The Human Was Created Anxious — Human Nature Through the Quran's Eyes
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Level: intermediate
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إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ خُلِقَ هَلُوعًا
— المعارج 19
Verse: "The human was created anxious — when evil touches him he is distressed, and when good touches him he is withholding." (70:19-21)
Halu': Intense distress at hardship and extreme stinginess with good — an innate disposition, not an acquired flaw.
Immediate exception: "Except those who pray and are constant in their prayer" — prayer treats anxiety. One who maintains prayer breaks this instinct through patience and trust.
Lesson: The Quran does not punish humans for their nature — it gives them a system that corrects it. Anxiety is a created quality; overcoming it is an acquired act of worship.
Source: Ibn Kathir (8/225); Al-Sadi; Al-Qurtubi (18/286)
Question: What human nature is described in Al-Ma'arij and what is its Quranic remedy?
Answer: Hala' (anxiety and stinginess) — remedy: consistent prayer that breaks anxiety and instills patience and faith.