According to Quranic accounts, humanity was once united as a single nation before knowledge divided us. This recurring pattern is evident throughout history—each breakthrough in knowledge leads to transformation, and transformation often brings conflict.
Knowledge as a Disruptor
The Quran highlights how knowledge often disrupts societal norms and leads to divisions. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:213), Allah states:
“Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and as warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over the Scripture except those who were given it—after the clear proofs came to them—out of jealous animosity among themselves.”
This verse suggests that despite clear knowledge being sent to guide humanity, people still disagreed—often due to their own biases rather than the knowledge itself.
Letting Go of the Old
New knowledge demands change. It challenges old ways of thinking, forcing societies and individuals to either adapt or resist. Yet, for many, clinging to the familiar feels safer than stepping into the unknown. This resistance to change fuels much of human tension—politically, socially, and even spiritually.
In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:104), Allah describes this resistance to new knowledge:
“And when it is said to them, ‘Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,’ they say, ‘Sufficient for us is that upon which we found our fathers.’ Even though their fathers knew nothing, nor were they guided?”
This verse illustrates how people often reject new knowledge simply because it challenges their traditions and established beliefs.
The Immediate Reaction Dilemma
As humans, we are wired to react instinctively to new information. We either:
- Follow – Accepting new knowledge without question.
- Reject – Dismissing it outright to protect established beliefs.
- Observe – Taking time to process before deciding.
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reflection before reacting. In Surah Az-Zumar (39:18), Allah praises those who take time to contemplate:
“Who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding.”
This verse encourages us to listen, analyze, and choose wisely rather than reacting impulsively.
A Call for Reflection
If history teaches us anything, it’s that knowledge alone isn’t enough. Wisdom lies in how we handle it. Do we let it divide us further, or do we use it to bridge our differences?
In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah reminds humanity of its shared origins and the purpose of diversity:
“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.”
As we continue to evolve, perhaps our greatest challenge is not just acquiring new knowledge but learning how to integrate it with wisdom, patience, and a willingness to seek unity rather than division.
