According to Islamic teachings, human beings are considered a special creation of Allah, the Creator of the universe. They were created from clay and had the breath of Allah blown into them, giving them a unique set of qualities that distinguishes them from other creations: 🏵️🏵️

"And when your Lord said to the angels: I am going to create a man of clay. So when I have made him complete and breathed into him of My Spirit, fall down making obeisance to him." [Quran 38:71-72]

Allah has also created humans to be the khalifah (vicegerents) on Earth, with a special purpose to fulfill:
"Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not." [Quran 2:30]

Human beings are endowed with intellect, free will, and moral sense, and tasked with establishing justice, upholding morality, and maintaining peace and harmony in society. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of these qualities:
"He who is deprived of gentleness is deprived of good." (Muslim)

While human beings are regarded as unique and distinct creations in Islam, they are also part of the natural world. Muslims are encouraged to protect the environment and maintain a balance between humans and their surroundings:
"And it is He who has made you successors (khala'ifa) upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful." [Quran 6:165]

In the end, human uniqueness is recognized as a special creation of Allah with a unique set of qualities and a special purpose on Earth. Islam acknowledges the scientific facts of evolution and recognizes the importance of preserving and protecting the environment while emphasizing the distinct qualities of humans as a special creation of Allah.
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