Religion imparts a consciousness of the self-esteem.

From Islamic point of view, all human beings are born as Muslims, it is their parents who make them Hindus, Christians, Jews or pagans.
There are more than 2 millions kinds of living creatures and out of them men are the most supreme beings.

The first and foremost duty of man is to know its rank and status in the world of creation. It is then, he can maintain his position and can go further in his evolutionary growth and development.

Quran and hadith are the only reliable source of knowing the origin of mankind. It is important to note that Quran has given a special emphasis to reveal the real position of man for his self-recognition.

Announcement of Divine Deputyship.

Allah Subhanu taala has appointed man as His vicegerent on the earth.

Quran says:

“It is He who has appointed you vicegerent on the earth and exalted some of you in rank above others, so that He may test you by means of what he has given you.” (6:165)

The coronation ceremony of man.

Allah arranged a special coronation ceremony in which the entire existing creatures of that time were asked to attend it. The participants who were mostly the angels, were then ordered by Allah Subhanu taala, to bow down before Adam- the symbolic representative of mankind.

Quran says;

“Behold; your Lord said to the angels: I am about to create Man, from sounding clay from mud molded in. When I fashion him and breathe into him of My spirit, kneel down and prostrate yourself before him; All the angels prostrated themselves, except Satan, who refused to be one of those who prostrated themselves” (15:28-29-34)

All the angels and the archangel respectfully followed the command of Allah Subhanu Taala and prostrated, except Satan ( a Jinn ), who was then disgracefully ousted from the paradise on his noncompliance of the Divine Command.

Quran further explains the status of man and the facilities and favors with which he has been bestowed by The Lord of The Worlds.

“Indeed We have honored the children of Adam. We have put the land and the sea under their control, provided them good livelihood and have definitely given them superiority above many of our creatures.” (17:70)

“Have you not seen that Allah has put at your service whatever there is in the heavens and the earth.” (31:20)

“It is He who has made the earth subservient to you. so walk about in its regions and eat what Allah has produced.” (67:15)

Quran tells us that man has the highest rank among all the creatures of Allah.

Man has been given the power to rule the world. Everything in the universe is for him. What Quran had said 1400 years ago is proved now. We see that man is taking the maximum advantage of Allah’s creations. He is ruling the world. Animals, plants, mountains, and even the moon and planets are under his full use. This is a great honor.

But the scientists of today classify man among the animals. Biologists say that human beings belong to the class of animals called mammals which includes dogs, cats, donkeys, monkeys and all other animals. Of course, when the man considers himself a descendant of monkey, then one should not be surprised if he behaves like the beasts.

This sense of inferiority complex has developed because they do not have a religion that can inspire them to know their real status. The consequences of undermining the status of man is that after rising to the height of moon, man is still low as he was in his primitive age.Thus, the first and foremost task for every human being is to know his status and position in the creation of Allah Subhanahu taala. After recognizing himself, he will be able to understand the purpose of his creation and the cause of his supremacy and great Divine favors. Without the recognition of man’s reality and his real status, all human endeavors and efforts, be they scientific or spiritual, will be futile and bottomless.

The Holy Imam Hazrat Ali(as) has told this truth in many different ways.

• “Whoever recognizes himself has recognized his Lord.”

• “I am surprised at one who seeks what he has lost while he has lost himself and does not search for it.”

• “The ultimate point of knowledge is for man to reach self-recognition.”

Thus, religion is the only reliable source of self awareness, which is prior to all other issues that concern man.