﴿ وَمَا كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ إِلَّآ أُمَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ فَٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ ۚ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌۭ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ فِيمَا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ ﴾

“AND [know that] all mankind were once but one single community, and only later did they begin to hold divergent views. And had it not been for a decree- that had already gone forth from thy Sustainer, all their differences would indeed have been settled [from the outset].”

(Mankind) in the time of Abraham, and it is said in the time of Noah (were but one community) following one religion: the religion of disbelief, and so Allah sent prophets as warners and bringers of glad tidings; (then they differed) two parties emerged: believers and disbelievers; (and had it not been for a word) to delay the punishment of this nation (that had already gone forth from thy Lord) that had already been enjoined by your Lord (it had been judged between them) they would have been destroyed (about that) about religion (wherein they differ) they opposed.