Quranic Verses on Human Differences
In the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) presents various verses that illustrate the differences among people, which may arise from factors such as color, language, race, or religious beliefs. Below are some key examples highlighting these distinctions:
Diversity Among People: Race, Color, and Language
Allah (SWT) created humanity with unique appearances, forming tribes and nations, each distinguished by cultural heritage, language, and skin tones. Furthermore, genetic traits contribute to the diversity observed in hair color and texture. There are communities with lighter skin and others with darker skin, groups that speak Arabic and those that communicate in other languages. These variations in traits and characteristics serve as evidence of divine creativity and mastery in creation.
Notable Quranic verses addressing differences in race, color, and language include:
- (O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.)
- (And among the people and the animals and the cattle are various colors. Thus, indeed, Allah only fears Allah among His servants is the knowledgeable ones. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Forgiving.)
- (And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.)
Differences in Religion
Allah (SWT) has granted individuals the freedom to choose between the path of guidance and the path of misguidance. He has made clear what is right and what is wrong through the messengers He sent, rewarding the righteous believers with Paradise and warning the disbelievers and oppressors of the severe punishment of Hellfire. Consequently, people diverge in their choices between truth and falsehood.
It is divine wisdom that humanity differs in religion and levels of faith, allowing for free will without compulsion to follow the path of guidance—despite His omnipotence to create a singular community of believers. The angels he created do not disobey and always remain on the righteous path. Relevant Quranic verses include:
- (And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming that which was before it of the Scripture and superseding it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires away from what has come to you of the truth. For each of you, We have prescribed a law and a method. And if Allah had willed, He would have made you one nation, but He intended to test you in what He has given you; so race to good deeds. To Allah is your return all together, and He will inform you concerning that in which you used to differ.)
- (And if your Lord had willed, He would have made mankind one nation; but they will not cease to differ.)
- (And if Allah had willed, He would have made you one nation, but He causes to stray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And you will surely be questioned about what you used to do.)
- (And if Allah had willed, He would have made them one nation, but He admits whom He wills into His mercy. And the wrongdoers have not any protector or helper.)
- (And We divided them into nations on earth; some of them were righteous, and some of them were less than that. And We tested them with good times and bad times that perhaps they might return.)
The Unity of Prophetic Nations in Monotheism
While differences among people are a natural element of human existence, there are many commonalities that unite them. The message of monotheism is a unifying force for believers across all times and places. Muslims form a singular community that submits to Allah, acknowledging Him as their Lord and Creator, and believing in His messengers and scriptures. When disputes arise, leading people astray from the truth, they risk becoming separate factions and disobedient nations. Key verses regarding this topic include:
- (And mankind was but one nation, and Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners, and He sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over it except those who were given it after the clear proofs had come to them, out of jealousy among themselves. And Allah guided those who believed to that in which they differed, by His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.)
- (Indeed, this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.)
- (And indeed, this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear Me.)
- (And humanity was not but one community, but they differed. And if it had not been for a word that preceded from your Lord, it would have been settled between them concerning that in which they differ.)