Khairul Umam Umam, Akbar Yazidurrahma

The Concept Of Human Creation According To Islamic Scholars As A Criticism Of Homo Economicus

Introduction

The concept of human creation according to islamic scholars as a criticism of homo economicus. Explore Islamic scholars' concept of human creation, critiquing Homo Economicus's focus on wealth. Discover how body, spirit, and more than rationality define human essence.

Abstract

Humans who were created with a lot of diversity and abilities and strengths that are more than other living things make them superior in many aspects. But unfortunately, it turns out that this diversity has resulted in the birth of a distorted perspective on world life, especially regarding wealth. Not a few people or individuals judge other humans by the parameters of the assets they have and ignore other aspects of being human. This principle is the root of the world view of Homo Economicus. This study aims to criticize and refute the ideas and perspectives of Homo Economicus on human essence through the ideas of Muslim scholars about human nature. This research is a conceptual review of the literature using a normative descriptive method. The results of the study show that the emergence of Homo Economicus is caused because they adhere to the principle that views life only based on rationality and reason, whereas according to Islam this is not sufficient to be relied upon as the basis for the absolute truth of knowledge, because humans are entities that are manifested from the combination of body and spirit. , the second is what represents reason and al-nafsu

Review

This paper presents a timely and relevant critique of the *Homo Economicus* paradigm through the lens of Islamic scholarship on human creation. The authors rightly identify the pervasive issue of wealth-centric human evaluation, which has led to a distorted understanding of human essence and societal values. By framing this critique within the rich tradition of Islamic thought, the study offers a valuable alternative perspective, moving beyond purely secular or rationalistic frameworks. The core objective to challenge the reductionist view of humanity inherent in *Homo Economicus* by emphasizing the comprehensive nature of human existence—body and spirit—is a significant contribution to both economic philosophy and theological discourse. The methodology, described as a conceptual review of literature using a normative descriptive approach, appears appropriate for the stated aim. The abstract clearly outlines the central argument: that the emergence of *Homo Economicus* stems from an overreliance on rationality and reason as the sole arbiters of truth, a foundation deemed insufficient from an Islamic perspective. The paper promises to elaborate on the Islamic understanding of human beings as a composite of body and spirit, where reason (*aqal*) and *al-nafsu* (often translated as self, soul, or psyche) combine to form a more holistic and accurate representation of human nature. This foundational distinction is crucial for understanding how Islamic thought offers a robust counter-narrative to purely materialist conceptions of humanity. Overall, the paper appears to lay important groundwork for a re-evaluation of economic principles from an ethical and spiritual standpoint. The focus on human creation according to Islamic scholars provides a distinct and profound basis for challenging the assumptions embedded in modern economic thought. The findings, emphasizing the insufficiency of rationality alone and advocating for a body-spirit integration, offer practical and philosophical implications for how societies might re-conceptualize human value and well-being beyond mere material accumulation. This work has the potential to foster interdisciplinary dialogue between economics, theology, and philosophy, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced and ethical understanding of human agency and societal development.

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