The Qur’an eloquently addresses the dignity inherent in every individual, regardless of their background or status. This divine perspective is articulated through various Ayat, spread across different Surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an.

Man is the best among the all creations of Allah (SWT). The Qur’an emphasises the inherent honour bestowed upon the children of Adam: “And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:70). This ayat underscores the divine honour granted to every human being, transcending earthly distinctions. It establishes the fundamental dignity of all individuals as recipients of Allah’s special favour.

The intellectual and cognitive capacities endowed to humanity have made them a unique creation. Because of this, they have been empowered and honoured over all creations. The Qur’an states: “And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.’ They said, ‘Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.’ He said, ‘O Adam, inform them of their names.’ And when he had informed them of their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.’”  (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:31-32). The unique gift of knowledge and reason granted to humanity reflects a dignified status that comes with the responsibility to use these faculties wisely.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (The Rooms), verse 13, the Qur’an addresses the equality of all individuals in the sight of God: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13). This ayat dismisses any notions of superiority based on race or ethnicity, asserting that the true measure of nobility lies in righteousness, emphasising spiritual equality and universal brotherhood.

The Qur’an affirms the principle of freedom of choice in matters of faith. “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is distinct from error. So whoever disbelieves in false deities and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256). However, this freedom cannot be harmful to any others. Additionally, everyone will be rewarded according to their belief, philosophy, doctrine and most importantly their actions in this world.

The Qur’an urges believers to uphold justice, even when it may go against personal interests. “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135). The ayat not only underscores the importance of justice but also highlights the moral duty to stand against injustice, promoting the inherent dignity of individuals by ensuring fair treatment.

To conclude, it can be said that the Qur’an’s teachings on the dignity of man form a tapestry of profound wisdom, emphasising the intrinsic value of every human being. The Qur’an guides believers to recognise, appreciate and uphold the dignity of themselves and others, fostering a society based on justice, equality and compassion.

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The writer is a scholar in Islamic views on contemporary issues