Recognising Ourselves in Others

Abstract

In an era in which difference is problematised, magnified and politicised to capitalise on manufactured fear and hatred generated and perpetuated by activists, media and political discourse, it is incumbent on people of faith to reclaim and proclaim common humanity and amplify shared human needs within moral and ethical religious values. By reframing diversity as a blessing and not as a burden, this paper elicits some of the positive benefits of difference for individuals, communities and societies when acceptance and inclusivity are driven by faith and resolve. The aim is to highlight the potential richness of the contributions of diverse communities of people, from across the world, which can strengthen society, increase cohesion and evolve into more productive and harmonious ways of being and living. Being a world faith that derives strength from its global diversity, Islam is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in fostering such cohesion.

Keywords: Recognition – Social diversity - Social cohesion – Acceptance of one another – Islam - Tawḥīd.

Introduction

Acceptance, diversity and inclusion for Muslims start from the basis of faith. A Qurʾānic verse from Sūrah al-Ḥujurāt (Q. 49:13) sums up Islam’s embrace of diversity, which fosters a culture of inclusion and sets the standards for inclusivity within the faith:

O Mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other. Indeed, the most noble of you is the most righteous of you. Allah is knowing and acquainted.

From these verses, it can be determined that while God is one, He loves diversity, engagement and cohesion. Thus, unity, diversity and inclusion are intertwined, and cannot be separated from each other. While culture, geography and ethnicity may differ among its adherents, Islam provides the unifying connection via shared acceptance of the basic tenets of faith. Throughout history, God did not ask humanity to serve Him in the same way. There are different routes and paths towards Him. According to the Qurʾānic narrative, God’s teachings point towards a united humanity that reflects His Oneness, within the doctrine of tawḥīd. God reveals this through His chosen Messengers and revealed Scriptures. Negative forms of discrimination, separation, exclusion, or division are negated by Him. Domination of sections of humanity by other sections is prohibited and unjust exploitation of humanity or creation is rejected. Exploitation represents a form of theft. The Qurʾān strictly forbids division and commends unity:

And hold fast, all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves… (Q. 3:103)

Islam recognises the difficulty of achieving such unity and asserts that real unity can only be achieved through recognition and celebration of human diversity and profession of tawḥīd (the oneness of Allah’s Being, Attributes and Acts). Islam clearly acknowledges humanity’s diversity of convictions and persuasions:

To each among you, We have prescribed a Law and an Open Way. If Allah so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He has given you: So strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you is to Allah (Q. 5:48).

Islam’s message of unity, then, is that human beings – in all their diversity – share and grow in the consciousness of one single humanity under one God. Muslims can be faithful to their own religious traditions while still remaining a great blessing to others.