Maximum Consumption Is Human Nature

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, March 2013

Man stands between heaven and hell. The decisions he makes each moment takes him either towards heaven or towards hell. This will continue until Israfeel (alai) blows the trumpet.
The incident between Adam (alai) and Iblis has been repeated many times in the Quran. Surah Bani Israil, 17, verse 62 – ‘la ahtanikanna zurriyyatahu illa qaleelan’. I will lead most of human beings astray. History tells us that Shaitan has indeed led most of mankind astray. Prophets have shown us the way for heaven. The Quran has preserved the message. Here comes the demonstration.
Eat whatever you wish, but don’t approach this tree. Surah Baqara, 2, verse 35 – ‘wa kulaa minha ragadan haishu shi’tumaa walaa taqrabaa haazihi shajarata’. Adam and Hawwa kept wondering about the tree for many days. One day they ate its fruit. Consuming everything is human nature. Satisfaction is not found in what is available. There is always an urge for the missing things.
Adam and Hawwa desired for the denied fruit. Man is an intellectual creation. Allah has made him to think. His intellect will grow. This includes his spirituality. Going after the unavailable things is misuse of intellect. Materialistic craving should be avoided. Interest shall be shown on intellectual growth. There is nothing wrong in it. Adam (alai) had all opportunities to grow intellectually. But his interest turned materialistic towards one tree. Even kings won’t get everything. Some will be given while some can never be attained. This is the formula for life. Let us be grateful for what we have received and be patient for things that we did not get.
Surah Ibrahim, 14, verse 7 – ‘lain shakartum la azeedannakum’. More will be given if you show gratitude. Surah Dahr, 76, verse 12 – ‘wa jazaahum bimaa sabaroo jannatan wa hareeran’. Heaven and silk garments are the reward for patience. The reason man is sent to earth is to prepare himself to be a fitting candidate for heaven. Surah Taha, 20, verse 76 – ‘zaalika jazaau man tazakkaa’. Heaven is the reward for who purify themselves. Thinking all the time about things that are out of reach will only create tension and restlessness. This will stop intellectual growth.
Seventy Sahabas were killed in Uhud battle. Prophet (s.a.w.s) negotiated and established Hudaibiya agreement. Harping on the death of seventy companions would not have brought peace or settlement.
Uhud battle resulted in loss. This verse descended in this background. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 153 – ‘fa ashaabakum gamman bigammin likailaa tahzanu alaa maa faatakum walaa maa asaabakum’. You were beset will loss after loss so that you don’t grieve over your losses or what befalls you. Re-planning is more important than grieving over the loss of seventy companions. Peace was negotiated with the murderers. This ensured permanent growth.
Man can move ahead in constructive side or move towards destruction. Surah Ahzaab, 33, verse 4 – ‘maa jaalallahu li rajulin min qalbaini’. Allah has not made two hearts for any man. Heart will focus on one thing, either positive or negative. Be happy with what you have. Intellectual growth will get attention.