The Muslim is Responsible

“Does human think that they will be left neglected?”⁴²
(The Holy Qur’an)

Allah the Almighty made humans special by giving them “reason” and “will” unlike other creatures. He equipped them with various capabilities and gave them freedom to perform the decisions they make. He wanted that humans use their will in favor of the truth and goodness, and use their realm of freedom with the awareness of responsibility. In the end, the life on earth is a trial, and reckless behaviors or decisions are contrary to essence of the trial.

Responsibility shapes people’s lives and keeps them away from an aimless life. Responsible people know that life is filled with possibilities and blessings as well as duties. They care about responsibilities as much as they do about rights. They become happy and peaceful when they fulfill their responsibilities.

It is stated in the Holy Qur’an that Allah gives responsibilities to people who have reason and will not more than they can fulfill. Allah knows His servants best and always wants the best for them. He (swt) does not hold people responsible for the sins they committed accidentally or by forgetting. In fact, He (swt) will forgive people if they do not put the evil thoughts in their minds into action.

Living with a sense of responsibility toward Allah means knowing that they come from Allah, belong to Him and will return to Him in the end. It also means keeping in mind that Allah (swt), who sees, hears and knows everything, is always with them. Additionally, it means shaping their lives and taking every action with this awareness.

The main responsibility of humans towards Allah is believing in the existence and oneness of Him, associating no partners to Him, and fulfilling their duties as servants. Our relationship with Allah reflects to our relationship with people. Therefore, the rights of Allah over us include worships as well as social matters that concerns everyone. Because humans also have responsibilities towards themselves, their families, relatives, society, and nature.

Islam regards rights and responsibilities as two pans of a scale. Humans’ rights on each other naturally generate responsibilities for each other. Those who wish to get their rights are obliged to take responsibilities. When such balance is redressed, it is possible to build a powerful society with peaceful individuals.

⁴²Qiyamah, 75/36.