❖ The Islamic and Western Conceptions of “Human” and Humanity ❖
✍ By Dr. Zahid Mughal
◈ Common Misunderstanding: Human ≠ Insān
It is generally assumed that the English word “Human” simply translates to “Insān” in Urdu or Arabic.
People often believe that a human being is the same, whether from the East or the West.
However, this issue is far more complex. Every civilization holds a unique concept of individuality, which is deeply tied to the fundamental question:
“Who am I?”
The answer to this question defines one’s purpose in life, moral compass, and other foundational beliefs.
◈ The Historical Understanding of Humanity
Historically, the common answer to this question was:
“I am a servant (‘Abd) [of God]”.
This was the dominant and accepted view of human identity across religious societies for centuries, portraying man as a servant of God.
Although alternative views existed in some societies, they were not mainstream or widely accepted.
◈ Enlightenment and the New “Human” Identity
During the 17th and 18th centuries, under the influence of the European Enlightenment, a new concept of human identity emerged.
According to this view, man is not a servant, but rather a free and autonomous being.
This concept was ignited by René Descartes’ famous phrase:
“I think, therefore I am.”
According to Descartes, the only being in the universe with a self-justified existence is “I” — the self.
◈ The Rebellion Within the “Human” Identity
The modern “Human” denies servitude and asserts freedom.
In essence, this concept is a rebellion against the idea of servitude to God.
Michel Foucault, a renowned Western philosopher, stated that the “Human” came into being in the 17th century.
This does not mean humans didn’t exist before, but that no civilization prior to this considered freedom as the true expression of individual identity.
This marked the emergence of a new form of disbelief and atheism.
◈ From “Mankind” to “Humanity”
The concept of “Mankind” — meaning God’s creation and subjects — had long existed.
However, the idea of “Humanity”, as we understand it today, emerged in the 17th century.
Humanism is based on this modern understanding, wherein freedom and autonomy are considered fundamental attributes of a human being.
This concept forms the foundation of modern Western atheism, and ideologies such as Liberalism, Socialism, and Nationalism all stem from it.
◈ The Significance of Self-Perception
Those who are unaware of the deep relationship between identity and faith (‘Īmān) often say:
“A human is just a human.”
But this is a very superficial statement.
One’s view of life’s purpose, good and evil, knowledge, truth, and justice is completely shaped by the answer to “Who am I?”
For example:
– Both Muslims and Christians accept the figure of ʿĪsā (Jesus) عليه السلام,
but they differ drastically in their concept of him.
– For Muslims, ʿĪsā عليه السلام is a Messenger of God,
while Christians view him as the Son of God.
Similarly, equating the “Human” with the “Muslim” identity is a grave misunderstanding.
◈ Conclusion
A person who sees himself as a servant of God, and one who believes himself to be free and autonomous,
can never establish identical social or political systems.
The concept of “Human” is a modern, atheistic ideology that positions man in opposition to God.
