The Body vs. The Soul: Capitalism’s Superficiality vs. Islamic Beliefs

In our consumer-driven society, capitalism often prioritizes appearance over substance, cultivating a culture that values physical beauty and outward presentation. This trend is especially pronounced in all forms of media, which either promote idealized body images or challenge them, all while still emphasizing the importance of flesh.

The Body as Commodity
As a result, the body has increasingly become a commodity—a site of consumption where personal worth is tied to physical attributes. This shift encourages a superficial focus, keeping individuals preoccupied with their bodies rather than their inner selves, their soul. Such a dynamic feeds off insecurity, making a population more controllable. Capitalism thrives on this surrender, particularly when it comes to the profitability of women’s bodies—not just in monetary terms but also in social currency. In this framework, bodies are traded for approval and status, reinforcing superficiality over meaningful, soulful, and divine connections.

A Spiritual Counter: Islamic Beliefs
In contrast to this capitalist emphasis on superficiality, Islamic teachings offer a profound counter-narrative. In Islam, the flesh is seen as insufficient and unimportant. It is described as lying in heaven, with angels passing by, indifferent to its presence. It is only when Allah breathed the "ruuh" (soul) into the body that the angels and jinn were commanded to prostrate to Adam, the first human. This story underscores that true worth and value reside in the soul, not in physical form.

The Significance of the Hijab
Another powerful example is the Islamic ruling on women wearing the hijab. The hijab covers a woman’s body, leaving only her face visible. This choice is significant because it empowers women to take control of how their bodies are perceived in a society obsessed with commodification. By wearing the hijab, women emphasize their soul and inner worth over societal judgments based on appearance, making their physical form irrelevant as a tool for seeking validation or gaining material or social rewards.

This act stands as a strong rebuttal to capitalism’s fixation on the fleeting concerns of the flesh—concerns that ultimately dissolve after death. In Islam, the soul is viewed as eternal, embarking on a journey that extends beyond this life. On the Day of Judgment, our souls will be reunited with our bodies, where the worth of our actions will be judged, not the beauty or physical attributes of our forms.

The Story of Prophet Yusuf
The story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) also highlights the Islamic emphasis on spiritual integrity over bodily desires. Yusuf, renowned for his extraordinary beauty, was tempted by Zulaikha, the wife of his master, who attempted to seduce him using her physical allure. Despite her efforts to manipulate him through his beauty and her own, Yusuf refused her advances. He sought refuge in Allah, understanding that giving in would compromise his moral and spiritual integrity. His decision to resist her, even at great personal risk, reflects Islam's teaching that the body should never be exploited for selfish desires or personal gain.

Yusuf’s rejection of Zulaikha’s advances illustrates the contrast between superficial, bodily desires and the deeper value of the soul. Just as capitalism often encourages the commodification of the body for material and social gains, Zulaikha tried to use her body to achieve her personal desires. However, Yusuf’s unwavering focus on his inner purity and relationship with Allah underscores the importance of the soul, reminding us that physical beauty and worldly gains are fleeting, but spiritual integrity is eternal. His story serves as a powerful reminder to resist the pressures of a society that seeks to exploit the body, urging us to prioritize our spiritual well-being instead.

A Call for Soul-First Thinking
Islamic principles consistently urge individuals to focus on their inner self—the soul—rather than external appearance. In a society shaped by consumerism, this perspective represents a radical shift. While capitalism demands perfection and rewards those who conform to specific ideals of beauty, Islam teaches that inner worth is paramount, and no amount of physical attraction or material wealth can surpass the value of spiritual integrity. This soul-first thinking is a form of liberation from societal pressures that often trap individuals in cycles of consumerism, insecurity, and the pursuit of validation through external means.

This shift in perspective encourages deeper connections, both within ourselves and with others. By focusing on the soul, we move away from the capitalist notion that self-worth is tied to appearance or material success. Instead, we embrace the eternal journey of the soul, transcending the limitations of the physical body, and leading to a more meaningful, spiritually fulfilling life.