Why the Qur’an Encourages Growth, Not Misery

Bismillah.

The Qur’an does not indicate that human beings are meant to remain in miserable or unfavorable conditions. Just as nature provides examples of flowers that grow in unusual corners of a garden, seeking the most suitable place for themselves, human beings are similarly invited to orient themselves toward contexts and situations that foster their growth and well-being.

In Islam, the soul naturally gravitates toward what is benevolent and spiritually elevated: prayer (ṣalāh), dhikr (remembrance of God), and reading the Qur’an serve as tools through which the soul is purified and finds serenity. Pure and serene environments—such as mosques, nature, or places where one feels close to God—promote an inner state of peace. As the Qur’an states:

“O tranquil soul, return to your Lord well-pleased and well-accepted.” (Sura al-Fajr 89:27-28)

This implies that the soul follows what brings serenity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment, while actions, places, or people that divert it from good generate unease. Islam thus encourages pursuing what benefits the soul and freeing oneself from that which harms it.

However, common perception is often distorted: many people remain in unfavorable situations thinking it is God’s will. In reality, Allah desires good for each of us and, through life’s events, invites us to discern what is beneficial. This concept is clearly expressed in verses such as:

• Sura al-Baqara 2:216: “Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you, and perhaps you love something which is bad for you. Allah knows, while you do not know.”

• Sura al-Ma’ida 5:100: “Allah desires ease for you, not hardship.”

• Sura al-An’am 6:54: “…Allah desires to make His signs clear to you, so that you may understand and receive guidance.”

These verses confirm that no one is required to remain in miserable situations, and human beings are encouraged to actively seek good, both individually and socially. Society and culture have often distorted the original meaning of the Qur’an, using it to justify oppression or passivity, diverting people from pursuing their genuine spiritual well-being.

The Qur’an, in its essence, elevates humanity toward Goodness, reminding individuals to follow the path of Allah, the ultimate source of life and the irreplaceable guide for every human being. As practical tools for life, Qur’anic instructions provide a genuine “user manual” for human existence, comparable to a technical manual necessary for the proper operation of a complex system: if it is necessary to understand every detail of an advanced machine, it is even more essential to comprehend the functioning of one’s own soul.

According to the Islamic worldview, the purpose of life consists of living according to God, doing good, and purifying the soul, as every trial, difficulty, or joy contributes to spiritual growth and eternal happiness. This message is universal: the Qur’an addresses all humanity, regardless of ethnicity, tribe, or culture, as expressed in verses such as:

• Sura al-Baqara 2:213: “Mankind was [of] one community; then Allah sent the prophets as guides…”

• Sura al-Hujurat 49:13: “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious.”

The Qur’an also acknowledges other monotheistic traditions and their prophets, such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, emphasizing that justice and goodness are what truly matter, beyond mere religious affiliation (Sura al-Baqara 2:62). It speaks of equity between men and women, the rich and the poor, slaves and free people (Sura An-Nisa 4), affirming that piety and righteousness are the true measures of nobility before God.

In light of these teachings, it is clear that no one is meant to remain in situations that harm the soul: Islam, in its essence, guides toward freedom, growth, and spiritual happiness, while humanity still has much to learn to fully understand and apply these principles.

The Unity of Humanity According to the Qur’an and Science

Further confirmation of the Qur’anic vision of human unity comes from modern science. Studies in genetics and molecular anthropology have demonstrated that all human beings share a common genetic origin. Human DNA is 99.9% identical across all individuals; minor genetic variations explain superficial physical differences such as skin color, eyes, or hair, but the fundamental structure of humanity is the same for all.

Genetic studies indicate that modern humans descend from a relatively small group of African ancestors who lived approximately 200,000 years ago. This concept, known as “Out of Africa,” confirms that humanity is biologically unitary: all populations of the world originate from common ancestors and share the same basic genetic heritage.

This scientific discovery aligns perfectly with the Qur’anic message. The Qur’an states:

“O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious.” (Sura al-Hujurat 49:13)

Just as science shows that we are all connected by a common DNA, the Qur’an emphasizes that spiritual unity and piety are what truly render human beings noble, not race, geographic origin, or social status. Biology confirms that, ultimately, we are all brothers and sisters within the human species, reinforcing the Islamic principle that true dignity and value derive from righteousness and goodness.

In this sense, human beings, like the soul that seeks serenity, can move, grow, and choose life paths that bring them closer to good, without being bound to situations that limit or make them unhappy. Science and the Qur’an thus converge in affirming the unity, dignity, and spiritual potential of every individual.

Alhamdulillah.