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).
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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.
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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.
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