Human Nature, Divine Responsibility, and the Warning of the Qur’an

Human Nature, Divine Responsibility, and the Warning of the Qur’an 

According to the creative principles, every creation of Allah is conscious and aware, and exists as living and active through its God-given abilities. The mention of the heavens, the earth, and the mountains speaking draws our attention to the idea that, like human beings, the heavens, the earth, all the particles within the earth, all creations upon it, and the mountains also possess awareness. 

Just as intellect functions within a human being, similarly, the particles of soil are also aware of their existence. For affirmation or denial of anything in itself is a sign of understanding, perception, and consciousness. 

Upon examining the causes of the world's problems and hardships, the fundamental reason that becomes evident is that human beings possess certain natural weaknesses and flaws, which are the root cause of these issues. Among these natural weaknesses, the one that stands out as the greatest and most direct cause of all such problems is the presence of oppression in human nature—that is, the human tendency and inclination toward injustice. 

The definition of oppression, its severity and gravity, its ugliness and evil nature, and its terrible consequences were discussed. Today, God willing, we will try to understand some of the causes and reasons behind oppression. 

Although oppression manifests in many forms and types and has many causes, there is one major and fundamental cause around which all other causes revolve: the sense of self-sufficiency in humans.

Qur'an says:

“Most certainly, one exceeds all bounds, once they think they are self-sufficient.” (Al-‘Alaq: 96: 6 -7). 

That is, in reality, man is not self-sufficient or independent, but he merely assumes so. What are the things that make him think of himself as self-sufficient? And what is this transgression that results from it?  

First of all, understand that in this noble verse, the term 'human' does not refer to a specific individual, but to all of mankind—that is, it is in the very nature of every human being that when he sees himself as self-sufficient, he develops the audacity to rebel. Then, if there is no fear of Allah, no firm belief in His power and might, and no strong faith in the accountability of the Day of Judgment—or if such faith is weak—he plunges into rebellion. 

What gives him the confidence to act self-sufficient and behave arrogantly? It is power. 

And power is of many kinds, but the type that most intoxicates a human being—the kind that makes him lose control, act recklessly, disregard others, overstep boundaries, and commit acts of injustice and oppression—is the power of wealth and authority. The intoxication of political power and control is the most dangerous of all, followed by the intoxication of wealth. In truth, whatever power a person possesses, he tends to show carelessness and exceed limits accordingly. 

If he is blessed with health, he forgets about illness, and forgetting about illness means he no longer cares about tending to the sick, helping them, comforting them, or offering them emotional support. If he has access to plenty of food, he forgets about hunger—he becomes insensitive to the helplessness, suffering, and pain of the hungry. 

In the same way, there are other types of strengths. But regardless of the type, when a person possesses any kind of strength or power, he tends to display arrogance and rebellion in proportion to it. 

The fault, however, does not lie in the strength or the blessings he has been given. Rather, the fault lies in the person himself, who, upon gaining power, begins to think of himself as self-sufficient. And the root of this mindset lies in the fact that he has forgotten the Hereafter. 

The reality is that when any arrogant and rebellious person reaches the peak of power and strength, he can no longer even imagine his downfall. He cannot conceive that a weak person could ever harm him. And this is how every powerful person tends to think. However, history has preserved the fate of such tyrants as a lesson for us. 

Take the name of any oppressor—what became of each one is recorded in history. Be it Pharaoh, Qarun, Haman, Nimrod, or Abu Jahl—whoever they were—the world has witnessed the terrible fate of each of them, and history has preserved their downfall as a warning for those who come after. 

The following titles or attributes have been mentioned for human beings in the Qur’an: 

1. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:72) 

"Indeed, We offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they refused to bear it and were afraid of it. Yet man undertook to bear it. Indeed, he was [truly] unjust and ignorant." 

This verse highlights that man is unjust (ẓalūm) and ignorant (jahūl)—he accepted a great responsibility that even the mighty creations of the universe feared to bear. 

2. Surah Al-Kahf (18:54) 

"And We have certainly diversified in this Qur'an for the people every [kind of] example, but man has been most of all contentious." 

