Racism is particularly a belief that one race is all the way superior or inferior to another. It is the concept of racial separatism that at times people get apart from each other based on the racism aspect. Though a person’s social and ethical traits come through the instinctive biological characteristics. But still, racism in the world goes far beyond our thoughts.
Racism is not new and it has observed throughout the whole human history. It is the hatred of one person that he carries for another person and thinks him as less than human due to his skin color, language, customs, place of birth, or any other factor. This has been the basis of several wars, slavery, and the formation of nations and countries.
The recent incident that the world has witnessed is the murder of George Floyd that has highlighted the bitterness of racism of white people towards the blacks. Floyd has been murdered recently by US policemen where the other police teams were seeing this brutal killing. In spite of showing mercy to the deceased, they killed him in front of the public even when he was making several requests to leave him. The incident has significantly highlighted the racism aspect that people are still carrying in their hearts. This murder has left the question as to which era we are living in?
What does Islam say about Racism?
When we look upon history, there are several incidents took place that highlight racism. Throughout the past few centuries, racism conducted by the Western powers towards blacks, in particular, laid a significant impact on history. Racism in Islam is prohibited and our religion declares all humans are equal. No one has superiority over another human. Hazrat Bilal (RA) was from black cast yet our last Prophet Muhammad (saw) loved him most.
Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Racism in Islam is forbidden. All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab. Also, a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O people, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born.
Reference: See Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361. Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98.
By seeing different Hadiths and Quranic verses, it is all visible that we are human and breathe the same. Our skin color, cast, and nationalities don’t matter at any stage of life. It is high time to stand up against racism and change these thoughts of the world that are hindering the happiness.
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