perfection. It is change which, while preserving the values achieved,
adds to them and raises them to a higher level.
II. Universal HumanityThe Qur'an affirms the unity of mankind and disapproves of any
attempt to divide mankind into superior and inferior groups on the
basis of colour, race, caste or creed. It tells us that "mankind is but
one community" (2:213). Moreover, this unity is not regarded as
springing from similarity of body structure but as having its source
in the heart. Says the Qur'an: "Your creation and your raising up are
only as the creation and raising of a single self" (31:28). The first and
foremost task of an Islamic society is to preserve and enhance this
unity. Shortsighted men, however, are tempted to adopt ways of
living that tend to weaken it:
The transgressors break the covenant of God, after the establishment
thereof, and cut asunder what God has commanded to be joined ( 2 : 27 ).
The Qur'an is eminently practical in its approach to life. It does
not merely hold up an ideal which we are asked to admire and gaze
upon. It shows the way in which the ideal can be realised in actual
life. The unity of mankind which is real but invisible is to be made
manifest through the effort of man. The first step in the unification
of mankind was taken by Abraham (PBUH). Before him, each tribe
worshipped its own tribal god and believed in the tribal unity
symbolised by its totem. Abraham (PBUH) first built the House
which was dedicated to the God of all and symbolised the unity of
mankind. It was the first common platform for men:
Lo! The first House built for Mankind was that at Mecca (3:95).
This House, the Ka'bah, was the visible symbol of peace and
security for all men:
And whosoever enters it, is safe (3:96).
The Ka'bah is not invested with any sanctity. It derives its
importance from what it symbolises. The flag is the symbol of
national unity; the sceptre is the symbol of kingly power. The Ka'bah
is the symbol of the real unity of all mankind. Symbols are termed
sha'air-ullah in the Qur'an. The Ka'bah symbolises the unity of
mankind as well as the universal political organisation which is
adumbrated in the Qur'an: "We made the House at Mecca a resort
Islam: A Challenge to Religion 233