Why? Yes, why being Human we need to compare ourselves with Angels? Or put it other way, if this is not truly a comparison, why highlighting differences between these two ‘uniquely’ different creations of God? After finishing this article, these were my own concerns before convincing myself to publish this blog. And I was easily convinced – ‘I only wanted to Thank Allah for creating me as a Human, although I did not obey Him the way I was supposed to, but I keep trying to some extent’.

There’s a lot we can find about Angels in Quran, Bible and other Divine books, as well as humanly written content conceived (meaningfully or philosophically) from such scripts. Angels are defined as the spiritual creature existing in the heavens, while Humans are entitled ‘The Most Honorable’ among the entire creation of Allah.

Angels are immortal until the Day of Judgement; where assigned, they can access any part of the Universe. Being supernatural, they are super-fast with the power to reach anywhere within no time. Not every Angel has the allowance to go everywhere, their duties are restricted and they never deviate from the given directions.

We are not Angels, we are Humans, residents of a very tiny part of the Universe, the Earth. We, in our deeds, have the potential to reach extremes; at one social end we can leave Angels far behind; while on the other hand our actions make Devils follow us. We have an extremely shorter span of existence, but our diversity is matchless, and options are endless.

This article is all about us, The Humans, and attempts to cover the variety we are blessed with, in various aspects. Since it is all about blessing, Devil has no place in this article.

We are imperfect, because we make mistakes. But our endeavors to overcome this imperfection are perpetual, till our last breath. We enjoy our existence at the fullest, as the most honorable creature, albeit our period of individual existence doesn’t even mark a spot on the Geological Time Scale.

While many Humans work hard to be as pure and obedient as Angels, we can easily surpass Devil without much effort! Both Angel and Devil are not our topics here, but the two extremes we swing in between.

1. Introduction: The Beauty of Human Imperfection

This article has nothing to do with Dr. Prizant’s ‘Uniquely Human’ which explained his magnificent view of dealing with Autism, a neurological concern.

Contrary to Angels, we Humans are inherently fallible beings. Our mistakes, flaws, and quirks are integral parts of who we are. These imperfections are not just inevitable, they also make us unique and relatable.

On the large canvas of ‘existence’, Angels and Humans are the two loveliest creations among all others. While angels are regarded for their purity, immortality (till the day of judgement) and obedience; humans are imperfect (with the exception of Prophets, the Messengers of Allah), mortal, and (naturally) free. The imperfection and freedom make human lives beautiful, with some purpose.

The Angels do not need any improvement, we Humans have an unlimited opportunity of Self-improvement, which allows us exceed Angels’ stature, if we do not steer away from the dignified and humble path of humanity.

‘We are not angels, we are humans’ is salutation to our humanity. This blog post discusses why being human is a blessing, without going into religious references.

2. We Are Not Angels – We Are Gifted With The Free Will

Unlike angels, who are bound to follow divine commands without ability to question, we are humans gifted with a free-will and the freedom to choose. This ability to make choices, whether good or bad, allows us to learn, grow, and evolve.

2.1. Freedom to Choose

The freedom to choose our paths, make mistakes, and learn from them is a powerful gift. It allows us to craft our own destinies and shapes the narrative of our lives. For instance, consider a young entrepreneur who decides to start a business. Despite facing initial failures, she learns from each setback, refines her strategies, and eventually succeeds, building a company that benefits her community and provides employment to many.

2.2. Moral Growth

Our ability to choose also means we can develop morally. We can reflect on our actions, feel remorse, seek forgiveness, and strive to be better. Take the example of a person who, after making a poor decision that harms others, sincerely apologizes, makes amends, and commits to making more ethical choices in the future. This capacity for moral growth and redemption is uniquely human and profoundly powerful.

3. The Spectrum of Emotions

We are not angels; we are humans, because we possess a rich canvas of emotions. From the heights of joy to the depths of sorrow, our emotional experiences make life vibrant and expressive.

3.1. Joy and Sorrow

The ability to feel both joy and sorrow allows us to appreciate the full spectrum of human experience. Without sorrow, joy would lose its meaning, and without joy, sorrow would be unbearable. Consider the emotions felt at a wedding, where happiness and celebration are tinged with tears of joy. Similarly, the grief felt at a funeral, while deeply painful, often brings people together, reminding them of the love and connections that sustain with that loss.

3,2. Love and Hate

Our capacity to love is one of our greatest strengths. Love binds us together, fosters empathy, and creates deep connections. Conversely, the ability to hate, while destructive, is a reminder of our passion and intensity. A powerful example, from our modern lives, came from Nelson Mandela, who, despite suffering immense hatred and injustice, chose the path of love and reconciliation, transforming a nation through his commitment to forgiveness and unity.

4. The Power of Connection

We are not angels; we have the power to connect with each other at all levels. Our relationships and interactions shape our experiences and enrich our lives.

4.1. Empathy and Understanding

Our ability to empathize with others allows us to build strong connections and foster a sense of community. Understanding different perspectives makes us more compassionate and tolerant. For example, humanitarian organizations like Doctors without Borders bring together people from diverse backgrounds to provide medical care in crisis zones, driven by a shared sense of empathy and compassion.

4.2. Love and Relationships

Love, in its all forms, is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Our relationships, whether familial, romantic, or platonic, provide support, joy, and a sense of belonging.

Angels are powerful, but they lack the warmth of human connection. We forge bonds built on loyalty, love, and shared experiences. A friend’s support during a crisis, parents’ fierce love for their child – these are the cornerstones of human connection. These bonds inspire us to be better, to rise above challenges. While angels may follow divine commands, it’s human loyalty that fuels our acts of compassion and heroism. This capacity for deep connection is our true strength.

