Islam and Human Dignity[1]

     Allah, Glory be to Him, honored Adam with knowledge and commanded the angels to prostrate themselves to him. In the same way, He honored the children of Adam whom He has entrusted with the prosperity of the universe.

Allah the Most High says,

“We have honored the children of Adam and carried them by land and sea; We have provided good sustenance for them and favored them specially above many of those We have created.” (Qur’ān, 17:70)

     He Almighty also provided man with intellect. By this, man excels over all other creatures. He does so also with his free will, which he uses to carry out his activities in life. All of this is done in the light of what Allah has provided him of guidance to assist his intellect in order to control his passions and instincts, so that they both achieve vicegerency on the earth. There are signs for this honor.