Being Human Is The Core Of A Human Being

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 19 August 2025 “There is no joy equal to that of being able to work for all humanity and doing what you're doing well.” ― R. Buckminster Fuller, Critical Path “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” ~ Dalai Lama August 19 is commemorated as World Humanitarian Day. While acts of humanity, sensitivity, empathy and camaraderie cannot be squeezed into just a specific day, this day reminds us of humanity's shared destiny on earth. An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity because life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others? ‘This is the crux and purpose of human existence: What're we doing for others? Remember, the two most important days in the lives of all of us are the day we're born and the day we find out why? Because, it's not enough to just be a human. We must exercise our humaneness and empathise for all and sundry. Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on Earth. The Upanishadic concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World's a family) is not utopian or quixotic. The thread and spirit of humanity and empathy run through all souls and all individuals. Empathy is trading places with someone to understand their situation. If our souls aren't stirred by what's happening in Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan and many parts of the world, we're Russian great Nikolai Gogol's dead souls. Jalaluddin Rumi says in Dari (Afghan variant of Persian), " Kaz Min Anfaas Nee Insaan " (Just to breathe doesn't make us a human). To be a human, you've to be humane and have a humanitarian approach and attitude towards everything and every creature, not just limited to humans. It's worthwhile to mention that in Islamic mysticism and spirituality (Tasawwuf), there's a subtle difference between Aadmi Vs Insaan. The former is one who breathes (Jo 'Dam' Le Woh Aadmi ) but the latter is endowed with Uns (Universal love; Agape of Christianity, Uns or Unsiyat is Arabic for love). Jis Mein Uns Ho Woh Insaan Hai (an individual imbued with love). Love is the one thing we all have in common, no matter who we are or where we come from. No matter our differences in background, culture, or beliefs, love is the one thing that connects us all. It is a powerful force that unites people from all walks of life and brings communities together in times of joy and sorrow. Love transcends boundaries and reminds us of our shared humanity, making it the most precious and enduring aspect of the human experience. Whether it is love for family, friends, or even strangers, it is the common thread that weaves us all together in a world that can often feel divided. Even the Buddha who said that pain and sufferings are our constant companions from the cradle to the grave, believed that when all our sublime human attributes work in a confluence, we evolve and with that the world also evolves. An individual's humanity and humaneness can bring about a universal change and the world is filled with the essence of love, understanding, equality and positivity. This is humanitarianism. In these uncertain and gory times when mankind is beleaguered, even the smallest act or deed of love and empathy can make a difference. Never forget that men have shed more tears than all the waters lying in the great oceans. So far, agony has been humankind's destiny. Now ecstasy should be our shared fate. Let's all smile together and pledge that despite our ostensible differences, we all shall endeavour to make this world a beautiful and humane place where we all can empathise with each other. This is not a pipedream. This is a reality as Sri Aurobindo said that when we all will be equally evolved and humane and will look back, we'll be embarrassed to think that we fought over the pettiest and most ridiculous issues. May we all be able to think with the same degree of love and empathy for each other. To quote Urdu-Persian poet 'Nashtar' Nishapuri, "Ya Toh Har Chehra Muskuraye Ya Phir Har Chehra Ro De/ Jazbaat Sab Ke Ek Se Hon, Sabhi Saath Hansein, Sabhi Saath Royein" (Either every face should smile or cry / Feelings of all should be the same; all should smile and cry in unison). Humanitarianism is not a Weasel Word: Unlike political slogans and ambiguous religious words and terms, Humanitarianism is a concrete and tangible word with a get-at-able objective. It doesn't talk of intangible goals. Nor does it aim at something that can never be achieved. Humanitarianism is pragmatism. Remember, not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love. The true impact often begins with simple acts of compassion. Mother Teresa's practical example can be adduced here to buttress the point. Her selfless devotion to the poorest of the poor attests to the transformative power of small, heartfelt actions. We've the example of Oscar Schindler. A German businessman, Schindler is credited with saving over a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. His actions were depicted in the film “Schindler’s List,” highlighting the impact of one individual’s bravery. Whoever saves one life, saves the world entirely. The Quranic dictum "whoever saves one life saves the whole world" is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:32). It emphasizes the immense value of human life and the profound impact of saving someone from death, suggesting that saving a life is akin to saving humanity itself. This verse highlights the importance of preserving life and the moral obligation to help those in need, regardless of their background. Humanitarianism is all about action. Even the smallest act can bring about an enormous and everlasting change. M K Gandhi rightly said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi’s quote encapsulates the essence of personal responsibility for change. It challenges us to embody the principles and values we wish to see reflected in the world around us. So, act right now because you cannot do love and kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it'll be too late. After all, humanitarianism and inertia cannot go hand in hand. ---- A shorter version of this article has appeared in the Speaking Tree space of Times of India (August 19). ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/core-human-being/d/136535 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism