Man or God: A Comparative Analysis of Islamic and Humanist Worldviews

Abstract

This paper conducts a comprehensive and critical comparison of two contrasting worldviews: the Islamic worldview and secular Humanism. Framed by the question “Man or God,” it examines how each tradition understands reality, knowledge, ethics, human purpose, and ultimate destiny. Islam is fundamentally theocentric, placing God at the centre of existence and deriving truth and morality from divine revelation. Secular Humanism is anthropocentric, centring meaning and value in humanity and grounding ethics in reason and human welfare. The research employs a qualitative comparative methodology that synthesizes primary texts (Qur’an, Hadith, and Humanist manifestos) and secondary scholarship to analyze their respective positions on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, life purpose, and eschatology. The findings reveal stark divergences: Islam views the world as created and guided by Allah, sees revelation as a primary source of knowledge, grounds morality in divine command, and pursues happiness in relation to God and the afterlife. Humanism posits a self-existing natural universe, elevates reason and science as the sole arbiters of truth, locates morality in human empathy and social well-being, and seeks fulfillment in this life. However, there are also areas of convergence, such as shared values of compassion and justice. The discussion explores implications for contemporary moral debates, human rights, law, and inter‑worldview dialogue. The paper concludes that understanding these worldviews enriches both interfaith engagement and secular–religious dialogue in a pluralistic world.

Keywords: Islamic worldview, Humanism, theocentrism, anthropocentrism, ethics, comparative philosophy.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18297575