Human Nature & Guidance

The question "What is human nature?" is so fundamental that many scientists and philosophers have devoted their lives to studying its complexity. Some even argue that all philosophical discourse is, in essence, an attempt to explain human beings. Scientists constantly face new challenges related to human nature, and the mystery continues to evolve with each generation, remaining a subject of ongoing research. Human nature refers to the inherent characteristics shared by all humans.

Understanding human nature has been crucial since ancient times, and in the present era, it is highly valued by educated societies. It is now widely recognized that victory cannot be achieved solely through material resources or technological advancements; rather, it is the human force that drives success. In today's world, businesses prioritize investing in their human resources, realizing the true value of human potential—a sign of progress. Human beings possess the immense ability to change the world and make a difference.

Man is a unique creation of God, and only the Creator can fully reveal the truth of His creation. Just as a machine becomes easier to operate with a manual, humans, as complex beings, require proper guidance to navigate life. For this purpose, God appointed Prophets to deliver His message. These Prophets received divine revelations to guide humanity according to God's instructions.

● Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea, and provided for them from the good things, and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference. (Chapter 17, Surah Al-Isra, verse 70)

“We have certainly created man in the best of stature.” (Chapter 95, Surah At-Tin, verse 4)

According to divine revelations, God considers human beings the best of His creations. Furthermore, humans are endowed with the innate ability to distinguish between right and wrong:

“Then He showed him what is wrong for him and what is right for him.” (Chapter 91, Surah Ash-Shams, verse

Human beings are believed to be inherently good. Each individual is born with an inclination toward goodness, a natural state implanted by Allah. Children, therefore, are born sinless, and it is the environment and its influences that shape their paths. As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Every child is born in a pure state of nature (fitra).” Therefore, one should not stray from their original, natural state.

Human nature is a blend of strengths and weaknesses, both present within every individual as a test. The strengths of human psychology include qualities such as a sense of sacrifice, anger control, forgiveness, and patience. A person can rise to great heights through these strengths. However, humans also possess weaknesses.

● Allah says in the Quran:

“Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire—of women and sons, heaping up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.” (Chapter 3, Surah Al-Imran, verse 14)

At times, humans may be hasty, easily disturbed, reactionary, forgetful, or blame fate for their misfortunes. These weaknesses may, at times, overshadow their strengths, but the goal is for the opposite to occur. According to human nature, a person must strive to reconnect with their original self (fitra), which is pure goodness and strength. The strengths must overcome weaknesses, and with constant effort, weaknesses will diminish. This is only achievable through the acquisition of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, along with continuous efforts to purify the heart and soul.

● Allah says in the Quran:

“Indeed, he succeeds who purifies his own self (i.e., obeys and performs all that Allah has ordered, by following the true Faith of Islamic Monotheism and by doing righteous deeds).

And indeed, he fails who corrupts his own self (i.e., disobeys what Allah has ordered by rejecting the true Faith or by doing wicked deeds).” (Chapter 91, Surah Ash-Shams, verses 9-10)

Strengthening one's strengths also involves developing a close relationship with the Creator through acts of worship—both obligatory and voluntary prayers, as well as frequent remembrance of Allah and heartfelt supplications. Lastly, setting the right priorities determines the selection of strengths and weaknesses. If one prioritizes the eternal life and rewards over the temporary pleasures of this world, their strengths will grow. However, if one falls for the illusions of this world, they will stray from their true nature, leading to misery.

"Praise be to Allah for guiding us to this. We would have never been guided if Allah had not guided us".(Qur’an 7:43)

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