❖ Humanism: A Philosophy of Human Values and Rational Foundations ❖
✍ By Syed Mateen Ahmad
Humanism is a worldview that places human life and human values at the center.
In general understanding, even religious individuals may accept some aspects of it, which is why it is sometimes linked with Islamic ethics or Sufism.
However, it is essential to recognize Humanism as a coherent and independent intellectual framework, which is based on its distinct philosophy rather than fitting into a religious mold.
Humanism is particularly influenced by atheistic philosophies and existentialist ideologies, such as those found in Existentialism.
It regards humans as the creators and bearers of their thoughts and actions.
The views of atheist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre have significantly impacted atheistic Humanism.
The book “Humanism” by Stephen Law, published by Oxford, outlines the fundamental points of Humanism in detail.
Below is a summary of its key principles:
① Supremacy of Science and Reason
Humanists consider science and reason to be the primary tools for examining all aspects of life.
According to them, no belief or ideology is above rational scrutiny.
② Doubt in the Existence of God
Most Humanists are either atheists or agnostics, who express skepticism about the existence of God.
They also view concepts like angels, demons, and other supernatural beliefs with suspicion.
③ Emphasis on Worldly Life
Humanism holds worldly life as the ultimate reality, rejecting the concept of the Hereafter.
Heaven and Hell, to them, are merely imaginary constructs, and one should enjoy life to the fullest within one’s means.
④ Importance of Ethics
Humanists give importance to ethical values, but do not necessarily base them on religion.
They believe ethics should be grounded in principles that enhance human life and benefit humanity.
⑤ Moral Responsibility
Humanists emphasize that man himself should define moral principles, instead of relying on religion or divine authority to set them.
⑥ Meaningfulness of Life
Humanists believe that life can be meaningful even without divine intervention.
They cite examples such as Pablo Picasso or Albert Einstein, whose lives were fulfilling and purposeful — regardless of belief in God.
⑦ Formation of a Secular Society
Humanists advocate for a secular and democratic society, where the state remains neutral concerning religion.
They support freedom of belief and expression, whether religious or non-religious, and uphold the right to critique all ideologies.
Stephen Law, Humanism, Oxford, pp. 17–18
✍ By Syed Mateen Ahmad
◈ Introduction to Humanism
Humanism is a worldview that places human life and human values at the center.
In general understanding, even religious individuals may accept some aspects of it, which is why it is sometimes linked with Islamic ethics or Sufism.
However, it is essential to recognize Humanism as a coherent and independent intellectual framework, which is based on its distinct philosophy rather than fitting into a religious mold.
◈ The Core Philosophy of Humanism
Humanism is particularly influenced by atheistic philosophies and existentialist ideologies, such as those found in Existentialism.
It regards humans as the creators and bearers of their thoughts and actions.
The views of atheist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre have significantly impacted atheistic Humanism.
The book “Humanism” by Stephen Law, published by Oxford, outlines the fundamental points of Humanism in detail.
Below is a summary of its key principles:
◈ Fundamental Principles of Humanism
① Supremacy of Science and Reason
Humanists consider science and reason to be the primary tools for examining all aspects of life.
According to them, no belief or ideology is above rational scrutiny.
② Doubt in the Existence of God
Most Humanists are either atheists or agnostics, who express skepticism about the existence of God.
They also view concepts like angels, demons, and other supernatural beliefs with suspicion.
③ Emphasis on Worldly Life
Humanism holds worldly life as the ultimate reality, rejecting the concept of the Hereafter.
Heaven and Hell, to them, are merely imaginary constructs, and one should enjoy life to the fullest within one’s means.
④ Importance of Ethics
Humanists give importance to ethical values, but do not necessarily base them on religion.
They believe ethics should be grounded in principles that enhance human life and benefit humanity.
⑤ Moral Responsibility
Humanists emphasize that man himself should define moral principles, instead of relying on religion or divine authority to set them.
⑥ Meaningfulness of Life
Humanists believe that life can be meaningful even without divine intervention.
They cite examples such as Pablo Picasso or Albert Einstein, whose lives were fulfilling and purposeful — regardless of belief in God.
⑦ Formation of a Secular Society
Humanists advocate for a secular and democratic society, where the state remains neutral concerning religion.
They support freedom of belief and expression, whether religious or non-religious, and uphold the right to critique all ideologies.
◈ Reference
Stephen Law, Humanism, Oxford, pp. 17–18
