MAN is a social animal. This adage is not inspired by religion at all. Instead, the concept has its roots in the Darwinian theories of origin and evolution of the species that also include human beings, or more precisely ‘homo sapiens’.

Why should the concept be worthy of our consideration? It shouldn’t be, but unfortunately those at the helm with respect to present-day humanity think and act very much on the same lines. It should be mentioned that in the current intellectual landscape Muslims only exist at the periphery with the mainland and core position occupied by those who consider the end of all means and efforts to be the fulfilment and satisfaction of animal desires. If one asks them why it should be so, the prompt answer would be because ‘man is a social animal’.

The concept of man being a social animal tends to view humans as creatures dominated by animal instincts and desires, while also interested and inclined to build societies and live gregariously. Development and evolution of societies, with all the intellectual activities too, converges at the ultimate purpose of satiating carnal desires, albeit at another level.

The fruits of such erratic and flawed thinking are clear for all of us to see and witness. Unbounded lust and greed for material wealth, usurpation and trampling upon the rights of the weak and the poor and an aimless crowd of men and women drifting into nothingness are the glaring features of modern societies.

Evolution of a society includes development and progress not only on material grounds but more importantly in respect of human values. Values come from inculcating meaning and purpose in the material life. The deciding authority for values can be no one except the Creator Himself, who has taught us the meaning and purpose of life through the canons of religion.

There can be little doubt that the religions of the world have been polluted by greed and deceit, but objectively approaching religion with an open mind still leads the inquirer to the pastures of true knowledge and wisdom.

Quite evident is the fact that the inherent message and true objective of all religions in general and Islam in particular has been to educate humans about the meaning and purpose of life for subsequent development and evolution. The meaning of life lies in its origin while its purpose is rooted in its ultimate goal.

The Quran is the textbook of Islam and encompasses all the concepts that are endowed upon humanity through revelation (wahi) and expressed through the noblest tongue of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Holy Book explicitly declares that human beings, through their creation, possess an innate meaning and purpose. For comprehending such concepts, we have to travel a bit deeper into the verses of the Quran.

The Holy Book describes humanity as the possessor of two faculties, as can be inferred from the verses of Surah Hijr: “And when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Surely I am going to create a human (bashar) from the essence of black mud fashioned in shape. And when I have made him complete and breathe into him My Spirit, fall down prostrating [to] him’.” (15:28-29).

As described in the Quranic text, there are two dimensions of existence for the life of a human being. One is terrestrial, obtained from essence of soil and water and the other dimension relates to the metaphysical and derives directly from the spirit of Allah.

The terrestrial aspect provides the necessary tools and equipment for humans to act in this world and accumulate their mundane and after-life benefits, while the metaphysical dimension imparts meaning, direction and purpose to the life of this creature. It is the light within that inspires humans to yearn for truth and present sacrifices for noble and lofty ideals. Thus the rule for prosperously evolving is to cultivate the spiritual within the domain of the corporeal.

Strict adherence to this rule is the guarantee for humans, be it individuals or society, to evolve towards the ultimate goal, that is nothing but the proximity of Almighty Allah and to enjoy a blissful life in this world and the hereafter. But as soon as the spiritual aspect is neglected, no matter under which pretext, the process of decline and disintegration begins simultaneously.

There are many examples quoted in the Holy Quran of societies that made giant strides in material progress, but were totally heedless of their connection with and duties towards their Lord. Insistence on such sort of behaviour led to their emaciation on earth in less than a generation’s lifetime.

One group of verses from Surah Fajr can be quoted as evidence: “Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with Aa’d, the people of Iram, possessors of lofty buildings, the likes of which were not created in other cities; and (with) Samood who hewed out the rocks in the valley; and with Pharaoh…. Those who created great digresses in the cities…. Therefore, your Lord let down upon them the whip of chastisement, most surely your Lord is watching.”

What needs to be expanded is the concept of a meaningful life in the context of human society to strengthen the notion that individual and communal life always evolve on the basis of spiritual values so beautifully taught by our noble religion.

The writer is a freelance contributor.