✦ Human Nature and the Universe: A Rational and Moral Analysis ✦
The human body is composed of elements such as minerals, water, and gases—just like the rest of the universe. The physical laws that sustain these elements also govern the body. Just as other components of the universe (e.g., mountains, rivers) exist under fixed laws, so too does the human body.
Human growth requires sustenance, similar to how plants and trees draw nourishment from the earth. This process also functions under the laws of the universe.
Humans are living beings who act with intention—they protect themselves and propagate their species. The universe also contains animals that live by similar instinctual and purposeful behavior.
Another dimension of the human being is his moral awareness—his ability to distinguish between good and evil, justice and injustice.
Human nature demands that good be rewarded and evil be punished. However, the present system of the universe lacks a complete mechanism for the full manifestation of these moral consequences.
In the present universe, natural laws operate consistently, but moral laws do not manifest in the same way. Material consequences are often immediate—e.g., a physical crime has a visible result—but moral consequences are frequently delayed or absent.
If a person sets someone’s house on fire, the house will naturally burn. But whether the perpetrator receives just punishment depends on external factors. If those conditions are not met, the criminal may escape justice.
➐ Example of Goodness:
A person who spreads truth and righteousness may leave a legacy that influences future generations. Yet, this person often does not receive a full reward for these contributions in this world.
The current universe suffices for man’s physical, biological, and material needs, but it is inadequate for his moral nature. There must exist another system where moral laws dominate, and physical laws are subordinate to them—where every action receives its full consequence.
Reason indicates the need for another world, but it cannot prove its existence. At this point, revelation becomes essential. The Qur'an informs us that there is another world—the Hereafter—where every action will be accounted for, and every person will receive full reward or punishment.
The present world is insufficient for fulfilling the needs of human moral nature. A second realm is necessary.
The Concept of the Hereafter:
While reason signals the necessity of the Hereafter, revelation affirms its reality and details its structure and purpose.
❖ Harmony Between Man and the Universe – And Its Limits
Analyzing the human being and the system of the universe on the basis of reason reveals a certain harmony between the two. However, this harmony is not complete, and there are aspects of human nature that demand the existence of another realm or order of existence.❖ The Physical Body and Material Universe
➊ The Human Body:The human body is composed of elements such as minerals, water, and gases—just like the rest of the universe. The physical laws that sustain these elements also govern the body. Just as other components of the universe (e.g., mountains, rivers) exist under fixed laws, so too does the human body.
❖ Growth and Nutritional Needs
➋ Nutritional Requirements:Human growth requires sustenance, similar to how plants and trees draw nourishment from the earth. This process also functions under the laws of the universe.
❖ Willful Actions and Animal Life
➌ Life and Will:Humans are living beings who act with intention—they protect themselves and propagate their species. The universe also contains animals that live by similar instinctual and purposeful behavior.
❖ The Moral Dimension and Its Demands
➍ Moral Nature:Another dimension of the human being is his moral awareness—his ability to distinguish between good and evil, justice and injustice.
Human nature demands that good be rewarded and evil be punished. However, the present system of the universe lacks a complete mechanism for the full manifestation of these moral consequences.
❖ Absence of Moral Order in the Universe
➎ Lack of Moral Outcomes:In the present universe, natural laws operate consistently, but moral laws do not manifest in the same way. Material consequences are often immediate—e.g., a physical crime has a visible result—but moral consequences are frequently delayed or absent.
❖ Examples: Reward and Punishment
➏ Example of Evil:If a person sets someone’s house on fire, the house will naturally burn. But whether the perpetrator receives just punishment depends on external factors. If those conditions are not met, the criminal may escape justice.
➐ Example of Goodness:
A person who spreads truth and righteousness may leave a legacy that influences future generations. Yet, this person often does not receive a full reward for these contributions in this world.
❖ Rational Demand for Another System
➑ Inadequacy of the Present World:The current universe suffices for man’s physical, biological, and material needs, but it is inadequate for his moral nature. There must exist another system where moral laws dominate, and physical laws are subordinate to them—where every action receives its full consequence.
❖ The Role of Revelation and Limits of Reason
➒ Limits of Reason:Reason indicates the need for another world, but it cannot prove its existence. At this point, revelation becomes essential. The Qur'an informs us that there is another world—the Hereafter—where every action will be accounted for, and every person will receive full reward or punishment.
❖ Conclusion
➓ Limitations of This World:The present world is insufficient for fulfilling the needs of human moral nature. A second realm is necessary.
The Concept of the Hereafter:
While reason signals the necessity of the Hereafter, revelation affirms its reality and details its structure and purpose.
