DEFINING A HUMAN

Talha shahid
6 min readSep 24, 2023

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“Man is by nature a social animal.” — Aristotle

Rene Descartes famously declared, “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am). He argued that the ability to think and reason is the essence of being human. In other words, self-awareness and consciousness define our humanity.

Ashraf-al-Makhlookat OR evolved from apelike ancestors?

Are we a species of monkeys, the product of evolutionary processes, or were we created directly by God Himself in a deliberate act of divine creation? How do these contrasting views on human origins shape our understanding of who we are and our place in the universe?

The question of human origins has long been a topic of debate, and two contrasting perspectives have emerged: one rooted in scientific theory and the other in religious belief.

1. Creationist Perspective (Direct Creation by God): creationist beliefs, often rooted in religious traditions, assert that humans were created directly by God in a deliberate and special act of divine creation. This perspective often aligns with the belief that humans possess a unique and divine essence, distinct from other creatures. In Abrahamic religions like Christianity and Islam, humans are often considered the pinnacle of God’s creation, created in His image.

2. Evolutionary Perspective (Species of Monkeys): According to the theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin, humans share a common ancestry with other primates, such as chimpanzees and gorillas. Over millions of years, natural selection and genetic variation led to the development of Homo sapiens, the modern human species. From this perspective, humans are a result of gradual biological processes, and our connection to other primates is evident in the shared genetic and anatomical traits.

Are we merely an evolved species of primates, tracing our origins back to the distant past, or were we uniquely and directly created by a divine hand, fashioned by God’s own design? In this profound contrast of perspectives, the question of our human origins continues to intrigue and divide. BUT what if i say that they both are “RIGHT” and “INTERTWINED”. Is that possible?

Better than Angels OR Worst than beasts

Are we truly the noblest of creations, possessing a divine spark that outshines even the angels themselves? Or do our actions reveal a darker side, one that often descends into the depths of moral decay, causing us to be worse than the very beasts we share this world with?

In the pursuit of understanding our complex nature, we must grapple with this stark contrast. How can we reconcile the capacity for sublime goodness, compassion, and spiritual elevation with the disturbing reality of crimes like rape, corruption, and murder that stain our history?

Aristotle observed that humans are inherently social beings. Unlike solitary animals, humans are naturally inclined to live together in communities and societies. This social nature is deeply ingrained in our biology, psychology, and culture. Aristotle argued that humans rely on one another for their well-being. He saw interdependence as a fundamental aspect of human existence. In a community, individuals specialize in various roles and contribute to the common good. This division of labor enhances the overall quality of life.

Aristotle’s view has ethical implications. He believed that the pursuit of individual virtue and eudaimonia (often translated as “happiness” or “flourishing”) was best achieved within a social context. Virtue, according to Aristotle, is developed through interactions with others and by participating in the moral and political life of the community.

As we question our identity as humans, we must confront this paradox and seek to nurture the divine within us while also addressing the darker aspects of our existence. Gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and violence against individuals, remains a pervasive issue, often exacerbated by patriarchal norms and societal silence. The climate crisis poses existential threats, affecting vulnerable communities through extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and displacement. Economic inequality and poverty persist, denying millions access to basic necessities. Is there a path to redemption and transformation, or are we forever suspended between angelic aspirations and beastly transgressions?

The Sacred Creation ?

  • Islam: Islamic tradition holds that humans are a sacred creation of Allah (God). The Quran refers to humans as “Ashraf al Makhlookat,” which means the noblest of creations. Humans are seen as having a unique moral and spiritual responsibility, and human life is considered sacred and deserving of protection.
  • Christianity: In Christianity, humans are often viewed as sacred creations of God. The Bible’s account of creation in Genesis describes how God created humans “in His own image” (Genesis 1:27), implying a special and sacred status. Human life is considered sacred, and many Christian traditions emphasize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
  • Hinduism: Hinduism offers a diverse perspective on the sacredness of human life. Some Hindu beliefs emphasize the divinity within each individual, with the idea that the individual soul (Atman) is connected to the universal divine (Brahman). In this view, human life is regarded as sacred and an opportunity for spiritual realization.
  • Sikhism: Sikhism teaches that humans are a sacred creation of the one divine reality (Waheguru). Sikhs believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and emphasize ethical living and service to others as a way to recognize the divine within each individual.

What is the true definition and example of a HUMAN

A true human, as exemplified by individuals from various religious traditions, embodies a profound set of virtues and principles. They are characterized by deep compassion, demonstrating empathy and kindness, particularly toward those who are vulnerable or in need. They uphold principles of justice and righteousness, seeking fairness and moral integrity in their actions. Humble in demeanor, they lack arrogance or ego, prioritizing the welfare of others over personal gain. Selflessness defines their character, as they willingly make sacrifices for the greater good. Guided by a strong moral and ethical code rooted in truth, honesty, and integrity, they advocate for peace and nonviolence to resolve conflicts and bring about positive change. Devoted to the pursuit of truth, they inspire and uplift others through their exemplary lives, embodying universal virtues that transcend religious boundaries and serve as guiding lights for humanity.

1. Islam:

Prophet Hazrat Muhammad(SAWW): Muslims consider Prophet Muhammad(SAWW) as the exemplar of a noble and true human. His life is a model of moral and ethical conduct. He advocated justice, compassion, and the welfare of the community. His teachings emphasize kindness to neighbors, care for the poor, and the pursuit of knowledge.

2. Christianity:

Jesus Christ: According to Christian belief, Jesus is regarded as the epitome of a noble and true human being. His life was characterized by love, compassion, and self-sacrifice. He taught principles of forgiveness, humility, and the importance of helping the marginalized and oppressed.

3. Hinduism:

Lord Rama: In Hinduism, Lord Rama is often seen as a noble and true human being. He is a symbol of righteousness (dharma) and is known for his unwavering commitment to truth and moral values. His life, as depicted in the epic Ramayana, reflects the virtues of a just and compassionate ruler.

4. Buddhism:

Gautama Buddha: Buddhists revere Gautama Buddha as an enlightened being and a noble human. He renounced worldly pleasures to seek spiritual awakening and enlightenment. His teachings emphasize the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which lead to inner peace and liberation from suffering.

5. Sikhism:

Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is considered a noble and true human in Sikh tradition. He emphasized the oneness of God, equality, and the importance of living an honest and selfless life. His teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism’s core values.

We see something in common between all these , wait , stop .“something”?

In the sea of existence, the question remains — whether through religious reverence or philosophical inquiry — do we, as humans, hold a sacred place in the cosmos? Are we, with our capacity for reason, morality, and interconnectedness, are a divinely significant, or are we, in the vast expanse of the universe, left to define our own meaning and purpose?

Is the sacredness of our existence an inherent truth, or does it lie in the eye of the beholder? Can we find common ground amid our diverse beliefs and worldviews, or must we each embark on a personal quest to explore the depths of our own humanity? The question stays, open-ended and waiting, for each of us to contemplate, explore, and ultimately define for ourselves. You ask yourself “What is a Human? ”

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Talha shahid
Talha shahid

Written by Talha shahid

Hi! I am an archi student with some mindwinding thoughts who likes to write .

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