11/05/2024
Diversity, inherent in human nature and the fabric of life itself, is a theme Allah highlights, as evidenced in the nuanced relationships even within familial bonds. While sons are extensions of their fathers, sharing a lineage and heritage, disparities emerge, encompassing realms of thought, psychological predispositions, physical attributes, and skin tone.
The Qur'anic verse, "And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colours," underscores the conspicuousness of colour diversity as a symbol, a manifestation of divine wisdom, and a test for humanity. Moreover, linguistic diversity mirrors the broader scope of differences in speech patterns and vocal expressions.
Despite its divine ordainment, diversity often perplexes individuals, prompting inquiries into its perpetual existence and the feasibility of unanimity. However, it is imperative to recognize that diversity is an enduring aspect of human existence, persisting until Allah eventually inherits the earth. Consequently, a universal consensus on all matters remains an unattainable ideal.
The perpetuation of diversity is not a random occurrence but a profound divine purpose. It enriches our existence by preventing monotony and fostering individuality. Allah's decree, 'And had your Lord willed, He could have made humanity one community [of belief], but they will not cease to differ, except whom your Lord has given mercy. And for that, He created them,' underscores this divine intent. Thus, diversity is not a coincidence but a deliberate part of human creation, encompassing variations in form, hue, dialect, and cognition.
Our individual choices, influenced by our inherent inclinations, are the building blocks of the diversity we see in humanity. Whether we choose righteousness or disobedience, gratitude or ingratitude, our decisions shape the spectrum of moral dispositions in our community. This highlights our personal responsibility to foster a diverse and inclusive environment.
Recently, we have witnessed how affiliation with a particular group or individuals has become intricately tied to notions of loyalty and disavowal (al-wala'a wal bara'a), often catalyzing discrimination and categorization among people. Therefore, we must not allow allegiance to a specific group or individual to obscure the validity of alternative perspectives, especially in vital and consequential matters or matters of preference. We should refrain from letting bias and personal inclination dictate our interpersonal relationships. Instead, we should embrace respectful disagreement as a crucial aspect of diversity in human interactions, fostering harmony amidst our differences.
As we delve deeper into our exploration of diversity, we are thrilled to announce the forthcoming episode of 'Ta'amulaat' by AZAC, set to air on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at precisely 12:30 PM GMT. This episode, titled 'How Do We Disagree?' will further our understanding of diversity in viewpoints and provide practical strategies for respectful disagreement, a crucial aspect of diversity in human interactions.
