Overcoming Tribal Minded Superiority through Deeper Understanding (Q.49:13): Concluding Part: Re-interpretation of Quran 49:13
By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam
14 December 2024
Tribal superiority mind-set, deeply rooted in human tendencies toward group identification, has long been a source of division and conflict. The Quran offers transformative insights into overcoming these divisive tendencies, emphasizing universal principles that transcend tribal and cultural boundaries. This second part of the paper explores the Quranic framework for promoting equality and unity by focusing on key concepts: the innate awareness of divine unity (Q.7:172), the human disposition toward truth and righteousness (Q.30:30), the universal nature of prophethood (Q.10:47, Q.13:7), the accessibility of divine messages in various languages (Q.14:4), and the individualized judgment based on personal capacity and context (Q.5:48). It also highlights the Quran’s affirmation of the sanctity of all places of worship (Q.22:40), fostering interfaith respect. By reflecting on these principles, individuals can dismantle notions of tribal superiority, embracing a shared divine origin, moral potential, and spiritual purpose. Ultimately, the Quranic teachings offer a profound pathway to transcending divisive tribal identities, fostering a global ethic of humility, inclusivity, and unity, and contributing to the creation of a more harmonious and equitable society.
The tendency to identify with specific groups or identities has historically led to tribal superiority complexes, fuelling divisions and conflicts. However, the Quran provides valuable guidance to overcome this challenge by highlighting universal principles that supersede cultural and tribal boundaries. By embracing these principles, individuals can transcend feelings of superiority and foster a culture of unity, equality, and inclusivity.
Quran 49:13 offers a profound message to humanity as a whole, acknowledging the diversity of human experience and the various ways in which people have been divided, including along religious lines. Notably, this verse addresses individuals across different groups and factions, emphasizing a universal message that transcends boundaries and affiliations.
1. Innate Awareness of Divine Unity
“When your Lord took from the children of Adam — from their loins — their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], 'Am I not your Lord?' They said, 'Yes, we have testified.' [This] — lest you should say on the day of Resurrection, 'Indeed, we were of this unaware.'” (Q.7:172)
This verse underscores the primordial covenant where all human beings testified to the Oneness of God. This innate awareness of the Creator serves as a reminder that every human shares a common spiritual origin, transcending tribal, cultural, and national boundaries. Recognizing this shared divine bond dismantles notions of superiority based on lineage or tribal identity, as all individuals are equally rooted in this universal covenant.
Encouraging reflection on this shared testimony fosters the understanding that no tribe or nation holds inherent superiority in the eyes of God. Instead, all are equal before Him, united by their acknowledgment of His Lordship.
2. Innate Disposition Toward Truth and Righteousness
“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the nature of God upon which He has created [all] people.” (Q.30:30)
Human beings are naturally inclined toward truth and moral uprightness, a “fitrah” instilled by the Creator. This universal disposition highlights the equality of all humans in their potential for righteousness. A deeper understanding of this concept helps individuals view others as partners in a shared journey toward moral and spiritual fulfilment rather than as rivals or adversaries. Emphasizing this innate disposition challenges biases rooted in tribal or cultural differences. The focus shifts to nurturing this shared human potential, fostering collaboration and mutual respect instead of competition.
3. Universal Prophethood and Inclusivity
“For every nation is a messenger. So when their messenger comes, it will be judged between them in justice, and they will not be wronged.” (Q.10:47). “For every nation is a guide.” (Q.13:7)
The Quran affirms that every nation has received a messenger, underscoring the universality of divine guidance. This principle directly challenges the exclusivist mind-set that claims prophetic guidance for a particular tribe or community alone. Acknowledging the shared legacy of prophethood across cultures fosters mutual respect among diverse groups. This inclusivity negates any justification for superiority based on receiving divine guidance, as all nations have been equally blessed with their messengers.
4. Accessibility of Divine Message
“We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them.” (Q.14:4)
The Quran emphasizes that divine revelations are sent in the language of the people, ensuring clarity and accessibility. This reinforces the idea that no single group has a monopoly on understanding or transmitting divine truth. Understanding this principle encourages respect for the unique contributions of various cultures and traditions in interpreting and applying divine guidance. It removes the basis for tribal arrogance and promotes intellectual humility.
5. Judgment Based on Individual Capacity and Circumstances
“For every community, We have appointed a law and a clear way. And if God had willed, He would have made you one nation, but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you.” (Q.5:48)
The Quran highlights diversity in divine laws and guidance, tailored to different communities. It affirms that humans are tested according to their unique contexts, nullifying any claim to superiority based on external differences like ethnicity or lineage. Recognizing this diversity allows individuals to appreciate the richness of human experiences and reduces judgmental attitudes based on cultural or tribal distinctions. It fosters an attitude of gratitude and cooperation rather than rivalry.
6. Universality of Divine Presence
Q.22:40 declares all places of worship as sacrosanct, reflecting the universality of the Divine Presence in synagogues, churches, temples, and more. This concept fosters respect and appreciation for diverse religious traditions; implies equality among faiths, countering religious superiority complexes; mandates protection and respect for all places of worship; highlights shared human values like peace, compassion, and spiritual growth; encourages interfaith dialogue and understanding. By embracing this concept, we can promote religious harmony and understanding, working towards a more inclusive and respectful world.
7. Bridging Superiority Complex through Universalism
The Quran offers a profound perspective on human unity and the dangers of tribalism. By emphasizing the shared spiritual heritage of humanity, the equality of all people before God, and the importance of individual accountability, the Quran provides a powerful framework for overcoming divisive ideologies.
The Quran affirms the belief in one God, the Creator of all beings. This shared belief unites people from diverse backgrounds and transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. The Quran also recognizes the prophetic lineage, acknowledging the divine messages conveyed by prophets such as Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. This shared spiritual heritage highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the common ground that exists among different faiths. The Quran 49:13 emphasizes the inherent equality of all human beings before God. It rejects notions of racial, ethnic, or tribal superiority, asserting that the most noble among people is the one who is most righteous. This principle challenges the tribal mind-set, which often prioritizes in-group loyalty over universal values.
The Quran emphasizes that each individual is accountable for their own actions and beliefs (Q.35:18, 53:38-42, 39:7) This understanding challenges the tribal tendency to hold individuals responsible for the actions of their group. By focusing on individual responsibility, the Quran promotes a more just and equitable society. By embracing these core principles, we can overcome tribalism and foster a more harmonious and inclusive world. This requires a deep understanding of the Quran's teachings and a commitment to applying them in our daily lives.
7.Overcoming Tribal Divisions
As we embark on a journey of deeper knowing, we inevitably encounter a profound reality that challenges our deeply ingrained prejudices. These prejudices, often rooted in our ego-centric tendencies, have been shaped by our individual experiences, cultural conditioning, and societal influences.
The more we explore the nature of reality, the more we realize the limitations of our individual perspectives. Our understanding is shaped by our cultural, social, and personal experiences, yet it is only a partial glimpse of the whole. This realization prompts us to seek a more comprehensive and objective understanding of the world.
This realization has the power to explode our prejudices, forcing us to confront the limitations of our own understanding. As we let go of our ego-centric biases, we begin to see the world through fresh eyes, unencumbered by the distortions of our own making.
In this state of deeper knowing, we experience a profound sense of unity and interconnectedness, recognizing that our individual journeys are inextricably linked to the journeys of others. This realization awakens empathy, compassion, and understanding, allowing us to transcend our differences and connect with others on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Ultimately, the journey of deeper knowing is a transformative odyssey that challenges our assumptions, expands our awareness, and awakens our hearts. As we embark on this journey, we may discover that the stunning realization that awaits us is not just a new understanding of the world, but a profound understanding of ourselves.
The Q.49:13 provides a profound and transformative approach to overcoming tribal-minded superiority by highlighting the inherent equality and dignity of all human beings. Through concepts such as the shared divine covenant (Q.7:172), the innate human disposition toward truth (Q.30:30), and the universality of divine guidance through prophethood (Q.10:47, Q.13:7), the Quran calls for transcending narrow tribal identities. By emphasizing the accessibility of divine revelation to diverse peoples (Q.14:4) and the individualized nature of divine judgment (Q.5:48), it fosters a sense of humility, intellectual openness, and spiritual equity.
Furthermore, the Quran’s inclusive stance on religious diversity (Q.22:40) reinforces the idea that all faith traditions are valued in the eyes of the Divine, counteracting religious superiority. This universalism dismantles any pretext for human superiority based on ethnicity, lineage, or cultural background, urging instead a focus on personal growth, mutual respect, and collective well-being.
By internalizing these Quranic teachings, individuals and communities can overcome tribal and cultural divisions, moving toward a more inclusive and peaceful society. The Quran 49:13 not only offers a framework for overcoming superiority complexes but also fosters an ethic of unity, equality, and cooperation. Through deeper understanding and application of these principles, the barriers that fuel conflict can be dismantled, paving the way for a harmonious world grounded in shared human dignity.
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First Part of the Article: The Art of Knowing One Another - A Quranic Perspective: Part one: Re-interpretation of Quran 49:13
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V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar of Islamic humanism. He writes with a passion for developing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress. His work inspires the creation of a just society, fosters critical thinking, and promotes inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence.
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