the foundation of ethics and morality is based on the concept of religion, and not solely based on human reason or convention In the world of diversity, ethics and morality is the characteristic that becomes a standard to allow certain behaviors or condemn other behaviors (al-Maududi, 1974: 42). Concept of morals and ethics of al-Maududi (1974): (i) not subjective nor relative based on culture (ii) continue to be relevant in the modern scientific and technological world (iii) determined by the consequences of one’s actions (iv) morals and ethics are standards that determine the acceptability of behaviors Virtues such as justice, truth, courage, honesty, and obedience remain honored. While falsehood or vices, like injustice, tyranny, and neglect of promise still remain unacceptable despite any circumstances. Man’s character – shapes virtue and vices that a person have. Character is a stable state of the soul. Good character: a)person in the state that causes actions commended by the intellect and by religion.  b)may be achieved by learning and habituation, may come by as nature as divine gift. The moral measure is essentially universal. Feelings of good and bad are inherent in human character. Therefore, the Qur'an is in line with the terminology of al-ma'ruf to explain something good and commendable and al-munkar for something blameworthy. The moral measure inherently in human beings is stated in the Qur'an: Translation: "So inspired to him about his evil and taqwa". (al-Syams, 91: 8) KEY TERMS caliphs and servants of Allah pure nature (fitrah) taqwa (righteousness) insan (man with his intellectual soul) is man in his pure nature (fitrah) -hayawan al-natiq or rational animal. bashar = basyar (man as body) is more like what we mean by homo sapien. Bani Adam = the preferred Quranic term for humanity Mawdudi says… pure nature (fitrah) SUBTOPIC 3.3.1: WESTERN MORALITY Ethic is the moral philosophy itself, which is a discipline that discusses the reality of good or bad deeds, wrong or right. It comprises discussion about system, theory, principle and moral values. Good ethics – a deed that is considered as good deed according to social standard. Aristotelian position – virtue & happiness relate only to this world. Philosophical virtues: 1) temperance, courage, wisdom, and justice. Secularism-based that limits the application of moral value to individual affairs alone. Principle that rejects religious beliefs and the Hereafter. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), the 16th century Western philosopher say that; “Human aims to gain enjoyment from their acts and the desire to enjoy become the main motivation that encourages people to do something”. Something is considered good when it fulfills the human desire. It has nothing to do with religious beliefs or metaphysics. Western societies are more likely to restrict religious teachings to their personal lives and have nothing to do with social life. Generally, because of the influence of the secularism teachings, they set aside their belief in God and the hereafter as part of their ethical code in social activities.  Nobility in materialistic perspective may depend on the level of wealth, rank and education of a person. THINK ABOUT IT: Compare the moral system in Islam to the Western secular moral system: Islam is based on divine revelation and while the West is based on human reasoning. Do you agree with the above? Western morals are focused on personal pleasure while Islamic morals are more about rituals? How knowledgeable are you about Western moral and Islamic moral, then decide if this is accurate or not. SUBTOPIC 3.3.2: ISLAMIC MORALITY AND HUMAN NOBILITY Man is the best creature to be honored as a caliph (His successor) on earth and is entrusted to govern the world in accordance with Allah's direction and command. Caliph means khalifah -literally translated as vicegerent or representative on earth The Qur'an mentions human beings with three terms, namely: insan, bashar, and the Bani Adam (Children of Adam). Surah al-Sajdah, 32:7 calls man INSAN ‫سنََ الَّذِي‬ َ ‫ل أَ ْح‬ ََّ ُ‫ان خ َْلقََ َوبَ َدَأ َ َۖ َخلَقَ َهُ ش َْيءَ ك‬ ِِ ‫س‬ ِ ‫طِ ينَ مِن إ‬ َ ‫اْلن‬ Translation: Who perfected everything which He created and began the creation of man (insan) from clay. Surah al-Rum, 30:20 mentioned the word BASHAR for man َْ ‫ن آ َياتِ َِه َو‬ ‫مِن‬ َْ َ ‫ت َنتَش ُِرونََ بَشَرِ أَنتُم ِإذَا ث ََُّم ت ُ َرابَ مِن َخلَقَكُم أ‬ Translation: And of His signs is that He created you from dust; then, suddenly you were human beings (basyar) dispersing (throughout the earth) Mentioned in Surah al-Isra’, 17:70 and many parts of the Quran is Bani Adam: ‫حْر ْالبَ َِر فِي و َح َم ْلنَاهُ َْم آ َد َِم ك ََّر ْمنَابَنِي َولَقَ َْد‬ َِ ‫ت مِنََ َو َرزَ ْقنَاهُم َو ْال َب‬ َّ ‫علَىَ َوفَض َّْلنَاهُ َْم‬ َِ ‫الطيِ َبا‬ َْ ‫يل َخلَ ْقنَا ِم َّم‬ َ َ‫ن َكثِير‬ ِ ‫ت َ ْف‬ ًَ ‫ض‬ 17:70 Translation: And We have certainly honored the children of Adam (Bani Adam) and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference. Men is the best creature of God The most special and most noble of Allah Creation; overcome all other being created by Allah (Surah al-Tin, 95: 4). Compared to other beings, God has equipped man with spiritual and physical qualities and worthy potential to achieve the highest value of life and the noble virtues of his life.He is INSAN. The perfection of human form is actually not limited to physical dimensions. Indeed, the