Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2955
Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Indeed Allah Most High created Adam from a handful that He took from all of the earth. So the children of Adam come in according with the earth, some of them come red, and white and black, and between that, and the thin, the thick, the filthy, and the clean.”

• This hadith narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari explains the diversity among the human race in terms of physical appearances, such as skin color, body type, and cleanliness. According to the hadith, Allah created Adam from a handful of earth taken from all over the world, and thus his descendants come in different colors and shapes, which are all part of Allah’s grand plan. This creation story in the hadith is consistent with the Quranic account of the creation of Adam, where Allah created Adam from clay (Quran 38:71-72) and breathed into him the spirit (Quran 15:29). Furthermore, the Quran mentions the concept of human diversity in terms of color and language, indicating that these differences are a sign of Allah’s creative power and wisdom (Quran 30:22, 49:13). The reference to Quran 7:172 in this context emphasizes the idea that all human beings are created by Allah and are accountable to Him. According to this verse, Allah took a pledge from all of Adam’s descendants before their birth, asking them if He was their Lord. They all testified that He was, affirming their recognition of their Creator and their commitment to obey His commandments. Therefore, the hadith and the Quranic verse together underscore the fundamental Islamic belief that all human beings are equal in the eyes of Allah, regardless of their physical appearance or background. The diversity among human beings is a sign of Allah’s power and creativity, and it should be celebrated and appreciated rather than used as a basis for discrimination or prejudice.

The Message of Unity and Equality in Islam

This hadith, along with the Quranic references, teaches two key lessons:

1. Diversity is a Sign of Allah’s Wisdom

   • Differences in race, skin color, and physical attributes should not lead to racism or discrimination, as they are all part of Allah’s divine plan.
   • 📖 Quran 30:22 – “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.”
   • This verse affirms that human diversity is one of the signs of Allah’s greatness, meant to be appreciated rather than used as a means of division.

2. Superiority is Based on Righteousness, Not Race

   • Islam does not judge people based on color, race, or lineage, but rather on their faith and character.
   • 📖 Quran 49:13 – “Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also stated in his Farewell Sermon:
     • “No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, and no white person has superiority over a black person, except through righteousness.”

Conclusion

The hadith explains that human beings came from Adam, who was created from diverse soil, leading to differences in their physical, moral, and spiritual characteristics. The phrase “they came” refers both to their physical traits (from different soils) and their spiritual existence (as souls created by Allah before birth). The message of this hadith aligns with the Quran in emphasizing that diversity is a sign of Allah’s wisdom, and true superiority lies in righteousness, not race or physical features.