Diversity of Creatures

The Quran frequently acknowledges the diversity of life on earth as a testament to Allah’s creativity. Surah Fatir [35:28] points towards the diversity in humans, animals, and natural phenomena as signs for the learned. It alludes to the varied colors, languages, and behaviors as a deliberate act of creation. Furthermore, in Surah Al-An’am [6:38], the mention that there is not an animal on the land or a bird that flies with its wings that are not like communities unto themselves re-emphasizes the idea of structural and social complexity in the animal kingdom. These ayahs recognize the vast range of creatures and the specific roles each plays within the ecosystem as part of a divinely orchestrated world.

وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍۢ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَٰٓئِرٍۢ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم ۚ مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مِن شَىْءٍۢ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ

There is no animal on land, nor a bird flying with its wings, but are communities like you. We neglected nothing in the Scripture. Then to their Lord they will be gathered.

The Holy Quran · Al-An'aam (The Cattle) · 6:38

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱلدَّوَآبِّ وَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ مُخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ كَذَٰلِكَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَٰٓؤُا۟ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ

Likewise, human beings, animals, and livestock come in various colors. From among His servants, the learned fear God. God is Almighty, Oft-Forgiving.

The Holy Quran · Faatir (The Originator) · 35:28