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Has man lost the essence of his creation? A reflective call to rediscover our divine purpose (Part 2)
The Bounty and favour of Allah upon mankind
Allah has honoured mankind immensely. He subjugated the heavens and the earth for our benefit. He said: “It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:29).
“And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth—all from Him…” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:13).
Additionally, Allah gifted man with knowledge, speech, and the capacity for deep reflection:
(He) “Taught man that which he knew not.” (Surah Al-‘Alaq, 96:5).
(He) “Taught him eloquence (speech).” (Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:4).
These gifts of intellect, communication, and innovation have enabled humanity to build civilisations, explore the universe, and manage worldly affairs. Yet, these same gifts can become a source of corruption when not guided by divine values.
Neglecting divine guidance has led to widespread consequences. Instead of using our intellect to preserve and serve creation, mankind has increasingly used it to exploit, pollute, and degrade the environment. Illegal mining (commonly known as galamsey) has destroyed water bodies and farmlands, leaving once fertile lands barren and poisoned with toxic chemicals. Massive deforestation due to illegal tree felling has endangered biodiversity and accelerated climate change.
In urban centres and rural communities alike, many individuals—especially the youth—turn to illicit drugs as a coping mechanism against unemployment, broken homes, injustice, and spiritual void. These actions reflect a deep moral and spiritual crisis. The blessings Allah has granted are being misused, turning opportunities into threats. As Allah reminds us:
“Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].” (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:41).
Thus, when man abandons the divine compass, he becomes a source of harm to himself, others, and the environment entrusted to him.
Human interdependence and mercy
Allah has decreed diversity in means and status among people to foster interdependence:
“Is it they who apportion the mercy of your Lord? We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees so that they may make use of one another for service…” (Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:32).
This diversity is not to breed arrogance or oppression, but to encourage cooperation and compassion. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught: “Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 2858).
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 13; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 45).
Islamic teachings emphasise community, mutual respect, and moral uprightness as foundations for a peaceful society.
The Modern Drift: Symptoms of moral erosion
Despite increasing access to religious knowledge and places of worship, the world is witnessing a deepening moral and spiritual crisis. Greed, materialism, corruption, and selfishness have replaced humility, piety, and service to others. The race for power and economic dominance has overtaken the pursuit of virtue and divine pleasure.
Man has made economic success the sole metric of life, neglecting spiritual growth, moral accountability, and ethical behaviour. Families are breaking down, and the dignity of human life is constantly being violated, despite global declarations on human rights. There is a deafening silence about accountability before Allah, replaced by a culture of impunity, where deception and oppression thrive.
One of the most alarming signs of this erosion is the relentless global competition in developing sophisticated weapons of war. Nations are spending billions of dollars on arms rather than investing in peace, health, and education. Recent conflicts such as those in Gaza, Palestine, Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Russia, and Ukraine have led to massive destruction and untold human suffering. In Gaza and Palestine, entire neighborhoods have been flattened, hospitals and schools bombed, and basic infrastructure destroyed. The humanitarian toll in Ukraine and parts of the Middle East is equally dire—with thousands killed, millions displaced, and generations of children deprived of education and healthcare.
These conflicts are not just political or territorial—they reflect the spiritual bankruptcy of a world that has forgotten the sanctity of life. As Allah warns: “Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure.” (Surah At-Takathur, 102:8).
Pleasure that comes at the expense of justice, peace, and compassion is not pleasure—it is a test. The modern world’s drift from divine guidance is leading to destruction, both spiritual and physical. Humanity must pause and return to the moral compass revealed by Allah
- Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author