The vast diversity we see all around us constantly reminds us of God’s greatness. This week’s Sacred Text Messages podcast discusses the Qur’anic imperative to respect the diversity of human beings in our races, religions, and tribes. In a time where hate and division have risen to new heights, this lesson serves as a much needed reminder to practice prophetic benevolence and reason over rage and violence.

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ أَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِ ثَمَرَاتٍ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَانُهَا ۚ وَمِنَ الْجِبَالِ جُدَدٌ بِيضٌ وَحُمْرٌ مُخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَانُهَا وَغَرَابِيبُ سُودٌ

See you not that Allâh sends down water (rain) from the sky, and We produce therewith fruits of varying colours, and among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colours and (others) very black

তুমি কি দেখনি আল্লাহ আকাশ থেকে বৃষ্টিবর্ষণ করেন, অতঃপর তদ্দ্বারা আমি বিভিন্ন বর্ণের ফল-মূল উদগত করি। পর্বতসমূহের মধ্যে রয়েছে বিভিন্ন বর্ণের গিরিপথ-সাদা, লাল ও নিকষ কালো কৃষ্ণ।

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱلدَّوَآبِّ وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ مُخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ كَذَٰلِكَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَـٰٓؤُا۟ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ

And likewise of men and Ad-Dawâbb [moving (living) creatures, beasts], and cattle, are of various colours. It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is All-Mighty, Oft-Forgiving.

और इसी तरह आदमियों और जानवरों और चारपायों की भी रंगते तरह-तरह की हैं उसके बन्दों में ख़ुदा का ख़ौफ करने वाले तो बस उलेमा हैं बेशक खुदा (सबसे) ग़ालिब और बख्शने वाला है

(Qur’an 35:27-28)