Is Human Diversity Due to Prophet Adam’s Creation and Geographical Adaptation?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is it permissible to say that human diversity in skin tone and features is due both to Adam being created from various types of earth and to geographical adaptation, such as darker skin near the equator or narrower eyes in snowy regions?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
Yes, it is permissible to say Prophet Adam was created from various types of earth. However, one should not specify the actual point and location.
Abu Musa (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Verily, Allah Most High created Adam from a handful which He took from the earth, so the children of Adam come in accordance with the earth. Some come with red skin, white skin, or black skin, and whatever is in between: thin, thick, dirty, and clean.” [Tirmidhi]
Reminder
Mindfulness and fear of Allah (taqwa) is the only quality that makes someone virtuous in the sight of Allah, not race, skin color, lineage, social status, or country of origin. This message against racism and tribalism was delivered by the Prophet (ṣ) during his farewell sermon, demonstrating to us how important it is in Islam.
Abu Nadra (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said in the final days of the pilgrimage:
“O people, your Lord is one, and your father Adam is one. There is no favor of an Arab over a foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin, nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness. Have I not delivered the message?“ [Ahmad]
Please go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, they will provide you with guidance and direction.
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
