The Dignity of a Human Being

A human being should follow the principles of justice in life, return good behaviour for bad behaviour and be a worthwhile member of society.

The secret of human success, in principle, is only one and that is to keep to the straight path of nature and never deviate from it. This has been expressed thus in the Quran: “Do they seek a religion other than the religion of God, when everything in the heavens and the earth has submitted to Him, willingly or unwillingly? To Him they shall all return.” (3:83)

God has laid down only one path to success for both humans and the universe. The universe is following this course compulsorily, like a machine. A human being, however, has to follow this course of nature of his own free will. In this voluntary submission, lies the dignity of a human being and it is for this voluntary acceptance that he will be rewarded with Paradise.

There are many tall things on the earth like trees and mountains. The trees and the mountains are apparently standing erect, but they cast their shadows on the earth. In ethical terminology this is called modesty. A person ought to opt for modesty in his behaviour. The birds grace the environment with their sweet melodies, morning and evening. Listening to them, a person ought to spare others his bitter words. People should be able to expect only good words from him.

The stars keep to their orbits in their onward journey. Similarly, a human being should follow the principles of justice in leading his life. The tree takes in carbon dioxide and gives in oxygen in return. Similarly, a human being should return good behaviour for bad behaviour. The sun shines on all. Similarly, a human being ought to be a worthwhile member of society.

The universe is a defect-free model of unassailable integrity. This model has been devised by nature itself. A human being must also follow this model. This is the only way to human success.