more special part of human being is his spiritual dimension. The soul’s potentials and faculties allow human beings to use reason, utilizing their cognitive power and emotions in understanding and accepting experiences of interacting with nature to meet life necessities. He is Rational Animal (Hayawan al- Natiq)  The human being is created “in the best of molds”, but without true faith and good works, he is worse than the lowly beast. (al-tin, 95: 4-5) He is BASHAR – just like an animal fulfilling his desires. The thing that makes someone considered noble in Islam is: taqwa (righteousness). These elevate human honour: (from the perspective of Islam): a) quality of taqwa in his/her heart – which will always guide him to do good deeds b) creation of man in the form of man as the best creature c) creation of man with a pure nature (fitrah) that has faith in the oneness of God SUBTOPIC: ROLE OF MAN 3.3.2.1 THE ROLE OF MAN AS VICEGERENT The Khilafah means "representative". The position of man in this world according to Islam's perspective is to represent Allah in His kingdom. To carry out the purpose as a vicegerent, man must acquire the knowledge. The revealed knowledge and the acquired knowledge of the world's affair and the natural world are equally important and demanded. Man as vicegerent play a role in prospering the earth and all its contents. We are responsible in governing the earth and other creation inhabit with us. Prospering the earth means to flourishing life in the world. For that reason, man must be knowledgeable, to work, to do good deeds, to do good to themselves, to their families, society, and the environment and to maintain the balance and sustainability of the earth. Hence, man is expected to achieve his purpose in life that is to obtain the pleasure of God in the world and in the hereafter. the role of man as a servant of God. As the meaning denotes faith, beliefs, teachings and practices, men are being indebted and subject to God's regulation despite power, rank, position, and wealth. There is no doubt that man is sent down to the world with the vision and mission (roles and duties). As a servant, man must obey God's commandments and abandon all his prohibitions. Worship refers to every words and deed that are preferred and favored by God. Worship in religion of Islam encompasses all aspects of human life activities including seeking livelihoods, and relationship with others. 3.3.2.2 THE ROLE OF MAN AS A SERVANT OF GOD  the word ‘servant’ or ‘abd’ denotes faith, beliefs, teachings and practices, men are being indebted and subject to God's regulation despite power, rank, position, and wealth. 'As a servant, man must obey God's commandments and abandon all his prohibitions. Worship refers to every words and deed that are preferred and favored by God. Worship in religion of Islam encompasses all aspects of human life activities including seeking livelihoods, and relationship with others. Man’s role as a servant of God: (i)Every single action in all aspects of human life can be considered as an act of worship to Allah (ii)The act of worship to Allah will NOT magnify Allah’s greatness and power (iii)There are certain conditions and indicators that must be met for an act to be considered as a form of worship (iv)Worship refers to every word and deed that is favoured and favoured by Allah. SUBTOPIC OF 3.2.2.2 THE CONDITIONS FOR WORK TO BECOME A FORM OF WORSHIP 1,Accompanied by a willing and sincere intention (niat) 2.Done with earnest and ihsan MAN’S DUTY TO GOD IS TO WORSHIP HIM INTRINSIC WORSHIP (or direct) means doing ritual worship including prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. EXTRINSIC WORSHIP (or indirect) with the broad meaning is to carry out all activities both in relation to God or to fellow men and other creations such as flora and fauna in accordance with Shari’a law. MAN’S PURE STATE OR NATURE (FITRAH) A man is fulfilling the purpose for his creation and existence.  Man’s obligation to serve God is felt by him as normal because it comes as a natural inclination on the man’s part to do so. Man has freedom to do justice and free to choose between doing good or evil. With the influence of external surrounding and environment, men can gradually be affected and deviated from its original faith. God does not deny the possibility of evil influences to humans. In fact, they will continue to fall into any form of evil and damage unless he is truly believing and doing good deeds. This is the opposite of the concept of original sin (Christianity) REFERENCE Al-Quran & Tradition are the sources of all Islamic values that are universal & evergreen at all times. Hadis Rasulullah SAW “Verily I am sent solely to perfection of noble character” (Riwayat al-Baihaqi) Allah SWT has praised Rasulullah SAW for his noble character as mentioned in the al- Quran (Al-Qalam, 68:4): “And verily, you are on an exalted (standard of) character” Teachers, parents, and elders. CONCLUSION: Humans are positioned and potentially high compared to other creatures. The merit of man is for the purpose of carrying out his function as the servant of God and his caliph on earth. Human events differ from the occurrence of other creatures. Humans are not incarnations or evolutionary results from other creatures such as Darwin's theory. In order to perform human ultimate purpose, God has provided a complete resource to empower human, with knowledge, guidance, and revelation.