According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the Quran presents a foundational classification of humanity into three primary categories based on their response to divine guidance, as detailed in the opening of Surah Al-Baqarah. Ibn Kathir explains these groups are: the Believers (al-Mu’minun or al-Muttaqun), who embrace the guidance of the Quran; the Disbelievers (al-Kafirun), who persistently reject it; and the Hypocrites (al-Munafiqun), who outwardly profess faith while inwardly concealing disbelief. This initial classification focuses on one's worldly state of faith and action. Complementing this, Surah Al-Waqi'ah provides an eschatological classification, dividing people into three groups based on their ultimate destiny: the Foremost (as-Sabiqun), the Companions of the Right (Ashab al-Yamin), and the Companions of the Left (Ashab ash-Shimal). This dual framework of worldly response and ultimate consequence forms the core of the Quranic understanding of human diversity, emphasizing that nobility in the sight of Allah is based not on lineage or wealth, but on taqwa (God-consciousness) and sincere faith.