The Concept of Person in Islamic Anthropology
The article considers some specific features of Islamic anthropology, highlighting the two main issues: the problem of anthropogenesis and the problem of sin. In the first case, special attention is paid to the qur’anic concept of khalīfa, viewed as a foundation of man’s special status as God’s creation. This distinctive epistemological status is associated with man’s specific duties in three spheres of being: relationship with one’s self, relationship with other people, and relationship with the outside world. However, a successful implementation of these duties is impeded by the weakness of human nature, which is both perfect because of fiṭrah, and prone to forgetfulness because of interaction with the material world. This is the reason why redemption in Islam can be defined as man’s getting rid of the consequences of his forgetfulness through various religious practices.