Polymorphism in pilgrimage through a geneticist’s eyes

I had the privilege of performing Hajj (pilgrimage) this year. I had previously visited in 1984 when I was a fourth-year medical student, at a time when there were only 200,000 pilgrims. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has surged to 2 million pilgrims. I observed a rich tapestry of diversity among individuals hailing from Asia, India, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North and South Americas. One could discern their origins from their flags or the information displayed on their backpacks. Among the European pilgrims, I could  identify the French language. This brought to mind the Quranic verses:

"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 the scientists." 

(The Romans 30:22)

"Do you not see that God sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains are tracts, white and red of varying shades and some extremely black." 

(The Creator 35:27)

"And among people and moving creatures and grazing livestock are various colors similarly. Scientists who fear God, from among His servants, who have knowledge. Indeed, God is Exalted in Might and Forgiving." 

(The Creator 35:28)

From a geneticist's perspective, I noted several instances that were overlooked in their youth, such as craniosynostosis. I encountered a woman who appeared to be suffering from skeletal dysplasia, introduced to me by a mutual acquaintance. Upon learning of my medical background, she shared her medical history with me, revealing that she also has liver cirrhosis. She has not undergone genetic testing, which will be our next course of action upon returning home.

In conclusion, the Hajj season serves as a testament to human diversity as one of God's signs, illustrating how human unity can thrive amidst this diversity, transcending linguistic and racial barriers in a setting of shared worship and brotherhood.

"O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes 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." 

(The Rooms 49:13)