Is the meaning of "peoples and tribes" in the noble verse "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" referring to current peoples and tribes (like nations and families) or to the ancient origins of humanity? And is the variation in people's appearances evidence of their own errors after Allah perfected their creation, in accordance with the two verses: "We have certainly created man in the best of stature" and "Whatever good reaches you is from Allah, but whatever evil befalls you is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to mankind as a messenger. And sufficient is Allah as Witness"?
Scholars have mentioned multiple interpretations for "Shu'ub" (peoples) and "Qaba'il" (tribes) as mentioned in Allah's (SWT) saying: "and We made you into peoples and tribes." Among these interpretations is that "Shu'ub" refers to the major clans (such as Rabi'a and Mudar), and "Qaba'il" refers to the sub-clans. It was also said that "Shu'ub" are those whose lineage is distant, or they are the Arabs of Yemen, or the clans of non-Arabs ('Ajam), or the Mawali (clients), while "Qaba'il" are of a lesser lineage than that, or they are from Adnan, or the clans of the Arabs. As for the diversity in people's appearances, it is evidence of Allah's (SWT) power and profound wisdom, even if we do not comprehend the wisdom behind all of His actions.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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