Living The Quran
From Issue: 596 [Read full issue]
Social Beings
Al-Zukhruf (Ornaments) Chapter 43: Verse 32 (partial)
"We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world, and raised some of them above others in rank that some of them take labour from others."
Human beings first nature incites them to pursue the fulfillment of their own needs using others in the process and taking advantage of their work for their own ends. It is only in cases of necessity and helplessness that they lend a hand to co-operate with society.
It is as a result the human being's countless needs, which can never be fulfilled by themselves alone, that they recognize the possibility of fulfilling them through the help and co-operation of others. Similarly, they understand that their own strengths, desires and wishes are also shared by others, and just as they defend their own interests so others defend theirs.
This verse refers to the reality of the social situation in which each individual has a different capacity and different talent: those who are superior in one domain engage the cooperation or employ of others for their eventual mutual benefit. Thus all members of society are linked together in the ways and wants of the fabric of one single social unit.
Compiled From:
"The Quran and Its Recitation During Ramadan" - Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i