Ibrahim Kalin: He who masters his soul becomes the master of the universe

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKIYE — JAN. 2, 2026

Thinker and statesman Ibrahim Kalin, during an episode of the "Kendi Gokkubbemiz" (Our Own Celestial Vault) program, delved into the profound quest of self-knowledge and humanity's sacred relationship with the universe, rooted in the prophetic tradition: "He who knows himself knows his Lord."

Kalin emphasized that human beings are an integral part of the universe, not strangers or enemies to it. He argued that modern environmental and climate crises stem from a fundamental philosophical alienation from nature. According to Kalin, true self-discovery does not inflate the ego but instead fosters humility and an understanding of one's place within the vast circle of existence.

The Centrality of "Who Am I?"

Analyzing the bridge between the Delphic maxim "Know Thyself" and the Islamic principle of "knowing one's soul," Kalin stated that the most vital inquiry remains the question of human identity. He noted that scientific data regarding the physical world remains mere "information" unless it helps answer the fundamental question: "Who am I?"

Recalling that Socrates "brought philosophy down from the heavens to earth," Kalin explained how Muslim philosophers added a metaphysical layer to this pursuit. He argued that when a person understands their origin and ultimate destination, they establish a unique intimacy with the Creator.

The Universe as a Signpost

Kalin pointed out the etymological link between the Arabic words alam (universe), alamah (sign), and ilm (knowledge). He described the universe as a grand signpost, warning that focusing solely on the beauty of the sign itself, rather than where it points, is a state of heedlessness.

"It is a distraction to lie down in front of a signpost because its lights are beautiful," Kalin remarked. "The purpose of the sign is to guide you toward your ultimate destination. The universe is a symbol, a message directing us toward perfection and our final spiritual rank."

Stewardship vs. Mastery

Addressing the roots of the modern climate crisis, Kalin identified human mastery and the inability to control the urge to dominate as the primary causes of global destruction. He noted that humanity has reached a point where it is the only species capable of annihilating its own kind through technology.

"Only those who are 'trustworthy' (amin) can protect the 'trust' (amanah)," Kalin asserted. "A person who is in a state of security through faith does not betray that trust. Instead of claiming to be the master of the universe, one should exist as a servant of God who protects what has been entrusted to them. True freedom is found when one connects to something higher than themselves, thereby liberating the soul from dependency on lower worldly desires."

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