We’re Not All the Same: Embracing Human Differences in the Light of Faith
Why Recognising Spiritual and Psychological Diversity Is Essential for a Compassionate Religious Ethic
In every society, misunderstandings, judgments, and conflicts often arise from a simple but profound truth we tend to forget: we are not all the same. Differences in personality, intellect, emotions, and spirituality are built into our very nature as human beings. Yet this obvious reality is often overlooked—even in religious spaces where compassion and understanding should be the foundation.
Islam, especially in the teachings of the Prophet’s Household (Ahlul Bayt), calls our attention to this diversity—not to erase it, but to respect it. Instead of assuming uniform expectations for everyone, the infallibles (AS) emphasised that each person is a unique creation of God with distinct capabilities and limitations.
“If Only You Knew…”
Imam Jaʿfar al-Sadiq (AS) once said:
“If people knew how God created human beings and how different they are from one another, no one would ever blame another person!”
(Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 44)
This profound insight teaches that we often rush to judgment without understanding the divine wisdom behind human variety. A person struggling with sin might, in the sight of God, be exerting far more effort than someone who appears pious. Why? Because perhaps God endowed them with fewer inner resources—less patience, less knowledge, fewer emotional or psychological supports—and thus He judges them differently.
The Quran also affirms this idea of divine knowledge of human capacity:
"Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear."
(Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, The Cow, Verse 286)
This verse is not just about hardship—it speaks directly to spiritual accountability. God, in His perfect justice and mercy, knows precisely what each of us can handle.
Different Levels of Faith
Imam al-Sadiq (AS) further elaborated that faith itself exists in levels—some people may only reach level one, while others rise to level ten:
“Do not impose the expectations of a level ten believer on a level one believer, or you will crush him. And if he leaves the religion because of you, it is your responsibility to bring him back.”
(Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 45)
This narration is a warning against religious elitism. If a person with stronger faith expects others to immediately conform to their standards, the result can be counterproductive. Rather than lifting others up, it might drive them out of religion altogether.
How many souls have been lost because communities expected too much, too soon? Sometimes, our good intentions result in spiritual harm. The Ahlul Bayt teach us that spiritual growth must be nurtured, not forced.
Why Even Sinners Deserve Compassion
Even those who sin openly should not be dismissed or harshly judged. We do not know their internal struggle, their upbringing, their traumas, or their capacity. The Prophet (S) and his family always met sinners with compassion and understanding—not because they endorsed sin, but because they recognised the deeper human context.
The Quran also echoes this tone:
"Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has gone astray from His way, and He is most knowing of who is rightly guided."
(Quran, Surah al-Najm, Chapter 53, The Star, Verse 30)
A Call to Community Ethics
Understanding human differences should not be a minor idea—it must become an essential part of our religious worldview. Communities built on compassion, patience, and insight will be far more effective in guiding people than those rooted in harsh expectations and uniformity.
Imagine a community where instead of judgment, we found support. Where instead of rejection, we saw gentle advice. Where we saw someone struggling and remembered the words of the Imam (AS):
“If only you knew how different people are…”
In that kind of society, religion becomes a source of healing—not pressure.
Conclusion
The path to God is not a race where everyone runs at the same speed. It is a journey tailored by the Creator to each soul. By respecting the diverse ways in which people walk this path, we uphold a deeper Islamic ethic—one that the Quran and the Ahlul Bayt (AS) so passionately taught.
Let us be humble enough to accept that we do not know others’ capacities. Let us show mercy, as God shows mercy to us.
"And speak to people good [words]..."
(Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, The Cow, Verse 83)
Source: Ali Reza Panahian
Such a helpful article for all of us as we often fall prey to these assumptions and lack the wisdom to grasp that we are all unique and have different experiences and abilities which make it hard to judge - that’s why it is not up to us to judge - that is God’s perogative.