the microcosm

the microcosm

The position of man in the universe is most important.
Man is the microcosm, that is, a miniature universe. As
such, he comprises in his outward or physical aspect all
the elements found in the universe. In his inner aspect, he
contains the potential qualities of all creation from the
lowest to the highest, that is, animal, satanic and angelic.
He shares the qualities of lust and selfishness with the
pigs; the qualities of jealousy and anger with the dogs;
his cunning and deceit with Satan; his power and his
spiritual light with the angels. But, what is more
important, through love and devotion to God he can rise
even higher than the angels, for he is the mystery of God
before whom the angels were commanded to fall in
prostration. He was given command over the whole
universe

The Qur'an declares:
"It is God who created the heavens and the earth
and sent down out of heaven water, wherewith
He brought forth fruits to be your sustenance,
and He subjected to you the ships to run upon
the sea at His commandment, and He subjected to
you the rivers, and He subjected to you the sun
and moon constant upon their courses, and He
subjected to you the night and the day and gave
you all you asked Him."
But although the universe was created for the service of
man, man was created for the service of God and for that
purpose alone. To the extent that he deviates from that
purpose, he becomes unworthy of Divine guidance and
favour. Consequently, he is left to his own devices with
all his enormous powers, which, under the influence of
his animal and satanic qualities, are capable of dragging
him to the lowest of the low.