The Qur’ānic Philosophy of Human Existence and the Pursuit of Equity and Economic Wisdom

Abstract

This study examines the Qur’ānic philosophy of human existence through an analytical study of the hubūṭ (descent) verses — Al-Baqarah 2:36, Al-A‘rāf 7:24–25, and Al-Insān 76:1–3. Rather than depicting humanity’s descent as a fall from Divine grace, these verses portray it as the beginning of a purposeful moral, spiritual, and economic mission on earth. The Qur’ānic declaration frames earthly life as both a test and a trust, where material provision (matā‘) is intertwined with ethical responsibility. The paper argues that the Qur’ān integrates spiritual purpose, moral struggle, and economic governance into a unified vision of human civilization as a “moral economy.” Drawing upon classical and modern scholarship the paper demonstrates that Islamic economic thought rejects both materialist excess and severe misuse of natural bounties, advocating instead for justice, balance, and purposeful development. Ultimately, the cycle “in it you live, in it you die, and from it you will be resurrected” situates economic and civilizational activity within an eschatological framework, reminding humanity that worldly creativity carries eternal accountability. The findings suggest that aligning human life and economics with Qur’ānic ethics ensures balanced development and moral accountability.