Marine Corps Base Quantico -- “O David, indeed we have made you a vicegerent on the earth (Qur’an 38:26). God has appointed human beings as His vicegerents in this world. God has given human beings certain authorities, responsibilities and obligations to fulfill in this world. In order to fulfill that obligation one must remain a steadfast and sincere vicegerent to his/her Creator.

Body and soul are the two most important elements of any human being. In order for a body to comprehensively grow — it needs food, exercise, medicine, water, oxygen, etc., and this is what many of us are obsessed with now a days. However, it is very important to recognize that the soul also needs the same degree of care, if not more. The care of the soul is not so necessarily tangible. The food for soul is more spiritual in nature and the connection with its Creator through good deeds, sincerity, love, education, etc.

Billions of dollars are spent for the beautification and development of the body. However, no human being can fully develop and reach the level of vicegerency, which God meant for His creation unless both body and soul are simultaneously developed. The body has been created with the lone purpose of allowing the soul to use it in the application of its authority and the fulfillment of its duties and responsibilities. The body is not entirely separate from its soul; rather they must complement each other. A healthy soul can only grow and develop through a healthy body and vice versa. Subsequently, this world is the only place where human beings – body and soul - can find opportunities to serve God and His creations.

From an Islamic perspective — anything a Muslim does can be considered as part of worshiping God so long as it is aligned with His comprehensive guidance and wisdom. Thus spiritual development is not separate from the activities of body and soul. Human beings should live and work in it and give the best account in every sphere of life. Success and development are only possible if we devote our whole life to a spiritual development that correlates our body and soul with our Creator - Almighty and Loving God!