Islam_in_Focus_text

how they may help him to find his way through.
The principle of "moderation" is most characteristic of
Islam. It is probably best expressed in the way Islam views
human nature, the meaning of life, and the idea of God. Is-
lam does not subscribe to the one-sided "humanistic" philos-
ophy, which almost deifies man and recognizes nothing be-
yond. Neither does Islam endorse the equally one-sided
verdict that human nature is inherently vicious, wicked, or
sinful, Islam rejects the idea that life is nasty, brutal, short,
and miserable. But it equally rejects the idea that life is an
end in itself, pleasurable and carefree. Islam does give life a
positive meaning, a purpose. It would devalue life on earth
only relative to the Hereafter. It is not concerned exclusively
with the here and now, the instant hedonism, and the imme-
diate pleasures. Nor does it completely bypass the here and
now in pursuit of a future Paradise in a Hereafter. it address-
es itself to both the human condition here on earth and the
human destiny in the Hereafter. Such concern is, of course,
proportionate; it values each phase of existence according to
its relative effect on the general well-being of man (Qur'an,
7:33; 17: 18-21; 28:77; 57:20-21).
In the Qur'an, there is a passage (2:27-39) which is typi-
cal of so many others. This passage contains some of the
fundamental principles of Islam, and represents the founda-
tions of the world view of Islam. Outstanding among these
principles are the following: