sRiZ.com

sRiZ.com

Friday, November 26, 2004

RACISM AND ISLAM

Racism has always been both an instrument of discrimination and a tool of exploitation. But it manifests itself as a cultural phenomenon, susceptible to cultural solutions, such as multicultural education and the promotion of ethnic identities. Tackling the problem of cultural inequality, however, does not by itself redress the problem of economic inequality. Racism is conditioned by economic imperatives, but negotiated through culture: religion, literature, art, science and the media.

The origins of racism, as explained by Islam, go back to the beginning of mankind's creation. Before the creation of man, Allah the Most High, had already created the Angels and the Jinn. Amongst the Angels at that time was a Jinn by the name of Iblis. Iblis had resided amongst the Angels and was very obedient to Allah. However, this was to change, as Allah then created man. This new creation of Allah was created from clay and named Adam. He was first in the line of humanity, and as a result occupies a very special place in history. From him and his wife Hawwa (Eve), the generations of humanity have descended. After his creation, Allah ordered the Angels and those with them to prostrate to Adam. The Qur'an informs us of this important event, from which we may all learn a valuable lesson:

"And (remember) when We said to the Angels: 'Prostrate yourselves to Adam', and they all prostrated except Iblis. He refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:34)

and:

"(Allah) said: 'What prevented you (Iblis) that you did not prostrate?' Iblis said; 'I am better then him, you created me from fire and you created him from clay'” (Surah Al-A'raf 7:12)

In Islam, the other name for Iblis is 'Shaytan' or the Devil. Thus, the root of racism is attributed to the Devil. Iblis's insistence on being better than Adam, aroused his arrogance and pride. And what was the reason for this insistence? Nothing more then the fact that Iblis was of fire and Adam was of clay. It was at this stage in the history of the world, that the ugly head of racism first reared itself.

Racism is hurtful and cruel and no one should have to put up with it. So, why are people racist?

Unfortunately racism can exist in all races and cultures. Racists feel threatened by anyone who is from a different race or culture. We are not born racist. Our views and beliefs develop as we grow up. If a child or young person grows up within a racist family, or has friends who are racist, they may believe that racism is normal and acceptable. Prejudice of any kind is often based on ignorance and fear of anything unfamiliar.

People must realize that God created all humans from one couple, thus making the entire human race one large extended family. God says: “O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve); and from the two of them He spread abroad a multitude of men and women” (Quran 4:1).

We must also understand that no race is superior to another. We appreciate a garden having many different flowers because we realize that each adds something to the beauty of the entire arrangement. This is why we do not object to the color of any flower. In a similar way we can see the world as a garden decorated with people of different colors. Let us appreciate that each variety of people contributes something to the spice of life in this world.

However, this dominant reality is sometimes marred by individual behavior, which is contrary to the ideals of Islam. Some Muslims fall for the age-old trick of Shaytan (Satan) and start playing the silly inferiority superiority game. Some stereotype others and tolerate prejudice against other human beings, despite the fact that all human beings are equal, from the same man and woman. (Quran 49:13)

Do we know what the Quran and Sunnah say about racism?

The Quran established individual character as the criteria of success, not color, tribal or economic status of a person. The Prophet preached and established these ideals in the Islamic society, which he developed.

Ponder on this:
And mankind is naught but a single nation."
Holy Quran 2:213

Linguistic, cultural, ethnic and religious diversity among people and communities is but a miracle of Allah and an expression of Divine Will in making people different in order to get to know each other and compete among themselves in populating the world. Man’s integrity and freedom is a basic principle in all religions and beliefs, the violation of such integrity by any means or restricting such freedom for any justification “will contradict with such principle and come into clash with God’s will which has honored man”. The adoption of any form of racism under any circumstances is a contradiction against all values, moral, laws and beliefs.

¶ 2:38 PM

Posted by Wakatepebabun Kukuye