Islam teaches no racial discrimination and intolerance. Islamic history testifies to the genuineness Muslims have shown towards people of different cultures and religions. Within their own ranks, sincere and practicing Muslims have always kept their hearts and minds open to their brethren, no matter what their background.
Yet, what belongs to the Ummah today is no difference than a prejudicial way of life. It is not the problem of others anymore because really, Islamic brotherhood is hardly seen nowadays. They have become the very sad reality amongst a number of Muslims as well, where we find it too hideous to confess.
Bad news:
• It’s not difficult to hear an uncommon racial label used among some Muslims, ignorant or negligent of the Quran and Sunnah’s disapproval of backbiting, slander and hate.
• Alhamdulillah, all Masjids are open to all people and no Masjid has racial policies. However, racially divided neighborhoods result in an ethnically dominant Masjid type. Usually, negative attitudes of some and language specific Masjid programs cause miscommunication. This is because some people want to make sure their mother tongue survives in America.
Good news:
• Five times a day, every day, Muslims of every cultural and ethnic background stand shoulder to shoulder to perform their prayers. There is no issue of who stands where based on their color or ethnicity. On a larger level, to remember that millions of Muslims, everywhere of all shapes, colors, sizes, countries, etc. all face the same place to pray, five times a day, is incredible. However, this lesson is usually overlooked even by the Muslim community itself.
• Muslims united in pain. There is a keen understanding amongst many Muslims that when it comes to oppression, it doesn’t matter if you’re a black Muslim, a white Muslim, a Kosovar Muslim, a Chechen Muslim, a Kashmiri Muslim or a Somali Muslim, you are suffering. Imams often make Dua for oppressed Muslims they have never met, no matter what their skin color. Muslims pray along in sympathy and support.
Curing the disease of racism takes time. It also takes humility, sincerity and requires seeking out the right guidance. We just have to sincerely admit the only label we have which is Islam and make a concrete effort to change. Has not Muhammad (pbuh) told us:
“O people, Remember that your Lord is One. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a black has no superiority over white, nor a white has any superiority over black, except by piety and good action (Taqwa). Indeed the best among you is the one with the best character (Taqwa). Listen to me. Did I convey this to you properly?”
People responded, “Yes. O messenger of God.” The Prophet then said, “Then each one of you who is there must convey this to everyone not present.”
(Excerpt from the Prophet’s Last Sermon as in Baihiqi)
Let’s make the difference.