Celebrating Diversity - The Quran's Message of Unity in Multiplicity

By Justice P.K. Shamsuddin, New Age Islam 14 June 2024 In The Quranic Worldview, Nations and Ethnicities Exist for A Purpose – To Learn from and Interact with Each Other, Fostering A Spirit of Understanding (Q.49:13). True Worth Comes from One's Character and Actions, Not Their Background. The Quran Even Warns Against Mocking Others for Their Differences (Q.49:11). ------ The Quran offers a refreshing perspective on humanity's divisions. It dismantles notions of racial, religious, or national superiority (Q.49:13). In the Quranic worldview, nations and ethnicities exist for a purpose – to learn from and interact with each other, fostering a spirit of understanding (Q.49:13). True worth comes from one's character and actions, not their background. The Quran even warns against mocking others for their differences (Q.49:11). This message of unity resonates throughout the Quran. We are all part of one human family, called upon to collaborate and strive for good in a spirit of friendly competition (2:139, 2:148, 2:208, 5:48, 10:41, 29:2). The Quran embraces inclusivity. It assures that those who believe in God, practice good deeds, and await the Day of Judgment will find reward, regardless of their specific religion (Christians, Jews, Sabians) (Q.2:62). This concept was ground-breaking in its time, dismantling the idea of exclusive salvation. Western Islamic scholar Muhammad Asad highlights this inclusivity by using the term "self-surrender unto God" (Q.3:85) in his translation of “Islam”. This concept transcends religious labels and focuses on the core belief in a higher power. The Quran goes beyond mere tolerance of other faiths; it acknowledges and even respects them. While Judaism and Christianity receive specific mentions, the Quran also recognizes Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism through the term "Sabians" (Q.2:62, 5:69). This term encompasses various non-Abrahamic traditions. The Quran acknowledges the validity of different religious scripture: “Let, then, the followers of the Gospel judge in accordance with what God has revealed therein.” (Q.5:47) "Verily, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Sabians, and the Christians - all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds - no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.” (Q.5:69) "People of the Book, you have no valid ground for your beliefs, unless you [truly] observe the Torah and the Gospel, and all that has been sent down to you from your Lord." (Q.5:47) "We sent you the Book, setting forth the Truth, confirming what is available of earlier revelations and with final authority over them. Judge between them in accordance with what God has sent down. Do not follow their whims, which deviate from the Truth revealed to you. We have assigned to each of you a law and a way of life. If God had wanted, He could have made all of you a single community, but instead He is testing you by means of what He has revealed to you. So compete in doing what is good. You will all return to God, and He will clarify these matters about which you have differed.” (Q.5:48) Ultimately, the Quran dismantles the idea of a chosen people. God's guidance extends to all humanity (Q.10:48, 16:37). Prophet Muhammad himself is reported to have said that God sent countless prophets throughout history, with only a fraction mentioned in the Quran. This opens the possibility that figures like Krishna, Rama, Buddha, and Mahavira could also be counted among those prophets. Further supporting this view is verse 4:165, which acknowledges prophets not explicitly named in the Quran. Islam's belief in God's Books adds another layer of respect for other religions. Muslims revere the Injeel (Gospels) and Torah, holy scriptures of Christianity and Judaism respectively. By extension, this respect can be extended to the Hindu scriptures, the Gita and Vedas. In essence, the Quran opens a door to mutual respect and understanding between Islam and other faiths. It avoids exclusivity, recognizing the universality of God's message and the presence of prophets across various cultures and traditions. This openness paves the way for interfaith dialogue and collaboration towards a more peaceful and harmonious world. Islam, far from advocating religious isolation, lays a foundation for tolerance and understanding among different faiths. The Quran offers five key principles that guide Muslims in fostering peaceful coexistence: Respect for All People: The Quran emphasizes the inherent dignity of every person, created by God (Q.17:70). This respect transcends religious boundaries, calling for Muslims to treat others with honour and kindness regardless of faith, race, or background. Embracing Diversity: Islam acknowledges that God's will allows for a multitude of beliefs (Q.10:99). While the Quran encourages faith, it avoids coercion (Q.39:7). Freedom of Religion: The Quran affirms the fundamental right to choose one's faith (Q.2:256). Muslims are called upon to respect this right, recognizing it as a divine gift. Divine Judgment: The Quran reminds us that God alone judges all humanity (Q.22:68-69, Q.42:15). Muslims shouldn't condemn others based on religious differences, but trust in God's ultimate judgment. Justice and Fairness: God champions justice, especially when dealing with those of differing beliefs (Q.5:8, Q.60:8). Muslims are urged to uphold this principle in their interactions with people of all faiths. In today's interconnected world, these principles are more important than ever. ------ Justice P.K. Shamsuddin was Judge, Kerala High court during 1986-1993. He was the president, Kerala State Consumer Disputes Redressal commission during 1993-1998. He was the former president, Muslim Educational society, Kerala. He was also the president World Fellowship of Inter-Religious Councils during 1984-2010. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/celebrating-diversity-qurans-message-unity-multiplicity/d/132506 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism