Final answer:
The Qur'an declares the noblest humans to be those who believe in God, the Last Day, and perform good works, irrespective of specific faith backgrounds such as Muslims, Jews, or Christians. This universalistic approach respects the shared spiritual heritage with Judaism and Christianity but also reinforces the finality of Muhammad's prophethood.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Qur'an, the noblest human beings are those who hold firm belief in God and the Last Day and engage in righteous deeds. This is inclusive of Muslims, Jews, Christians, and the Sabians as mentioned in Qur'an 2.62. The noblest are not determined by tribe or ethnicity but by piety and their adherence to the principles of Tawhid (the oneness of God) and good conduct.
The early ummah or community was a 'community of believers' including Muslims and others who joined them. The Qur'an respects the shared spiritual heritage with Judaism and Christianity, acknowledging previous prophets and the role Jesus played as a prophet but rejecting the divine paternity and the concept of the Trinity. It also outlines the belief that the Arabs received a new prophet, Muhammad, to renew the original monotheistic message after a period of idol worship and ignorance (jahiliyyah).
Through its teachings, the Qur'an emphasizes a universalistic approach, acknowledging the validity of previous Abrahamic faiths, but asserting the finality of Muhammad's prophethood.