Fighting Racism and Prejudice: The Islamic Way

Racism and discrimination are among the most toxic diseases plaguing humanity today. Whether based on color, ethnicity, language, or social status, discrimination continues to divide societies and fuel injustice. It strips people of dignity, causes hatred, and leads to oppression in both subtle and obvious ways. While many international movements and laws aim to fight racism, Islam addressed and condemned it over 1400 years ago. Through the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, Islam provides a powerful solution rooted in justice, brotherhood, and equality.

The Reality of Racism and Discrimination
Racism is not just about hateful words or violent actions. It can take the form of job discrimination, unequal opportunities, unfair treatment, or even stereotypes rooted in pride or ignorance. Discrimination creates barriers to peace and progress, and it fosters resentment and deep wounds in the hearts of individuals and communities. Whether it happens in schools, workplaces, or even religious spaces, the harm it causes is undeniable.

Islamic View on Human Equality
Islam firmly rejects all forms of racism and promotes the idea that all humans are equal in the sight of Allah. The Qur’an declares:

“O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”
(Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)

This verse is one of the strongest declarations of human equality in any religious or legal text. It clarifies that differences in ethnicity or background are a means to recognize and appreciate one another, not to claim superiority. What matters to Allah is not skin color or language, but taqwa (God-consciousness).

The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered one of the most powerful anti-racism messages in his Farewell Sermon at Arafah. He said:

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white — except by piety and good action.”
(Musnad Ahmad)

This sermon, delivered to thousands of companions, set the foundation for an anti-racist society based on mutual respect, shared faith, and moral character. Islam doesn’t tolerate racial or ethnic pride, and the Prophet ﷺ made it clear that such attitudes are remnants of ignorance (jahiliyyah).

Examples from the Life of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not only speak against racism — he lived by his words. He uplifted those who were once treated as outcasts by society.

• Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), a former African slave, was given the honor of calling the adhan (call to prayer). The Prophet chose him for his sincerity and faith, not his background.
• When someone once criticized Bilal’s race, the Prophet ﷺ became visibly upset and said, “You are a man who still has ignorance in you.” (Sahih Muslim)
• Salman al-Farsi (RA), a Persian, was praised and called “a member of my family” by the Prophet ﷺ.
• In gatherings, the Prophet never placed Arabs above non-Arabs. His close companions came from all regions and races.

These examples show that Islam doesn’t just tolerate diversity — it honors it.

Why Racism Still Exists
Despite these clear teachings, racism still exists today, even among Muslims. Some reasons include:

• Cultural pride that overrides religious values
• Lack of proper Islamic education
• Influence of colonial mindsets and nationalism
• Weak connection to Islamic brotherhood
• Social pressure and inherited prejudice

Islam does not blame a person for being born into a certain race or tribe. However, it does hold people accountable for how they treat others. Pride based on race or language is not only rejected, it is condemned.

Islamic Solutions to End Racism
Islam offers a complete moral and spiritual framework to fight racism and discrimination:

• Strengthen Islamic brotherhood: See each believer as your brother or sister in faith, regardless of background.
• Educate with the Qur’an and Hadith: Teach young and old that superiority is only through righteousness.
• Speak out against racism: Silence encourages injustice. Islam encourages standing up for the oppressed.
• Celebrate diversity: Understand that differences are a sign of Allah’s creation, not a reason for division.
• Avoid nationalistic pride: Love your country or culture, but never allow it to make you feel superior to others.
• Choose leaders and friends based on character and faith — not race or status.

Conclusion
Racism and discrimination go against the very heart of Islam. Our religion calls for justice, unity, and equality, reminding us that we all come from the same origin and will return to the same Lord. Whether black or white, Arab or non-Arab, rich or poor — no one is superior except by faith and piety. As Muslims, we are commanded to root out any sense of pride or prejudice and to reflect the Prophetic model of mercy, humility, and fairness. The real victory lies in our character, and the real beauty lies in our unity. Let us rise above the divisions of race and build a community where every human is treated with the dignity Allah has given them.