Islam Against Racism

Racism is a deeply rooted issue that has plagued humanity throughout history, causing division, oppression, and hatred. Islam, as a universal religion, unequivocally opposes racism in all its forms and promotes equality, justice, and unity among all people. The Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasize that every human being is equal in the sight of Allah, regardless of race, ethnicity, or color.

Allah reminds humanity of their shared origin in the Qur’an:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٖ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبٗا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا۟ۚ إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡۚ
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinforced this message in his Farewell Sermon, saying:

“لَا فَضْلَ لِعَرَبِيٍّ عَلَىٰ أَعْجَمِيٍّ وَلَا لِأَعْجَمِيٍّ عَلَىٰ عَرَبِيٍّ، وَلَا لِأَحْمَرَ عَلَىٰ أَسْوَدَ، وَلَا لِأَسْوَدَ عَلَىٰ أَحْمَرَ إِلَّا بِالتَّقْوَىٰ.”
“No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have superiority over a white person—except by piety.” (Musnad Ahmad, 23489)

This article delves into Islam’s stance on racism, exploring the Qur’anic verses and prophetic teachings that promote unity and equality among all.

The Equality of Humanity in the Qur’an

The Qur’an lays a fundamental principle for equality by emphasizing the shared origin of all humans. Allah states:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفۡسٖ وَٰحِدَةٖ وَخَلَقَ مِنۡهَا زَوۡجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنۡهُمَا رِجَالٗا كَثِيرٗا وَنِسَآءٗۚ
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:1)

This verse reminds humanity of their common origin, establishing that no race or ethnicity has superiority over another.

In another verse, Allah makes it clear that diversity is part of His divine wisdom:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٖ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبٗا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ۚ إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡۚ
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)

This verse highlights that racial and ethnic diversity is not a cause for division but a means of mutual understanding and appreciation. The true measure of worth in the eyes of Allah is not race but piety.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Fight Against Racism

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a living embodiment of Qur’anic principles. His teachings and actions demonstrated his commitment to eradicating racism and promoting equality.

The Farewell Sermon

One of the most profound declarations against racism was made during the Prophet’s ﷺ Farewell Sermon:

“يَا أَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ، أَلَا إِنَّ رَبَّكُمۡ وَاحِدٌ، وَإِنَّ أَبَاكُمۡ وَاحِدٌ. أَلَا لَا فَضۡلَ لِعَرَبِيٍّ عَلَىٰ أَعۡجَمِيٍّ، وَلَا لِأَعۡجَمِيٍّ عَلَىٰ عَرَبِيٍّ، وَلَا لِأَحۡمَرَ عَلَىٰ أَسۡوَدَ، وَلَا لِأَسۡوَدَ عَلَىٰ أَحۡمَرَ، إِلَّا بِٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ.”
“O people, your Lord is One and your father is one. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, nor of a white person over a black person, nor a black person over a white person, except by piety.” (Musnad Ahmad, 23489)

This declaration dismantled the foundations of racism and tribalism, affirming that all humans are equal before Allah.

The Example of Bilal ibn Rabah (RA)

Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), a former slave of African descent, became one of the most esteemed companions of the Prophet ﷺ. His selection as the first muezzin (caller to prayer) is a powerful testament to Islam’s stance against racism. Despite societal prejudices, the Prophet ﷺ honored Bilal’s faith and character, making him a symbol of equality and justice.

Hadiths Condemning Racism

The Prophet ﷺ explicitly condemned all forms of racism and arrogance based on lineage or ethnicity:

“إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدۡ أَذۡهَبَ عَنكُمۡ عُبِّيَّةَ ٱلۡجَاهِلِيَّةِ وَفَخۡرَهَا بِٱلۡآبَآءِ. إِنَّمَا هُوَ مُؤۡمِنٌ تَقِيٌّ، وَفَاجِرٌ شَقِيٌّ. ٱلنَّاسُ كُلُّهُمۡ بَنُوٓ آدَمَ، وَآدَمُ خُلِقَ مِنۡ تُرَابٍ.”
“Indeed, Allah has removed from you the pride of pre-Islamic ignorance and its boasting about ancestors. A person is either a righteous believer or a miserable sinner. All people are the children of Adam, and Adam was created from dust.” (Sunan Abi Dawood, 5116)

Another Hadith emphasizes the consequences of racial arrogance:

“لَيۡسَ مِنَّا مَنۡ دَعَا إِلَىٰ عَصَبِيَّةٍ، وَلَيۡسَ مِنَّا مَنۡ قَاتَلَ عَلَىٰ عَصَبِيَّةٍ، وَلَيۡسَ مِنَّا مَنۡ مَاتَ عَلَىٰ عَصَبِيَّةٍ.”
“He is not one of us who calls for tribalism, or fights for tribalism, or dies following tribalism.” (Sunan Abi Dawood, 5121)

Islam’s Practical Solutions to Racism

Unity Through Worship

Islam fosters unity and equality through communal acts of worship. The daily prayers, the weekly Friday congregational prayer, and the annual Hajj pilgrimage all bring Muslims from diverse backgrounds together, reinforcing the message of equality.

During Hajj, Muslims of all races and nationalities wear the same simple white garments, symbolizing unity and equality before Allah. This powerful image of racial harmony is a reminder of Islam’s universal message.

Brotherhood in Faith

The Qur’an establishes the concept of brotherhood among believers:

إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ إِخۡوَةٞ فَأَصۡلِحُواْ بَيۡنَ أَخَوَيۡكُمۡۚ
“The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:10)

This brotherhood transcends racial and ethnic barriers, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual respect.

Emphasis on Character Over Lineage

Islam teaches that the true measure of a person’s worth is their character and piety, not their race or lineage. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡ.”
“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)

Modern Implications of Islam’s Teachings Against Racism

Islam’s stance on racism provides valuable lessons for addressing contemporary issues of racial discrimination and injustice:

• Promoting Education and Awareness
  Understanding and spreading the Qur’anic teachings on equality can challenge prejudices and foster a more inclusive society.
• Advocating Justice

Islam calls for justice for all, regardless of race or ethnicity. Allah commands:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَـٰنِ
“Indeed, Allah commands justice and good conduct.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)

• Fostering Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue
  Engaging in meaningful dialogue can help break down stereotypes and promote mutual understanding.

Conclusion: Islam Against Racism

Islam’s stance against racism is clear and uncompromising. The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize the equality of all humans, rejecting any form of discrimination based on race or ethnicity. By upholding these principles, Islam provides a framework for fostering unity, justice, and mutual respect in a diverse world.

As believers, it is our duty to embody these teachings, challenging racism wherever it exists and promoting the universal message of equality and brotherhood. May Allah guide us to be true representatives of His message and agents of positive change in the world.

وَمَا تَوۡفِيقِيٓ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ
“And my success is not but through Allah.” (Surah Hud, 11:88)

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