Here, the Qur’an describes man as argumentative by nature, despite all the guidance provided to him. 

3. Surah Ibrahim (14:34) 

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you tried to count the blessings of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, man is [truly] unjust and ungrateful." 

This verse refers to man as unjust and extremely ungrateful (kaffār), despite receiving countless blessings from Allah. 

4. Surah Al-Isra (17:11) 

"And man supplicates for evil as he supplicates for good, and man is ever hasty." 

This verse portrays man as impatient and impulsive, prone to calling for harm just as he would for good. 

5. Surah An-Nisa (4:28) 

"...And man was created weak." 

This short but profound verse emphasizes that man is inherently weak and in need of divine guidance and support. 

These verses collectively reveal several essential traits of human nature as presented in the Qur’an: 

• Unjust (ẓalūm) 
• Ignorant (jahūl) 
• Argumentative (jaddāl) 
• Ungrateful (kaffār) 
• Hasty (ʿajūl) 
• Weak (ḍaʿīf) 

The Arrogance of Man and the Call for Justice in Islam  

The responsibility that has been entrusted to man, he often becomes negligent in fulfilling it. In contrast, the angels, who were created for a specific purpose, remain fully engaged in it: some in glorifying Allah, others in different acts of worship, because they are bound by their nature. Man, on the other hand, is free—he can stray at any time, in any direction. 

Therefore, the Qur’an has strongly mentioned these blameworthy traits to warn and protect human beings from them. The Qur’an serves as both a giver of glad tidings and a warner, so that man may reform himself and fulfill the duty assigned to him in the best possible way. 

He can refine his character and purify himself from such negative qualities because he possesses the ability to do so. By utilizing his countless potential and capabilities, he can train and improve himself. 

In summary, these traits are not mentioned in the Qur’an to label man with them permanently, but to remind and alert him, so that he may stay away from such harmful characteristics and purify himself from them. 

Hadith 

Narrated by Aws bin Sharhabeel (RA):

He heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say: 

"Whoever walks with an oppressor to support and strengthen him, while knowing that he is an oppressor, then such a person has exited the fold of Islam." 

(Mishkat: 5135) 

This hadith clearly highlights a fundamental command of Islamic teachings—the establishment of justice and the prevention of oppression. Allah loves those who establish justice and strive to eliminate injustice. Giving someone their rightful due is the essence of justice. A believer is commanded to uphold justice at every level of life—whether it is to protect oneself, one’s parents, spouse and children, relatives, neighbors, or to support systems that promote social justice. A just person is beloved to Allah. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 

“On the Day of Judgment, when people will be in a state of extreme fear and distress, Allah will grant shade under His Throne to seven categories of people. The first among them will be a just ruler.” 

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: 

Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Seven people Allah will give them His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but the Shade of His Throne (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection): And they are: a just ruler; a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques, two men who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer and) says: 'I fear Allah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a man who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes become tearful". 

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 

Reference: Riyad as-Salihin 449. 

In-book reference: Introduction, Hadith 449. 

This shows that justice is one of the most beloved acts in the sight of Allah, and a means for His closeness and forgiveness. Justice saves a person from Hell and makes them deserving of Paradise. It becomes the foundation of many virtues and a barrier against countless evils. 

In contrast, oppression means to deprive someone of their rights, to take what rightfully belongs to another. It is among the major sins, and Allah severely dislikes it. 

In the hadith above, the Prophet ﷺ warns that a person who supports a tyrant, knowing full well that the individual is unjust, may be cast out of the fold of Islam because of their actions. Obviously, once someone is no longer within the fold of Islam, their ability to embody Islamic virtues becomes greatly diminished. 

The Qur’an condemns rulers who wrongfully oppress Allah’s creation as blameworthy in this worldly life. Numerous holy sayings contain stern warnings for oppressors. It is a hallmark of tyrannical regimes to divide people economically and politically, a trait which the Qur’an attributes to Pharaoh, Nimrod, and other oppressive rulers. 

