Religious Beliefs and Human Nature — Part 1 of 3
Born with an innate disposition toward the divine.
It is worth noting that even today, certain human communities — particularly those who have not received the Abrahamic revelations — continue to practice rituals and hold beliefs they are devoted to. As Muslims, we have been honored by God with the religion of Islam: a way of spiritual, psychological, and intellectual worship, and a complete way of life.
The human being carries within them something of the divine spirit — they are born with an innate disposition toward faith. Yet this nature is shaped by the environment in which they live.
The Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, began his life searching for God through this innate nature — observing the stars, the moon, and the sun, before declaring: "I have turned my face towards the One Who has originated the heavens and the earth — being upright — and I am not one of the polytheists" (Al-An'am, 6:76–79).
Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began his life seeking the secret of this universe, retreating to the Cave of Hira to worship, reflect, and commune with the Creator.
The Strength of Faith in the Face of HardshipConviction that enables endurance.
God sent the prophets with miracles to guide humanity. Those who believed faced severe trials, yet they endured — offering their lives as testament to their faith.
Equally powerful is the story of Pharaoh's sorcerers who came to believe in Moses, and who, when threatened with death, declared:
In both examples, the strength of conviction was extraordinary. Their certainty in God's justice and reward enabled them to endure extreme hardship.
The QuranAn address to the soul, mind, and self.
The Quran is a book of faith, knowledge, and guidance. It organizes human life, addressing the soul first, then the intellect and the conscience, refining behavior and character — enabling the human being to achieve psychological balance and happiness in this life and the next.
When a person embraces Islam, they adopt a new system for living — a comprehensive transformation: religious, social, intellectual, and psychological. This is evidence that the word of God produces a genuine reaction in the individual's cognitive function, thoughts, and emotions, leading to real change in behavior.
A being honored — and guided.
God says: "I am placing a successor on earth" (Al-Baqarah). "We have certainly created the human being in the best of forms" (At-Tin). "Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they all declined to bear it" (Al-Ahzab).
These verses speak of the beauty of Adam's creation, of God's honoring of humanity, and of the responsibility entrusted to us. Would such a being be left without instruction or guidance — particularly regarding psychological and social life?
We must therefore study the Quran carefully to access its psychological and educational meanings — to grasp what God's words mean and to be able to apply them correctly.