'Mankind!We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples andtribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among youin Allah's sight is the one with the most taqwa.' (49:13) One man saysto another man, 'I am more noble than you are.' No one is nobler than anotherperson except by taqwa."
Exegesis of Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13
This blessed verse from the Book of Allah establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of human equality. Allah Almighty reminds humanity of their common origin - created from a single male (Adam) and female (Eve) - thereby eliminating any basis for racial or tribal superiority.
The Divine Purpose of Diversity
Allah in His wisdom created different nations and tribes not for competition or conflict, but for mutual recognition and cooperation. The diversity among people is a sign of Allah's creative power and an opportunity for humans to learn from one another.
The True Measure of Nobility
The verse conclusively establishes that true nobility in the sight of Allah is measured solely by taqwa (God-consciousness, piety, and righteousness). No lineage, wealth, race, or tribal affiliation grants superiority over others.
Condemnation of Tribal Arrogance
The statement "I am more noble than you are" represents the pre-Islamic mentality of tribal pride (al-asabiyyah al-jahiliyyah) which Islam came to eradicate. Such claims contradict the fundamental Islamic teaching of equality before Allah.
Practical Implications
This teaching requires Muslims to judge people by their piety and character alone, not by their ancestry or social status. It promotes humility and prevents the evils of racism, classism, and nationalism that divide the Muslim community.