Does faith mean absolute independence from humans?

In Islam, faith unequivocally does not signify absolute independence from other human beings. On the contrary, Islam is a religion fundamentally built upon strong human connections, cooperation, social solidarity, and mutual rights. The concept of true faith, as elaborated in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), not only discourages isolation and withdrawal from people but deems it contrary to the communal spirit and responsible conduct of a believer. Absolute independence is a quality exclusive to the Divine essence, Allah, who is “Al-Ghaniyy, Al-Hamid” (The Self-Sufficient, The Praiseworthy), and all beings are ultimately in need of Him. Humanity, even at the peak of faith and piety, remains a creature in need – physically, spiritually, and socially. This mutual need is a divine wisdom that facilitates growth, cooperation, and mercy within human society. The Holy Quran, in numerous verses, emphasizes the importance of social relations, love, cooperation, and mutual care. For instance, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah states: “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” This verse clearly establishes the principle of cooperation as one of the fundamental pillars of interaction among believers. How can one cooperate in righteousness and piety if individuals are meant to be absolutely independent of one another? This demonstrates that faith does not separate an individual from society; rather, it transforms them into an active and constructive member who both aids others and benefits from their assistance. Furthermore, the concept of “brotherhood of faith” (ukhuwwa imaniyya), highlighted in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10: “The believers are but brothers, so make reconciliation between your brothers,” strongly underscores the necessity of deep emotional and practical bonds among believers. Brotherhood implies support, empathy, advice, and assistance, all of which require presence and interaction with others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) likened the Muslim community to a single body, stating that if one part suffers, the other parts will also feel restless. This analogy vividly illustrates the deep solidarity and mutual dependence among the members of society. Islam has established numerous rights for individuals within society: the rights of neighbors, relatives, the poor, orphans, the needy, travelers, and even the rights of animals and the environment. Fulfilling these rights and discharging social responsibilities necessitates active participation in society and interaction with its members. Zakat and Sadaqat (charity), which are pillars of the religion, are prime examples of financial assistance to the needy; they would lose their meaning without the existence of need in society and interaction between givers and receivers. Helping orphans and the destitute, visiting the sick, attending funerals, fulfilling the needs of fellow believers, and many other righteous deeds are all realized within the framework of society and through interaction with people. Some might mistakenly believe that reliance on God (Tawakkul) and independence from creation mean not needing others. However, true Tawakkul signifies heartfelt trust in God and entrusting affairs to Him, while simultaneously utilizing all available means and causes in the world, including the help of others. Allah has established the world based on a system of causes and effects, and He has created humans to be interdependent. This mutual need serves as a means of testing humanity and fostering moral virtues such as altruism, generosity, patience, and gratitude. If humans were entirely independent of each other, many moral and social concepts like self-sacrifice, forgiveness, kinship ties, and even enjoining good and forbidding evil would lose their significance. Indeed, a significant portion of worship in Islam has a social dimension: congregational and Friday prayers, Hajj (pilgrimage) which is a manifestation of global Muslim unity and solidarity, and fasting which cultivates empathy for the hungry and the poor. These communal acts of worship provide believers with opportunities to strengthen their connections, benefit from each other’s experiences, and foster a spirit of cooperation within themselves and their society. Even the principle of “Shura” (mutual consultation), emphasized in the Quran (e.g., Surah Ash-Shura, verse 38), indicates that even leaders of society require collective wisdom and consultation with others for sound decision-making. In conclusion, true faith in Islam transforms an individual into a spiritually strong and independent being who does not require direct aid or favor from any human, as their ultimate support is God. However, this does not imply separation from society or a lack of need for interaction with others. Instead, it means that by relying on God, an individual can be more effective in society, serve others, and benefit from the services of others. These interactions are, in fact, a manifestation of the divine will for the prosperity of the earth and the perfection of humanity. Faith not only brings an individual closer to God but also places them within a vast network of human relationships, each knot connected by a thread of love, cooperation, and responsibility. Therefore, a true believer is not alienated from society but lives within its heart, contributing to its betterment and growth. This comprehensive view of faith demonstrates that Islam is a religion of life and community, not of isolation and reclusion. Absolute independence from humans is more akin to arrogance and selfishness than a sign of faith. True faith makes a person humble and a servant to others, leading them towards constructive and effective interaction within society.