The verse 213 of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a brilliant gem within the Divine discourse, opens a gateway towards understanding human history, evolution, and transformations. This verse, with unparalleled conciseness and profundity, speaks of the original unity of human societies and elucidates the role of the prophets and the celestial scripture in guiding humanity towards truth and perfection. This treatise, by aggregating exegetical discourses and scholarly analyses, endeavours a comprehensive examination of this verse. The structure of this work, organised systematically and employing refined allegories, is designed to offer a profound and coherent knowledge base for specialised audiences. Each section, with detailed analysis and semantic linkages, enriches the understanding of the verse, culminating in a thorough synthesis of Quranic concepts.
The people were a single nation.
Key Point: The phrase كَانَ النَّاسُ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً refers to an ancient epoch when humanity lived in a natural unity devoid of doctrinal disputes. This unity does not imply homogenisation but rather a synergy within a collective identity.
The term كَانَ النَّاسُ points to a remote past wherein humankind, prior to the advent of prophets, existed as a cohesive population without sectarian strife. The word أُمَّةً, derived from the root أم implying intent and foundation, denotes a group sharing a common identity and purpose, in contrast to ناس, which simply means a population. This singular ummah, irrespective of multiplicity and theological differences, lived in natural harmony. This period arguably predates the creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), since Adam, as the first human and prophet, was not an ummah per se but rather a pivotal commencement of Divine mission.
Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), as the inaugural human of the current species and a prophet, bore a mission from the moment of creation. Unlike prophets such as Abraham (peace be upon him), who received prophethood at an advanced age, Adam was a prophet ab initio. Nevertheless, the limited number of initial persons (Adam, Eve, Abel, and Cain) cannot constitute an ummah, as the term denotes a social body with collective identity and structure. The conflict between Abel and Cain represents a familial dispute rather than the communal divergences alluded to in the verse.
The use of كَانَ in the verse refers to a primordial pre-prophetic era during which humanity existed first as a population (ناس) and subsequently as an ummah (a community with shared identity). This epoch relates to early human genesis stages, distinct from biological evolution theories, emphasising cultural and spiritual development. Some commentators reject linking the verse to evolution, but such a stance conflicts with the verses profound historicity. The Quran, in its comprehensive wisdom, presents ancient history in a manner necessitating deep reflection.
The initial unity of humanity, like a seed in the fertile soil of history, laid the groundwork for subsequent transformations. This unity indicates not merely social harmony but also provides a framework for understanding pre-prophetic stages of humanity. The verse, with brevity, penetrates the depths of human history and spiritual evolution, inviting reflection on Divine wisdom.
Then Allah sent forth the Prophets as bringers of glad tidings and warners.
Key Point: The sending of prophets marked a turning point in human history, guiding humanity from natural unity towards spiritual and social maturity by announcing mercy and warning against deviation.
God, by sending the prophets, led humanity from natural unity to knowledge and perfection. The prophets, with dual roles as mubashshirn (bearers of glad tidings) and mundhirn (warners), initially attracted people through promises of mercy and felicity and then deterred them from deviation through warnings. This balance epitomises prophetic pedagogy consistent with Divine wisdom. Absence of glad tidings in religious preaching results in disillusionment, whereas prophets prioritised encouragement to attract hearts to truth.
And revealed with them the Scripture in truth.
The celestial scripture, like an engineered blueprint, provided a manual for human guidance. This scripture was revealed with truth (bil-haqq) to serve as a criterion for just arbitration in disputes. The prophets, lacking autonomy, acted solely as executors of Divine will; all their actions were by Gods permission. This dependence exemplifies the unity of Divine acts (tawhid al-afl), reflected also in verses such as And you did not throw when you threw, but it was Allah who threw (Al-Anfal: 17).
That He might judge between the people concerning that wherein they differed.
The purpose of the scripture was to resolve theological and social disputes arising post-prophetic mission. These disputes, unlike natural diversity (divine mercy), were deleterious and stemmed from arrogance (bghiy baynahum). Prophets, through education and guidance, advanced humanity towards maturity and knowledge; however, such transformation occasionally provoked conflicts necessitating scriptural arbitration.
The prophets, like skilled chefs, nurtured human society from rawness
