By Dr. Imam Shamsi Ali
We live in a fragmented world where the consequences of racism have produced a deep-seated sickness. Islam recognizes this issue, tracing it back to the devil, Iblis, who said: "انا خير منه" (I am better than him/Adam). The devil claimed to be superior due to being created from fire, while Adam was created from clay. This is believed to be the “first rebellion to Allah committed by His creation in history.
This mentality, which involves feeling superior due to physical or material grounds, has been perpetuated throughout human civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and others. In fact, the colonization of Asia and Africa in the past is just another evident justification of this sick mentality of certain nations.
In recent history, the struggle for racial equality has continued, with notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. in America. Similarly, Arab societies have also grappled with racism prior to Islam.
# Main Principles of Islam
To understand Islam's stance on racial equality and diversity, it's essential to examine the main principles of the religion. Here are three key principles:
1. _At-Tauhid_: Emphasizing the unity of all people under One God, promoting a sense of shared humanity and equality.
1. _Al-Adl_: Islam stresses the importance of justice and fairness, regardless of racial and ethnic background.
2. _Ar-Rahmah_: Islam encourages compassion and kindness (ihsan) towards all people, recognizing the inherent value and dignity (karomah) of all individuals.
# The Quran as the main guidance
The Quran, as the main source of Islamic teaching, emphasizes the basic principles of human equality. These principles can be extracted from various verses of the Quran.
1. _Single Shared Origin_: The Quran states that all humanity was created from a single soul (من نفس واحدة), emphasizing the shared origin and equality of all people (Quran 4:1).
2. _No Superiority_: The Quran clearly states that no person is superior to another based on skin color or racial background (Quran 49:13).
3. _Diversity as a Sign of God's Greatness_: The Quran describes human diversity as a sign of God's greatness and wisdom (Quran 30:22).
4. _Sacredness of Human Life_: Islam teaches that every human life is sacred and inviolable, regardless of their faith, race, or social status (Quran 5:32).
5. _Individual Freedom and Autonomy_: Islam recognizes the importance of individual freedom and autonomy, while also emphasizing the responsibility to use these freedoms wisely, regardless of racial connections (Quran 18:29).
6. _Dignity for All_: The Quran states that all human beings are granted dignity (karomah) by God, regardless of their racial and ethnic connections (Quran 15:70).
7. _Accountability_: Muslims believe in the concept of accountability, where individuals will be held accountable for their actions, which helps maintain human dignity and relations (Quran 3:30).
# Social Impacts of Islamic Rituals
All Islamic rituals, such as congregational daily prayers, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage, have social impacts that promote unity and equality among people of diverse backgrounds.
1. _Prayer and worship_: In Islamic prayer, all individuals, regardless of their background, stand together and worship as equals.
2. _Zakat (Charity)_: Islam's charitable practices, such as Zakat, promote social welfare and equality, regardless of racial or ethnic background.
3._Saum (Fast)_; Fasting reminds the Muslims that their spiritual worth is not determined by their racial or ethnic backgrounds, but by their faith, actions and character.
3. _Hajj (Pilgrimage)_: The Hajj pilgrimage brings together people from diverse backgrounds, promoting unity and equality.
# Prophetic Examples
1. _The Prophet's companions_: The Prophet Muhammad's companions came from diverse backgrounds, including former slaves and people of different ethnicities.
2. _Bilal Ibn Rabah_: Bilal, a former slave, was appointed as the first muezzin (caller to prayer) by the Prophet, demonstrating Islam's rejection of racism.
3. _The Prophet's sermons_: The Prophet's final sermon (khutbah al-wada’) emphasized equality, justice, and compassion. He declared: "There shall be neither superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab over an Arab. And there shall be neither superiority of a white over a black, nor a black over a white, except by virtue of piety (taqwa)."
# A Story of Two Noble Companions
The story of Abu Dzar Al-Gifari and Bilal Ibn Rabah highlights several important principles in Islam. Abu Dzar, from a noble tribe, was sitting with Bilal, a former slave, and disputed on a matter. The argument escalated, and Abu Dzar said, "You, the son of a black woman." Bilal was deeply offended and reported it to the Prophet.
The Prophet reprimanded Abu Dzar, saying, "You are a man who still has some pre-Islamic ignorance."
Then the Prophet turned to Bilal and said, "O Bilal, you are our brother, and you are from us." He emphasized that Bilal's mother was a noble woman, and that Bilal himself was a noble and respected member of the community.
This incident highlights several important principles in Islam:
1. _Equality_: Despite their different backgrounds, Bilal and Abu Dzar were considered equal in the eyes of Allah.
2. _Respect_: The Prophet emphasized the importance of respecting all individuals, regardless of their background or social status.
3. _Prejudice_: The incident shows how pre-Islamic ignorance and prejudice can still linger, but also how Islam seeks to eliminate these attitudes.
4. _Nobility_: The Prophet's words to Bilal emphasized that true nobility comes from one's character and actions, not from their background or social status.
# Conclusion
Islam strongly rejects racism and promotes racial harmony. And the Muslims must carry on this teaching to bring transformation to our society, so that racial harmony and sustainable peace can come to reality.
*Written in commemorating the Martin Luther Day 2025.