What is meant by the words "nations" (shu'ūban) and "tribes" (qabā'ila) in the noble verse: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you nations 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"?

Al-Shu'ub (peoples): Plural of sha'b (people), and it refers to a large number of people who share a common origin, such as the Arabs and the Turks.

Al-Qaba'il (tribes): Plural of qabilah (tribe), and these are the divisions into which peoples are divided, such as Quraish and Ghatafan. A tribe is divided into 'amair (clans), and an 'amirah is divided into butun (sub-clans), and the butun comprise the afkhadh (lineages), and the afkhadh comprise the fasail (families).