Human beings are often described as the noblest of all creation because of their intellect, conscience, and humanity.
But when the cries of a fellow human in distress fail to touch the hearts of their own kind, when instead of rescuing an accident victim we become busy stealing their belongings, or when we do not hesitate to loot everything from people devastated by disasters, it naturally raises the question: do we truly deserve to be called "the noblest of creation"?
A recent tragic incident in Bangladesh has shaken the conscience of the entire nation. On the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway in Cumilla, a pickup truck carrying fish accidentally plunged into a canal.
While the driver remained trapped inside the vehicle, desperately struggling to save his life, people nearby, instead of rushing to rescue him, jumped into the canal to loot the fish.
Within moments, the live fish were scooped up into buckets, sacks, and plastic bags. The helpless driver and his assistant ultimately had to save themselves without anyone's help. Such heartless indifference at the moment of an accident represents not only a failure of the law but also a profound collapse of humanity.
A similar scene was witnessed abroad, in earthquake-stricken Venezuela. As countless people struggled for their lives beneath the rubble after a devastating earthquake, a group of criminals busied themselves looting shops, homes, offices, and even pharmacies instead of helping with rescue efforts. Can exploiting people's suffering during a disaster like an earthquake ever be considered a mark of civilization?
Yet, amid that destruction, one unforgettable example of humanity deeply touched hearts around the world. A photograph circulating on social media showed a father trapped beneath the rubble.
Although part of his body remained visible, the rest was pinned under concrete. When rescuers attempted to pull him out, he pleaded with them not to pull his hand. His children, trapped beneath the debris, were still holding onto it.
Even with death staring him in the face, a father's thoughts remained with his children before himself. This is the true face of humanity—the defining characteristic of a truly civilized society.
Today, it is all too common to see victims of road accidents desperately waiting for help while bystanders, instead of rescuing them, are busy recording videos on their mobile phones.
When curiosity replaces compassion and self-interest takes the place of responsibility, the moral foundation of society begins to weaken. If, instead of awakening our conscience, we become occupied with looting the possessions of those in distress, on what moral grounds can we continue to claim that we are the noblest of creation?
We often forget that standing beside people in times of hardship is not merely a social responsibility—it is also an expression of faith and gratitude. This is what religion teaches.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah the Almighty says: "Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 32). Religious teachings also proclaim: "He who shows compassion to living beings serves God."
Therefore, as members of God's creation, why should we not show kindness to other living beings? Why should we not come to their aid in times of need?
History is filled with countless examples of people who risked their own lives to save others. It is their spirit of sacrifice and humanity that has made them forever honored and remembered.
Wise people often say that the true strength of human civilization lies not in technology, wealth, or towering buildings, but in our sense of responsibility toward one another. Through disasters, accidents, and hardships, the Creator tests our humanity. If we fail that test, then do all our achievements and pride not become meaningless?