In contrast, the Qur’an praises the just conduct of the resolute prophets who stood against oppression. Now it is up to the human being to decide: 

Will they align themselves with the Pharaohs of history or follow the path of the prophets? 

From Oppression to Accountability: Lessons from the Qur’an and Sunnah 

Quran Says: 

He is the One˺ Who created death and life in order to test which of you is best in deeds. And He is the Almighty, All-Forgiving. (67:2). 

When they are tossed into it, they will hear its roaring as it boils over, almost bursting in fury. Every time a group is cast into it, its keepers will ask them, “Did a warner not come to you?  

They will reply, “Yes, a warner did come to us, but we denied and said, ‘Allah has revealed nothing. You are extremely astray. 

And they will lament, “If only we had listened and reasoned, we would not be among the residents of the Blaze! 

And so they will confess their sins. So away with the residents of the Blaze! 

Indeed, those in awe of their Lord without seeing Him will have forgiveness and a mighty reward. 

Whether you speak secretly or openly—He surely knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart. 

How could He not know His Own creation? For He ˹alone˺ is the Most Subtle, All-Aware. (67:7-14). 

Do you feel secure that the One Who is in heaven will not cause the earth to swallow you up as it quakes violently? 

Or do you feel secure that the One Who is in heaven will not unleash upon you a storm of stones? Only then would you know how ˹serious˺ My warning was! 

And certainly those before them denied ˹as well˺, then how severe was My response! (67:16-18). 

Summary in short: 

"Do you feel secure from Him (Allah) who is above the heavens, that He will not cause the earth to swallow you, and suddenly it begins to shake? 

Or do you feel secure from Him who is above the heavens, that He will not send against you a storm of stones? 

Then you will soon know how My warning was! 

And indeed, those before them had also denied (the truth), so see how was My punishment!" 

This passage is from Surah Al-Mulk (67:16-18) and serves as a powerful warning and reminder of Allah's might and the consequences of rejecting His signs. 

Summary: 

This powerful article explores the true nature of humankind, as depicted in the Qur’an and Hadith, highlighting the divine trust given to humans, their innate weaknesses, and their responsibility to uphold justice. 

The opening sections emphasize that, according to creative principles, every creation of Allah—including the heavens, the earth, and mountains—possesses a form of consciousness and awareness, but humans were uniquely given the responsibility of choice and moral accountability. 

The root cause of most human suffering and injustice lies in the human tendency toward arrogance, self-sufficiency, and oppression. This nature becomes dangerous when paired with power—be it wealth, authority, health, or knowledge—leading to pride and disregard for others. Such people often forget their accountability in the Hereafter. 

The Qur’an identifies several traits of human beings: 

• Unjust (ظلوم) 
• Ignorant (جہول) 
• Argumentative 
• Ungrateful 
• Hasty 
• Weak 

These traits are not labels of condemnation but warnings and reminders, so humans can purify themselves, reform, and live responsibly. 

The Hadiths teach that knowingly supporting a tyrant is a grave act that may lead a person out of the fold of Islam. Islam strongly emphasizes establishing justice, protecting rights, and standing against oppression. 

Through examples from history, like Pharaoh and Nimrod, the article warns about the destruction that befell tyrants who denied divine guidance. The Qur’an, as both a warner and giver of glad tidings, urges mankind to choose the path of prophets and justice, not of oppressors. 

The article concludes with verses from Surah Al-Mulk, reminding humans of Allah’s power, the Day of Judgment, and the severe consequences of ignoring divine warnings. 

Conclusion: 

In essence, the Qur’an and Sunnah remind us that while humans are honored with responsibility and free will, they are also prone to arrogance and injustice. Through reflection, self-purification, and commitment to justice, man can rise above these weaknesses and fulfill the divine trust placed upon him. 

Due to the dominance of a materialistic system, the habit of causing harm and distress to others has become widespread both individually and collectively. In such a situation, it is necessary to cultivate a community of capable, ethical, and positively inclined individuals within society. Through their education and training, a mindset should be promoted that such values and morals must prevail across the entire society. These individuals should become the voice of the people and bring about a transformation in the nation's condition.