Fostering Harmony in a Diverse World
As a Muslim, my role is to create cohesive societies where all aspects of the universe—humans, animals, and the environment—can live together in harmony. This is a foundational concept rooted in the Quran and exemplified by the divine balance in the universe.
God created the universe with precision and balance, a truth echoed in the Quran. A profound example lies within the first 11 verses of Surah Al-Rahman (Chapter 55), which remind us of the natural order God has set in motion.
Quranic Verses That Illustrate Universal Harmony
Here are a few verses from Surah Al-Rahman that exemplify this:
- 55:5 – ٱلشَّمۡسُ وَٱلۡقَمَرُ بِحُسۡبَانࣲ
“The sun and the moon run their appointed courses.”– - 55:6 – وَٱلنَّجۡمُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ یَسۡجُدَانِ
“The stars and the trees prostrate [to God].” - 55:10 – وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلْأَنَامِ
“And the Earth has He spread out for all living beings.”
These verses highlight how everything follows a divine program—from the planetary orbits to the lifecycle of a seed function precisely. For example, a wheat seed planted in any part of the world—Brazil, China, or Indonesia—will grow and bear fruit following its natural course or programmed course
Human Beings: Programmed Physically, Free Spiritually
Human development itself is a wonder. Each of us begins as a single fertilized cell—a zygote—which grows into a fully formed human being with complex systems and unique features. This, too, follows a divine blueprint.
Freedom
However, what distinguishes us from the rest of creation is that our behavior and interactions are not programmed, they are left to us. Unlike stars or trees, humans were given free will—the choice to create Unlike stars or trees, humans have been granted free will, allowing us to create peace within families and communities or to cause conflict and wars. It is important to remember that God has established the systems of the universe and set them on autopilot; He does not intervene directly but offers guidance through prophets, messengers or avatars, and the holy texts such as the Quran, Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Torah, Guru Granth Sahib, Avesta, Agamas, Tripitaka, and other traditional scriptures. Ultimately, we can choose between living in peace or tension.
The Gift and Test of Free Will
You can take this as a narrative to make a point. The Quran shares a powerful example in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30):
God declares, “Indeed, I will make upon the Earth a successive authority (Khalifa)…”
The angels questioned this decision, asking if humans would cause corruption and bloodshed. But Allah replied:
“Indeed, I know that which you do not know.”
This verse introduces humanity’s role as Khalifa (steward or vicegerent) of the Earth. Unlike other species, who may perish from natural disasters, humans can adapt, innovate, and survive—but with that power comes responsibility.
The Power of Articulate Thought and Moral Compass
God gave us articulate speech and moral guidance to use our free will wisely:
- 55:4 – عَلَّمَهُ ٱلْبَيَانَ
“He has imparted to him articulate thought and speech.” - 55:8 – أَلَّا تَطْغَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْمِيزَانِ
“So that you [too] might not transgress the balance.”
These verses remind us not to abuse the natural and moral balance established by God or nature.
The Universe Runs on Divine Principle and Love
As Mirza Baig beautifully writes:
“Everything occurs according to a principle. There is order in the universe. This order—this Cosmic Law—is undeniable. We observe the order, but we struggle to comprehend its nature… Perhaps this is how the universe came to be—through a natural expression of love.”
In this view, love is not just emotion—it is a force or gravity that upholds harmony and drives creation.
Who Is God in This Context?
- The term “God” serves as a reference to the cause behind all creation. I believe in a Creator who launched the universe in a state of balance and who holds us accountable and guides us to live in harmony with ourselves and others.
- The Quran does not address Muslims—it addresses all humanity, urging us to protect and nurture the world around us. This book of guidance is for you and I regardless of our religions.
My Personal Role as a Muslim: A Steward of Peace
As an individual, my primary role is to mitigate conflict and foster goodwill. This aligns with the Prophet Muhammad’s actions, who engaged justly and compassionately with people of all backgrounds—including Jews, Christians, and others in his community (ummah). Please check the article people of the book it is inclusive of more than Jews and Christians.
This isn’t just an Islamic teaching. Similar guidance exists across all faiths, showing a universal yearning to live in peace—within ourselves and with the world around us.
Final Thoughts from Mike Ghouse
This reflection concludes with a powerful statement:
“If it is not common sense, then it is not Islam.”
– Mike Ghouse, WorldMuslimCongress.org
Islam calls us to a life of balance, reflection, responsibility, and love—all rooted in divine common sense.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Muslim’s Role in the World
1. What does it mean to be a steward (Khalifa) in Islam?
It means being entrusted by God to care for the Earth and maintain balance in social, environmental, and moral spheres.
2. How is free will significant in Islam?
Humans are not programmed in their behavior. We are given free will to choose right or wrong, peace or conflict, guided by divine principles.
3. What role does harmony play in the Quran?
Harmony is a central concept. Everything in creation follows a set pattern, and humans are urged to align their lives with this balance.
4. What makes human beings unique among God’s creations?
Our ability to reason, speak, and make moral choices sets us apart. This uniqueness comes with responsibility.
5. How do Islamic teachings align with other faiths?
Many principles—such as stewardship, peace, and moral conduct—are shared across religious traditions, The moral principles in all traditions are similar: healing the world, justice, charity, and kindness to others. If we are not kind to others, why should anyone be kind to us in times of our need like an accident or a heart attack.
6. Why is love considered a principle of creation?
As noted by Mirza Baig, love may be the driving force of existence. Harmony, order, and compassion all stem from this universal principle. A mother in all animal lives, loves her children and does everything to protect and care for them, God is no different, his love is much greater than human love.