5. The Power of Choice: Ability to Crafting Destiny

We are not angels; we are decision makers, and our decisions define who we are. Each choice we make, no matter how small, contributes in knitting our lives.

5.1. Good and Bad Decisions

Every decision, whether wise or foolish, teaches us something valuable. Good decisions lead to positive outcomes, while bad decisions offer lessons in resilience and growth. For example, Steve Jobs, despite being ousted from Apple, the company he co-founded, did not give up. He went on to create NeXT and Pixar, learning from his experiences and eventually returning to Apple to lead it to unprecedented success.

5.2. Ethical Dilemmas

Unlike angels, we face ethical dilemmas that challenge our moral compass. These dilemmas force us to reflect on our values and make choices that define our character. A doctor working in a war-torn region might face the difficult decision of whom to save first in a crisis. Such choices are burdened with ethical considerations and greatly shape the doctor’s sense of duty and humanity.

6. Self-Improvement: The Unique Advantage

Humans are the most honorable creation of God, who enabled us with power of building gigantic infrastructures, finding cure for diseases and crafting stuff to bring goosebumps all over our body. But what truly sets us apart? It’s not just our opposable thumbs or our ability to bake a soufflé. It’s the drive to become improved versions of ourselves, a unique quality we can refer to as the advantage of Self-Improvement. Be it our survival from dreadful diseases or overcoming the competition goals, our consistent strive to defeat whatever challenge us is the distinguishing characteristic which makes us the most honorable creation.

From my personal experiences which I’ve shared in previous blogs, the road of self-improvement fueled by the will to survive certifies the Human spirit’s incredible capacity to adapt, and fight to fetch a better time ahead. Be it a battle with dreadful cancer, or tackling neuro disorder, the fear and uncertainty lead by miles until the Human Resilience takes over and paves the way to adapt to new normal, for the steps to re-learn how to walk and strengthening muscles to regain the balance. That is where self-improvement comes in action, not just in overcoming physical limitation, but rediscovering a sense of independence and reclaiming control.

7. The Ability to Learn and Improve

We are not angels; we are learners and we have enormous capacity to learn from our past experiences. Our ability to learn from our experiences and strive for personal growth are our characteristics. With our quest to learn, we seek meaning and purpose of our lives. This quest drives us to explore, discover, and create.

7.1. Learning from Mistakes

Each mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. By reflecting on our errors, we can make better choices in the future. Thomas Edison, failed thousands of times before successfully inventing the lightbulb. His persistence helped him learn from each failure, which led to the invention that transformed the world.

7.2. Continuous Growth

The journey of self-improvement is ongoing. We are constantly evolving, striving to become better versions of ourselves. This can be seen in the journey of individuals recovering from addiction. Through self-reflection, support, and perseverance, many are able to rebuild their lives, demonstrating the profound capacity for change and improvement inherent in humanity.

Steve Jobs once said ‘It turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me’.  He took this opportunity to turn it into something else great, started NeXT and Pixar which ultimately brought him back to Apple with more authority and success.

7.3. Philosophical Inquiry

Our ability to question and seek answers is a proof of our intellectual curiosity. We ponder the mysteries of existence, the nature of reality, and our place in the universe. Philosophers like Socrates and Allama Iqbal have greatly quoted how we think about life, ethics, and our individual purposes.

7.4. Creativity and Innovation

The human spirit is inherently creative. Our desire to express ourselves, and innovate, leads to remarkable achievements in art, science, and technology. The works of artists like Sadequain Naqvi and Leonardo da Vinci, scientists like Thomas Edison and Marie Curie, and innovators like Elon Musk and Bill Gates highlighted the incredible capacity for human creativity and ingenuity.

The power of this unique human quality lies in its versatility. It can be as simple as mastering a new recipe to impress the better half, or as difficult as venturing into the world of coding to build a website for a local business, after retirement. It all counts for survival!

8. Diversity: Accepting Differences

We are not angels; we are proud humans because of our incredible diversity. Our differences in appearance, culture, and character make the world a rich and vibrant place.

8.1. Cultural Diversity

The multitude of cultures, traditions, and customs around the world add depth and richness to human life. Each culture offers unique perspectives and wisdom. For instance, the colorful festivals of Pakistan and India, the philosophical traditions of ancient Greece, and the innovative technologies of modern Japan each contribute to a global mosaic of human achievement and creativity.

8.2. Personal Identity

Our unique looks and characters define who we are as individuals. This diversity allows for a rich exchange of ideas and fosters creativity and innovation. Think of the diverse cast of characters in a global company like Google, where different outlooks and backgrounds come together to drive innovation and solve complex problems.

9. The Human Resilience

We are not angels; we are proud humans because of our resilience. Our ability to overcome adversity and persevere in the face of challenges is a defining feature of our humanity.

9.1. Overcoming Adversity

Life is filled with challenges, but our resilience enables us to face the hardships and emerge stronger. Each obstacle we overcome adds to our strength and wisdom. My wife’s persistence throughout her cancer treatment was exemplary and she has now emerged as an inspiration, exemplifying the incredible resilience and courage that humans can display.

9.2. Hope and Optimism

Our hope keeps us moving forward, even in the darkest times. Optimism fuels our determination to create a better future for ourselves and others. The peaceful protests led by Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States demonstrate the power of hope and optimism in driving social change and justice.

10. Conclusion: The Pride of Being Human

Being the most honorable creation, we recognize that our imperfections and freedoms are not shortcomings, but blessings. We have the power to choose, the ability to feel, and the capacity to learn and grow. Our diversity enriches our lives, and our resilience crafts our paths.

While angels have divine perfection, it is our imperfect, vibrant humanity that makes life truly beautiful.

Cheers, and thanks for reading

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