1.5 The meaning and importance of belief in Islamic teaching on the nature of humans as Khalifah Khalifah: Custodian or steward of the world for Allah. Vicegerent: Someone appointed by Allah as a deputy or steward. Humans as Khalifah The idea of ‘minding the world’ and ‘taking care of the Earth’ is very important for Muslims. It affects the way they look at the world around them and reminds them that: The world belongs to Allah Allah gives humans the responsibility for taking care of the world They have a duty to look after it and make sure it is used properly They must not allow it to be misused They must give an account of what they have done to make Allah’s world a better place in which to live The word Muslims use to describe this responsibility for the world is Khalifah. It means ‘minder’, ‘steward’ or ‘deputy’. All human beings are the Khalifahs of Allah. The first human being, according to the Qur’an, was Adam and Allah appointed him to be the first Khalifah. Adam was to pass this responsibility on to all the people who came after him. ‘Behold, your Lord said to the angels: “I will create a vicegerent on earth…” (Surah 2:30) Why is this important to Muslims? 1. It helps make clear the relationship, according to Islam, between humans and Allah. There are two sides to this relationship. On the one side, humans are second only to Allah in the order of creation. On the other side, human beings are clearly not ‘masters of the universe’. That role belongs to Allah alone. 2. People have to use their reason and their skills to decide how they should care for the earth. The best way to do this is not always obvious. But the starting point for human reason is to accept that the Earth belongs to Allah, not to human beings.

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The word Muslims use to describe this responsibility for the world is Khalifah. It means minder, steward or deputy. All human beings are the Khalifahs of Allah. The first human being, according to the Quran, was Adam and Allah appointed him to be the first Khalifah. Adam was to pass this responsibility on to all the people who came after him.

Behold, your Lord said to the angels: I will create a vicegerent on earth (Surah 2:30)

Why is this important to Muslims?

1. It helps make clear the relationship, according to Islam, between humans and Allah. There are two sides to this relationship. On the one side, humans are second only to Allah in the order of creation. On the other side, human beings are clearly not masters of the universe. That role belongs to Allah alone.

2. People have to use their reason and their skills to decide how they should care for the earth. The best way to do this is not always obvious. But the starting point for human reason is to accept that the Earth belongs to Allah, not to human beings.

3. According to Islam, Allah has given human authority over all living creatures. So humans stand out from the rest of creation. Only they have been given this responsibility for the Earth. Allah has given them the authority and put them in charge.

4. Humans are answerable to Allah on the Day of Judgement for their stewardship. They are accountable to Allah. Even though they may try to avoid any sense of responsibility during their own lifetime, saying that the problems are too great to solve or arguing that the Earth is simply here for human beings to enjoy or exploit, they must eventually answer to Allah for their deeds (or lack of them).