Would an animal want to be created as an animal? Why were animals not created as human beings?

- Why was man created?
- Does man have a purpose that makes him different?

Dear Brother / Sister,

The best answer to be given to this question is "because Allah wished so". No being was asked about its creation before it was created. Allah created some beings as humans, some as animals and some as plants. There are definitely endless wisdoms behind creation.

No animal has the ability to ask its creator "Why did you create me as an animal?" They do not complain about their states; besides, they glorify Allah - with their tongue of disposition.

"The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: there is not a thing but celebrates His praise; And yet ye understand not how they declare His glory." (al-Isra, 17/44)

The verse above indicates it.

Man was created as the vicegerent on earth. The other beings were put in the service of man. The following is stated in a verse:

“It is Allah Who made cattle for you, that ye may use some for riding and some for food.” (al-Mu’min, 40/79)

The following is stated in another verse:

“And (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show." (an-Nahl, 16/8)

If our Lord had created all creatures as human beings, this means that this universe would not be as it is now; this thought means not to want this universe to exist.  

Moreover, if the universe had not been created as it is now, the infinite perfection and beauty of Allah’s attributes and names would not be known; this knowledge would be peculiar to Allah only. By making the spiritual beauties of His names and attributes, Allah Almighty Himself observed His own beauty and perfection on those works and He wanted the angels, humans and jinn to have their share the from this grace.

Regarding whether or not to create creatures, Allah made His divine choice in the form of creating them and this choice has been an eternal mercy for creatures.

Otherwise, it is unthinkable that Allah, one of whose names is Samad (everything needs Him and He is not in need of anything), created this realm due to a need – God forbid.

The creation of man

“I have only created Jinn and men, that they may serve Me.” (ad-Dhariyat, 51/56)

The universe was created for man and man was created to know Allah and to worship Him. Beings like angels and jinn also fulfill the same duty. However, man has an ability to fulfill the duty of worshipping better and more comprehensive than them. The universal purpose in man’s being sent to the world is to fulfill that duty.

Questions on Islam