In the name of Allah most gracious most merciful
Assalaamu alykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu,
Assalaamu alykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu,
Man's Vicegerency-Khilafah and Stewardship and (Trust-Amana )
Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) constitutes the ideological foundation of Islam, the concept of man's Khilafah (vicegerency/caliphate) provides the operational framework for the Islamic scheme of life. Adam alai salaam learned about knowledge. Adam alai salaam realized that Iblis was the symbol of evil in the universe and that the angels were the symbol of good. However he did not yet know anything about himself. Then Allah made him perceive his true identity and the reason for his creation, and the secret of his glorification.
Allah the Exalted said: He taught Adam all the names of everything. (Ch 2:31 Quran).
His knowledge included knowledge of the Creator the deen-al-Islam, as well as the knowledge he would need to inhabit and master the earth. All kinds of worldly knowledge which are included in this. Allah declared His intention to send a vicegerent (khalifah) to the earth. Adam alai salaam was destined to play this role of vicegerency and was endowed with the 'knowledge of the things' to do the job well.
Then both Adam alai salaam and Hawwa alai salaam were put to a test and were asked not to approach a certain tree. They fell victim to the evil persuasions of Satan and committed sin. But immediately after sinning they repented their mistakes, sought Allah's forgiveness and were forgiven. It was after they were forgiven and redeemed that they were sent down to the earth to play their role as vicegerents of Allah. They were promised Divine Guidance and were assured that those who followed that guidance would be successful. Adam was the first man to receive this guidance and convey it to his progeny.
The role and status of vicegerency is conferred upon the human being as such, and it is shared by man and woman alike but their roles differ. This lays the foundations of their essential equality as human beings, as vicegerents of Allah on the earth, whatever their different roles in society may be.
According to the Qur'an "Satan caused them both to deflect therefrom". Both were held responsible for the act, both repented their transgression and both were forgiven. They entered the world without any stigma of original sin on their soul. Human nature is pure and good. Man has been created in the best of all forms. [Q 95:4] Man and woman are made from the same substance. Every one is born in a state of purity and innocence. Success or failure depends entirely on one's own beliefs and behavior. [Q 95:5-6; 103:2-3] No one is to be responsible for the shortcomings of others. [Q 6:195]
6.162 Say: "Truly my prayer and my service of sacrifice my life and my death are (all) for Allah the Cherisher of the Worlds:
6.163 No partner hath He: this am I commanded and I am the first of those who bow to His Will.
6.163 No partner hath He: this am I commanded and I am the first of those who bow to His Will.
1. Vicegerency (Khilafah):
The human being, in the Islamic world-view is considered a vicegerent (khalifah). This vicegerency is declared before the creation of the first human being:
"Behold, your Lord said to the angels: 'I will create a vicegerent on earth.' They said: 'Will place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? While we do celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?' He said: 'I know what you know not.'" (Qur'an, 2:30 )
In her/his capacity as a vicegerent, the human being is perceived as the trustee of the earth. She/he is not supposed to cause corruption in any form on earth (i.e. the environment). Life on earth entails great responsibilities. It is a test with accountability. It is followed by either reward or punishment. These meanings are mentioned in the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Vicegerency as a test is found in the following verse:
"It is He Who has made you (His) vicegerents, inheritors of the earth: He has raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He has given you: for your Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." (Qur'an, 6:165)
On the other hand, this vicegerency is subjected to observation:
"Then We made you heirs in the land after them, to see how you would behave!" (Qur'an, 10:14 )
The same message is implied in the Hadith [narration] of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him:
"Verily, this world is sweet and appealing, and Allah placed you as vicegerents therein; He will see what you will do. So, be careful of [what you do in] this world and [what you do to/with] women, for the first test of the children of Israel
It is rather clear, now, that the Islamic world-view indicates that vicegerency on earth forms a test which includes how human beings fulfil right and duties for themselves and eachother along with rest of the creation . Is it going to be based upon divine instructions, not based upon personal desires and conjectures that might lead to the destruction of Islamic fabric. If the latter condition prevails, then vicegerency will be entrusted to a different people or generation. This possibility of this kind of switch is understood from the following two verses:
"…Call in remembrance that He made you inheritors after the people of Noah…" (Qur'an, 7:69)
"And remember how He made you inheritors after the `Ad people and gave you habitation in the land…" (Qur'an, 7:74)
"And remember how He made you inheritors after the `Ad people and gave you habitation in the land…" (Qur'an, 7:74)
The declaration of the institution of khilafah, which Allah [S.W.T] has informed the angels about, was reinforced by the verse that shows that Allah [S.W.T] has taught Adam the 'names' (Asma') of all things:
"And He taught Adam the nature [names] of all things…" (Qur'an, 2:31 )
This discussion leads us to realize that there is an organic connection between proper knowledge and right behavior. Indeed, knowledge becomes a tool that renders humanity morally responsible. Ibn Kathir said in his exegesis, regarding the above verse, the following important statement:
"The right (interpretation) is that He taught him the names of all things: their particulars, attributes and functions."Ibn Kathir, Tafsir; vol. 1, p. 7 ( Beirut Edition).
Therefore, vicegerency is based upon knowledge that enables the human being to be a care taker of self and society along with rest of the creation as much as possible. Humanity should behave in such a way that would maintain the balance in all walks of life.
33. 72 We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains: but they refused to undertake it being afraid thereof: but man undertook it he was indeed unjust and foolish
2.30 Behold thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said "Wilt thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? Whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not."
27.62 Or who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him and who relieves its suffering and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that ye heed!
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Surah Isra 17 verse 80 Say: "O my Lord! let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honor and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honor; and grant me from Thy Presence an authority to aid (me)."
Ameen,Thumameen.
Transliteration :Wa qur rabbi adkhilni mudkhala sidqiw wa akhrijni mukhraja sidqiw wa-j'al li mil ladunka sulta_nan nasira_(n).
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