Doctor Faustus: An Islamic Anatomy

Abstract

Conflict between good and evil is eternal. The clash ensued from the very inception of human race. In other words, the tug of war initiated immediately after the creation of Adam, and Eve and the first incident of the conflict happened to take place between Satan and Adam in Paradise. The brawl resumed after they were sent to the earth and that has been continuing forever up to the dooms day. Those who stand by the good and fight against evils are known as the servant of God. These people will be able to achieve salvation in the life hereafter. And the people who are the forces of evil or fight against the good are known as the followers of Satan. Satan corrupts their souls and they become ineligible to attain salvation. The corrupting influence of Satan extends from the individual to the society, which ultimately results in havoc. That is why God will punish the followers of Satan. English literature is said largely influenced by Christianity. And shares some ethos of Islam. In many of the renowned literary pieces of English literature, the clash between the good and the evil has at the center presenting human mind in the phenomenon of the earth as battleground. Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe is a distinguished literary piece of this type that projects the downfall of the protagonist Faustus who oscillates between the two elements. This article will be viewing Faustus‘ activities, the nature of his sins, the consequences thereof - whether he deserves salvation in the light of Islamic creed. The article excavates his endeavor and failure to break the vicious circle of the satanic forces.