THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaumul Arba'a. 1st day of Muharram, 1444AH (Wednesday, 19th July, 2023).

RACISM, NATIONALISM AND DISCRIMINATION ETC ARE FORBIDDEN IN ISLAM . BismilLaah.

It's a sad reality that discrimination has become part of Muslims attitude towards each other. In Europe or abroad in particular, you go to some masjids especially those dominated by the middle east brothers and sisters, they look at you as if you shouldn't be part of them. Some don't even stand shoulder to shoulder with you and they hardly ask for your wellbeing even if you missed some days absence to masjid. To even get them to mourn with you when you loose your relative is difficult for them just because of our colour. 

Islam strictly rejects the whole notion of racism and condemns it to its very core. The religion of Islam stands on a solid foundation based on the concept of mutual love and brotherhood, which in essence, out rightly rejects discrimination based on color, race, ethnicity, blood, power or any man-made distinctions, for that matter.

All were created equal in the eyes of ALLAH (SWT). Islam out rightly rejects favoritism be it in terms of monetary privileges or biological differences. The only distinguishing factors among individuals is their level of faith and piety.

ALLAH says;

“O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes for you to know one another. Truly, the noblest of you with ALLAH is the most pious. Truly, ALLAH is All-Knowing, All-Aware” (Quran, 49:13).

In today’s world, racism has integrated itself into the core fabric of social structures that govern our modern day societies. It has manifested into one of the most prevalent diseases plaguing human communities today. Not one day goes by where you pick up a newspaper or put on a news channel or tune into the radio, and you are not bombarded with news of racial discrimination, violence, war and terror. One cannot help but wonder about the triggers of such tragic instances prevailing across the globe.

Equality and justice in Islam leaves no room for injustice and racism to exist. During the Prophet’s (sallalLaahu Alaihi Wasallam) time, the problem of racism was purposefully eliminated so the concept of superiority was only valid when it came to a person’s level of fear of ALLAH (SWT) and his righteousness. Islam places great emphasis on the concept of brotherhood among humans, irrespective of their characteristics and position. Prophet Muhammad’s (sallalLaahu Alaihi Wasallam) highlighted this matter in his last sermon as well, where he said:

“O people! Your God is one and your forefather (Adam) is one. An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red person, except in piety” (Musnad Ahmad, 22978)

The religion of Islam is not confined to any nation, race or ethnicity; it is for the entire human race. It is universal. It brings together the entire human race under one umbrella of equality and unites us in our ultimate purpose of worshipping ALLAH (SWT) and ALLAH (SWT) alone. This equality is also practically demonstrated through Islamic practices of worship like Hajj, the annual pilgrimage, where people from all around the globe gather in Makkah with the sole purpose of worshipping ALLAH (SWT). And we do so, wearing the same piece of cloth, carrying out the same acts of worship and speaking the same words- to further emphasize the fact that at the end of the day, everyone is equal in the eyes of ALLAH (SWT).

If you want to raise your rank in comparison to your fellow believers, increase your piety and work towards building a stronger bond with ALLAH (SWT) instead of running after temporary materialistic gains and monitory benefits. Instead of hatred and injustice, practice love and equality, for ALLAH (SWT) loves those who love HIS creation. Condemn racism and promote acceptance and tolerance, for it is our duty as Muslims to play our part, however little, in making this world a better one. May ALLAH keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences . Aameen.