Racism is one of the worst forms of discrimination in our world today, and should not condoned. Sadly, it is still very common and continues to be a problem.
In Islam, racism is not allowed.
Everyone is equal in the sight of Allah subhaanah wata’ala and the Quran signifies this.
The Quran states:
“O mankind, We have created you all from a single (pair of a) male and female and made you nations and tribes so that you get to know one another; verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most mindful of Him. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” Quran: 49:13
This passage shows us that everyone, regardless of skin color, ethnicity and creed are equal. We are all judged upon our faithfulness.
Furthermore, all people are alike in origin, nature, reason for existence, and morality. The Qur’an states: ‘We have created you from a male and a female, and we have made you into nations and tribes to get to know one another.’ (Al-Hujurat: 13)
No Arab is superior over a non-Arab, and neither a white is superior over a black nor a black over a white – Superiority is by righteousness and God-fearing alone {Hadith}
During the lifetime of Muhammad (PBUH), the Arabs practiced racism very much, under the name of tribalism that was very common. Islam however, came to eradicate this.
In Khutbatul Wada’ (also known as The Last Sermon of Muhammad), Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“O mankind, there is no superiority for an Arab man/woman over a non-Arab man/woman, or for a non-Arab man/woman over an Arab man/woman, or for white man/woman over a black man/woman, or for a black man/woman over a white man/woman. All of you are descended from Adam and Adam has been created from dust of the ground.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asserted that the only criterion for being better than another is piety and character. We must compete in behaving better with others and helping all of humanity. Allah wata’ala says, ‘The most valued of you in Allah’s Sight is the most God-conscious.’ (Al-Hujurat: 3)
When one looks at Muslim pilgrims in the Holy City of Makkah as an example, one can see the unity of people of all Faiths and backgrounds standing shoulder to shoulder, praying alongside each other despite the differences.
In Islam and in the presence of the Almighty, our looks and our gender do not matter, but what is inside us that counts.
