and its development is the ultimate object of human life. When
properly developed, the life of the individual becomes capable of
evolving into higher forms after its end in this mortal world. The
growth of an individual’s physical existence is governed by certain
natural laws; but the development of his personality is subject to a
different set of laws which have been given to mankind from time to
time through Divine Revelation, and are now fully embodied in the
Qur’an.
Organisation of Human SocietyThe personality of the individual can grow and fulfil its destiny in
and through society alone and not in isolation. Therefore, the
Qur’anic laws relating to human personality also outline the
principles on which the organisation of human society should be
based. A social system evolved in accordance with the Qur’anic laws
aims at ensuring the progress and full development of entire
mankind. It creates a society free from the clash of interests among
individuals and nations. For, according to its basic principles, the
personality of an individual grows in direct proportion to his
contribution towards the development of other personalities. Thus
in a society where each individual does his best to help others (in the
interest of his own personality) conflict among individuals does not
arise. And once the conflict of interest among people is eliminated,
all other complications that have been responsible for the perpetual
strife, tyranny and disorder in the world would automatically
disappear. The Qur’an, therefore, lays down a pattern according to
which a healthy social organisation for entire mankind can be
formed.
As an outcome of the materialistic concept of life, mankind
today faces a crisis which perhaps has no parallel in history. This
crisis, pervading all spheres of human life, has taken the form of a
universal revolt against religion. This is not confined to any
particular place or group of people. It is not directed against any
particular religion, but against religion itself. No doubt, every
religion has been subjected to the severest criticism at one time or
another since the advent of civilisation, but a total revolt against
religion itself is a peculiar feature of the contemporary attitude
Islam: A Challenge to Religion 6