Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Biography of Abu Hamed Imam Mohammad al-Ghazali [MABH] (Part 26)
Human’s Innate Tendency for Perfection and Mastery
The Secret of Human Tendency to Lordship
Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi, in expressing the truth of the human soul, says: “Our soul is no less than Pharaoh, but he has no helper, but we have a helper.”
This truth indicates that the tendency to seek lordship and superiority exists in every human being. Slavery is difficult for the soul, but lordship is easy and pleasant for it. This is the same truth that is referred to in the verse: «وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الرُّوحِ قُلِ الرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّي» Translation: “And they ask you about the soul, say, the soul is by the command of my Lord.”
Perfectionism: Natural Tendency or Endless Desire?
Humans naturally love perfection, but since they are unable to achieve absolute perfection, this desire does not extinguish in them. They still desire perfection and enjoy it because perfection is desirable in itself, not merely as a means to another end.
Every being loves its own existence and perfection and avoids destruction because it considers destruction to be equal to the loss of its perfection. The highest perfection is for an individual to be unique and to overcome all beings, or at least to have dominion over them. Therefore, man naturally loves to overcome others since this is also one of the manifestations of perfection.
Science: A Means to Dominate the World
Beings can be divided into three categories in terms of the degree of influence and dominance:
1. Beings that are unchangeable, such as the divine essence and attributes.
2. Beings that are changeable but beyond human reach, such as the heavens, stars, and the kingdom.
3. Beings that man can possess, such as the earth, plants, animals, and the hearts of men.
When man realizes that he is unable to control some beings, he seeks to acquire knowledge about them because “knowledge itself is a form of control.” Therefore, he becomes interested in studying God (Allah), angels, the heavens, and the secrets of nature. This desire to know stems from man’s sense of control and perfectionism.
Control Over Objects and Property: A Manifestation of Power
Man naturally likes to control and possess objects. This control itself falls into two categories:
1. Control over objects and property: Man wants to control the wealth, means, and facilities he possesses; even if he does not use them, he still enjoys having them because ownership is a form of power, and power is one of the manifestations of perfection.
2. Control over the hearts of men: The most valuable and important asset in the world is the hearts of men.
Man wants others to obey him and submit to him because this is also a form of power and perfection. Conquering hearts is only possible through love, and love is created when a person is perfect in the eyes of others.
Why is Man Interested in Position and Status?
Position and status are desirable because they are a means of conquering hearts and dominating others. Since power is considered perfection, and perfection is beloved, man becomes interested in position and status.
Both knowledge and power are infinite, and for this reason, man can never be satisfied with them. Therefore, the Holy Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, said: «مَنْهُومانِ لَا يَشْبَعَانِ: مَنْهُومٌ فِي عِلْمٍ لَا يَشْبَعُ، وَمَنْهُومٌ فِي دُنْيَا لَا يَشْبَعُ.» Translation: “Two greedy people are never satisfied: one is greedy for knowledge who is never satisfied; and the other is greedy for the world who is never satisfied.”
In Short!
The love of perfection and the desire to dominate others are rooted in human nature. Therefore, humans are interested in wealth, power, and position because all of these are considered a means to achieve perfection. This natural tendency, although part of human nature, can lead to deviation and rebellion if not properly controlled. Therefore, recognizing these innate tendencies and guiding them on the right path is of great importance.
Continues…
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