The Evolution of Nihilism and Its Opposition to Religious Faith (part 19)

Author: M. Farahi Tojegi 

The Evolution of Nihilism and Its Opposition to Religious Faith (part 19)

Philosophy of Life from the Perspective of Islam and Nihilism

Fundamental Relationship and Contrast

When we refer to the Holy Qur’an, we find that several categories of verses respond to our question. In general, these can be divided into three groups:

1. Worship

Among the verses that express the philosophy of the creation of humans and jinn is verse 56 of Surah Adh-Dhariyat: «وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَ الاْنسَ إِلاَّ لِیَعْبُدُون» Translation: And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.

This blessed verse clearly states that the purpose of creation is the worship and servitude of Allah, Glorified and Exalted. It also presents worship as the exclusive reason for the creation of both jinn and humans. This is because the sentence structure in Arabic (negation followed by exception) indicates restriction and exclusivity—meaning that the sole purpose of creation is worship.

What is worship? The word “يعبدون ”is derived from “,”عبادة meaning obedience. In classical dictionaries such as Qamus and Sihah, worship is defined as obedience. Misbah al-Lughah interprets it as humility and submission. In Mufradat al-Raghib, and in al-Tahqiq fi Kalemaat al-Qur’an al-Majid, the root meaning is described as the utmost humility before the Master accompanied by obedience. Therefore, worship means expressing humility and submission along with obedience.

Worship, as the philosophy of human creation, is a means for attaining perfection and drawing closer to Allah (SWT), Who is Absolute Perfection. Thus, worship is not the ultimate end itself, but a means toward perfection. Since the path to absolute perfection is only one—the straight path—Allah has stated that creation is solely for worship.

In Surah Ya-Sin, it is also stated that the straight path is the worship of Allah; therefore, the path is only one: the path of servitude and devotion to Him.

The Negligence of the Majority

In Surah Al-A‘raf, Allah says: «وَلَقَدْ ذَرَأْنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ کَثِیرًا مِّنَ الْجِنِّ وَالإِنس» Translation: And indeed, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell.

A question arises: why do most jinn and humans end up in Hell? Why do the majority not pursue the original purpose?

Is it not that seeking God is innate, and that religion is in accordance with human nature? As Allah says: «فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَکَ لِلدِّینِ حَنِیفًا فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِى فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَیْهَا لَا تَبْدِیلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ذَلِکَ الدِّینُ الْقَیِّمُ وَ لَکِنَّ أَکْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا یَعْلَمُون» Translation: So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth—the natural disposition upon which Allah has created mankind. There is no change in the creation of Allah. That is the upright religion, but most people do not know.

Answer

Progress toward perfection and the ultimate purpose depends on recognizing and affirming its value. However, since most people do not truly understand real perfection nor experience the joy of attaining it, they do not strive for it.

Although this inclination is innate, it requires awakening and attention. In most people, it needs guidance and revival. One of the missions of the prophets (peace be upon them) is to awaken human nature so that people may fulfill their primordial covenant and remember their forgotten blessings.

Excessive attachment to material things and worldly constructs causes human to become heedless of their divine nature. The result of this negligence is walking the path toward Hell.

Another Question

Why has Allah placed animalistic and material desires within human beings, such that they distract many from the main purpose?

To answer this, two key points must be considered:

First: The value of human perfection lies in its voluntary nature. The secret behind man surpassing angels is his freedom of choice. Choice requires multiple paths, inclinations, and motivations. If humans had only one inclination toward Allah (SWT) they would not be truly choosing beings. The defining characteristic of humanity is free will; therefore, opposing inclinations must also exist.

Second: Human perfection is gradual and occurs over time. One must progress step by step, while maintaining free will at every stage so that advancement is based on conscious choice.

Conclusion

With these two points, the wisdom behind natural and worldly inclinations becomes clear. Human beings are meant to choose, and choice requires diverse inclinations.

Moreover, gradual perfection requires time. Humans must live in this world for a period so that the conditions for their growth are ready.  Worldly life requires tools, means, and conditions, and natural desires serve as motivations to acquire them. Without these, life itself would not continue, and no opportunity for choice would exist.

Additionally, these inclinations serve as a means of testing human beings.

Thus, human inclinations can be divided into two main categories:

1. Those necessary for preserving life in this world

2. Those directed toward achieving perfection and the ultimate purpose

The first leads to survival, while the second leads to perfection and divine mercy. The first develops naturally, but the second requires attention, strengthening, and conscious effort.

Many people, due to excessive engagement with the first, neglect the second, and thus become deprived of perfection and mercy—ultimately leading themselves toward Hell.

Continues…

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