Islamic view of Racism

Individuals that have the same physical characteristics and have a similar genetic pattern are normally classified as a race and categorizing people by race is inappropriate. Some people who are serious about Islam are sometimes associated as being racists, irrespective of the views they have on different races.

Truth be told, Islam does not favor any kind of race nor it has anything to do with genetics and innate characteristics. Islam is a set of beliefs, an ideology that people choose voluntarily as an individual. Unlike race, Islam is a religion people choose and Muslims are not a race so a person cannot change their race by either accepting or leaving Islam. Considering one race as superior to another or considering one skin color as superior to another is called racism and Islam is against all forms of prejudice or racism. These beliefs were the characteristics of people before Islam. All races are equal in the eyes of Allah and the only characteristic that makes one superior to another being is Taqwa. Allah has distinguished all the Adam (AS) children and all races of the world.

Allah says in the Quran:

“We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with definite preference.”

Surat Al-Isra 17:70 Surat Al-Isra 17:70

Allah created several tribes and races across different continents so that they would recognize one another and learn from each other and not fight with one other.

Allah says in the Quran:

“O people, We have created you male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most noble of you to Allah is the most righteous of you. Verily, Allah is knowing and aware.”

Surat Al-Hujurat 49:13

The only thing that makes some human being superior in the sight of Allah is Righteousness (Taqwa). Neither race nor any kind of skin color can make someone superior in the sight of Allah. Even in the farewell sermon of Prophet (SAS), He delivered teachings against racism showing the importance of this message in Islam. This message of Islam against racism must be spread to all the people who suffer from racism. These days, racism also prevails among Muslims and causes great damage to communities. Embracing oneness of Allah (Tawheed) is the only way to eradicate racism and to accept the oneness of humanity.