The elders would often quote that the human beings are but “speaking animals,” or in Arabic haywan natiq, the deeper wisdom in this statement being that unless we seek to become actual “human” beings, we are little more than animals acting out of the lower self and the primitive ego.
In this post, I share how the prophets and messengers of God, peace and blessings be upon them, all sought to guide human beings to actual humanity, and that the true potential of mankind is awakened only through connection with the Divine.
I also make the distinction between “mankind” and “humanity,” the former being the unconscious “speaking animal” still driven be fear, greed and selfishness, and the latter being an awakened and conscious vicegerent and servant of the Divine that has awakened within their hearts the light and power of love.
In other words, we only become “human” beings when we awaken and allow within our hearts the sacred and noble qualities and characteristics of compassion, mercy, empathy, justice and peace, and when we truly seek and want for others what we would want for ourselves, i.e. when we live according to the Golden Rule.
This topic is of particular importance at this critical moment in human history, for we as a species stand at the crossroads between humanity and insanity, and we must choose whether we are on the side of humanity or not both individually and collectively.
While we continue to watch the dehumanization of others that makes it all too easy for those with power to oppress, abuse, tyrannize, displace, dispossess and murder those without, we as believers must stand for justice and for righteousness, and seek the power to “enjoin good and prevent evil,” [3:110].
We pray that Allah Almighty guide us to goodness, righteousness, excellence, beauty and love, that He protect the weak, destitute and impoverished from those who oppress and abuse, that he accept the prayers of the downtrodden, and that He Almighty liberate those who suffer from the tyranny of those who have sold their humanity for the worthless price of the temporal world.
Ameen.
To your divine and eternal success.
2 Responses
Salam Ihsan…
I’ve read your articles of late, and like you, I am also terribly disheartened by what is happening in our world right now. The injustice of it all and also the helplessness of those who witnessed this event.
Is this qada’ and qadar? The end of times as predicted? If so are these injustice happening everywhere around this world right now meant to happen? As an ordinary person, all I can do is pray in my heart and also do the best I can to help from afar.
May Allah welcome all the victims of war in His peaceful realm. And may He too, forgive those who acted on their evil impulses after their punishments in the afterlife, and the resf of us helpless humbled human beings who witnessed but unable to do more than what we can right now but pray, donate and volunteer while guiding our future generations with awareness, patience and kindness.
Ameen yarabbal al ameen.
Ameen, Allahumma ameen. These are trying and difficult times for all, and through them Allah Almighty is testing us all. May He guide us to that with which He is pleased, and to greater strength and power to enjoin good and prevent evil that we fulfill the mandate of our creation. Blessed regards, Azlina.