Anthropology

In the Quran, humans are created out of earth and the breath of life from God:

Such is He, the knower of all things, hidden and open, the Exalted [in power], the Merciful; He who has made everything which He has created Most Good: He began the creation of humans with just clay. And made the next generation with the essence of the nature of a fluid despised [blood]; But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His Spirit. And He gave you hearing and sight and feeling and understanding; little thanks do you give! (Quran 32: 6-9; Cited in Young 2013, 181).

Notice that in this quote, humans are created after the earth has been created and that both genders come from a single creation. The last few lines of the quote suggest a link between the breath of God and human sense faculties and mental understanding. Humans are not evil by nature since they are created in the image of God.

Humans can decide things for themselves: this is called free will. But God expects that humans will submit to Him: this is called Islam. The relationship between God and humans is also benevolent. The following quote is from the Quran at a point when Muhammad was discouraged because the revelations had appeared to stop. God then comforts him:

By the morning brightness, and the night when it covers with darkness, Your Lord has not taken leave of you, nor has he detested you. And the Hereafter is better for you than the first life. And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied. Did He not find you an orphan and give you refuge? And He found you lost and guided you, and He found you poor and made you self-sufficient. As for the orphan, do not oppress him. As for the petitioner, do not repel him. But for the favor of your Lord, report it. (Quran 93: Al-Duha (The Morning Hours)

Humans owe devotion to the one God, but the problem is that they become distracted and lose their way. This is the main problem as the Quran sees it: placing anything else before God. This is called shirk. Sometimes distraction is blamed on the jinn, the supernatural creatures discussed above in Cosmology. The only people who are free from distraction are the prophets. Because of their unwavering attention to God, they are able to convey His message.

Soteriology

The path or method of transformation and full submission to God is through the five pillars of orthopraxy, meaning right practice. In Islam, the teachings and practices are all aimed at shaping the perspectives of an individual. Although belief is important, it is more important to demonstrate your belief through action. Review the sections on Cosmology and the five pillars to see how this system works.