Learn About Others
O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware
Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13
Not a single fingerprint is the same in the whole world. Even twins are born with unique fingerprints.
We have been created in different genders, shapes, sizes, and colors. We were born into diverse environments and beliefs, cultures, and traditions.
When our hearts remember this truth, we begin to see that faith is not about separating. Beneath every name and language is the same heartbeat, the same Divine breath moving through us all. We are asked to reflect upon these internal and external differences to learn about ourselves and others. I become more aware of what I am through what I am not, when I am exposed to what I do not know.
The verse points us back to this truth: humanity shares one origin, and our differences exist for recognition and connection, not hierarchy. True worth is not found in race or lineage, but in inner integrity, humility, and how we choose to live.
I learn more about others when I become curious and ask, rather than assume or fear what I do not understand. I also understand my traditions, roots, and ancestry more deeply when I realize that common sense is not always common.
The more we learn about others, the more we awaken to the truth of ourselves. Curiosity opens us to new perspectives, guiding us back to our own essence with greater clarity, so our way of living becomes less on autopilot and more intentional.
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.”
Lao Tzu
Today, notice moments of difference.
When you meet someone who thinks, believes, or lives differently from you, pause and reflect before reacting. Is my initial reaction ‘assumption’ or ‘offense’ or do I pause and become curious and ask deeper questions to understand more about their intention, or their reasons that led them to reach this view point?
Without self judgement, become more self aware of your internal dialogue when interacting with someone ‘different’ or thinks ‘differently’ and instead of thinking of a black-or-white reality, widen your scope to invite various perspectives.
Let difference become a teacher, guiding you toward greater self-awareness and more intentional living.
“We are living during a time in our society when fear and mistrust among people of different racial groups are becoming the norm rather than the exception. […] Although we have made great strides in learning how to connect with people beyond our discomforts and fears to see others […] as people value, and worth. If we are honest, there is still much work to be done.”
The Colors of Culture: The Beauty of Diverse Friendships – Melinda Joy Mingo
“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you. Maybe it will be your skin, your clothes, or the curl of your hair. There will be times when no one understands the ways words curl from your mouth, the beautiful language of the country you left behind.”
The Day You Begin – Jacqueline Woodson
