MUSA-ODODO ABDULRAHAMAN
The concept of the Divine Origin of Nation is rooted in the eternal truth that God, the Creator of the Universe, designed only one nation: Mankind. Humankind, as the ultimate creation of God, was meant to exist as one big family, united by shared origin, purpose, and destiny. Any form of division – political, racial, ethnic, or cultural – is secondary to the fundamental truth of human unity under divine creation.
This understanding is pivotal in nations like Nigeria, where both Islam and Christianity co-exist almost equally, emphasizing the need for a balanced perspective drawn from both traditions.
Creation of Humankind: The Shared Ancestry
The story of human creation is unanimously affirmed in both the Bible and the Quran, reinforcing the idea that all humans come from a single source.
Biblical Context
The Bible states in Genesis 1:27:
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse highlights the inherent dignity and equality of all humans, as they are created in the divine image, forming one unified family.
Further, in Genesis 2:7, it says:
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
This divine breath is the unifying essence of humanity, signifying shared life and purpose.
Quranic Context
The Quran echoes this unity in Surah An-Nisa (4:1):
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.”
This verse underscores the origin of all humanity from a single soul, reminding us of our shared ancestry and mutual obligations.
Similarly, Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13) states:
“O mankind, We have created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes so 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.”
This establishes that diversity in nations and tribes is meant for understanding and collaboration, not division or superiority.
Historical Context: From Unity to Division
Historically, humankind’s shared origin in Africa, as evidenced by anthropological and genetic studies, aligns with these spiritual teachings. The dispersal of human populations led to cultural and linguistic diversity, but the essence of humanity remained one.
- Unity in the Early Civilizations:
Early human societies often revolved around communal living and shared resources, reflecting the divine ideal of unity. The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Indus Valley civilizations recognized a higher cosmic order that governed all people. - The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9):
The Bible narrates how humanity’s unity was disrupted at Babel when God confused their languages. While this story illustrates the origins of diversity, it also serves as a reminder of humanity’s shared purpose under divine guidance. - Human Migration and Divergence:
Over millennia, as humans migrated and adapted to different environments, they developed distinct cultures, languages, and systems of governance. However, these differences were meant to enrich human experience, not to create divisions.
The Divine Purpose of Mankind
- Unity in Worship and Stewardship
Both Islam and Christianity emphasize the role of humanity as God’s stewards on Earth. This shared responsibility calls for collaboration and mutual respect.
In the Bible: Psalm 24:1 states,
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
In the Quran: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30) recounts God’s declaration:
“Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority (khalifah).”
Humanity’s divine purpose is to care for creation, reflecting God’s wisdom and justice.
- Diversity as a Blessing
Diversity, whether in culture, language, or tradition, is a manifestation of divine creativity. It is not meant to divide but to foster learning and appreciation.
Bible: Acts 17:26 affirms,
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
Quran: Surah Ar-Rum (30:22) declares,
“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.”
Transcendent Wisdom: Lessons for Modern Nations
The recognition of the Divine Origin of Nation holds profound lessons for humanity today:
- Human Brotherhood:
The acknowledgment that all humans share a single origin fosters empathy, peace, and a sense of global responsibility. - Equality and Justice:
Divinely inspired teachings reject discrimination and inequality. Nations must strive to treat all individuals with dignity, as reflected in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in his Farewell Sermon:
“No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action.” - Collaboration for Peace:
Nations should work together to address global challenges, transcending boundaries and interests.
Conclusion: Toward a Unified Humanity
The Divine Origin of Nation calls humanity to return to its true essence – a single family under God. Both Islam and Christianity emphasize this shared origin and purpose, urging us to transcend divisions and work toward a world of peace, justice, and mutual respect.
In a diverse and vibrant nation like Nigeria, this eternal truth serves as a unifying principle, reminding all citizens – regardless of faith or background – that they are part of one divine plan. By embracing this profound wisdom, humanity can fulfill its destiny as stewards of God’s creation, building a world that reflects divine harmony and unity.
ONE GOD ONE HUMANITY!!!
Abdulrahaman is the Founder, Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE).
Chairman, National Policy Dialogue.
www.nationalpolicydialogue.org