Apparently, contemporary society seems to be moving on from prejudice
and discrimination and is becoming more conscious of the horrors related to them. But if you examine the issue more carefully and in depth, you will
realise that there is still signs of discrimination in our world. One major difficulty is the definition of ‘racism’. It can appear different from various
perspectives. It is difficult to draw hard and fast limits between racism
consciousness of class or religious superiority, tribalism, fascism, imperialism
and nationalism.
The Islamic concept of equality is one that challenges the Western idea that equality means everyone should be the same. Rather, Allah says in the Holy Qur'an that He has created many different kinds of people in order to promote diversity and progress. All mankind is spiritually equal in the sight of God, but cannot possibly be physically equal or the same.
Allah says:
"O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you tribes and sub-tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable amongst you in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Holy Qur'an, 49:14).
The verse clearly shows that all created beings come from the same source and thus are equal in the sight of God. The worth of a man is not judged by the colour of his skin, his wealth, rank or social status, his descent or pedigree, but by his moral goodness and the way he fulfils his duty to God and mankind. Allah divided humanity into tribes, nations and races to give them better knowledge of each other and to benefit from one another's characteristics and qualities.
Islam therefore totally rejects racism in any shape or form. Racism in this society is seen as prejudice against people of different colour, race, nationality, religion, economic status and class. It expresses itself as name-calling, arrogance, hostility and violence between races. Islam not only lays down the doctrine of equality, but also addresses this type of racist behaviour. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
"O ye who believe! Let not one people deride another people, haply they may be better than they; nor let one group of women deride other women, haply they may be better than they. And do not defame your people or call one another by nicknames. It is an evil thing to be called by bad name after having believed; and those who repent not, such are wrongdoers." (48:12)
While other religions also teach equality and love for humanity, Islam is unique in that it requires physical expression of brotherhood. In the daily salaat or prayer, Muslims must stand shoulder to shoulder, indifferent to the status or colour of the person next to them. There is no greater physical example of equality than the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) when all Muslims wear the same dress and circuit the Kaabah (House of Allah) in unison.
In daily life, Muslims should show openness and affection to each other by greeting each other with the salutation of "peace be with you," and by following the example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Among his hadith are:
"If you shake hands with one another rancour will depart, and if you make presents to one another and love one another, malice will depart."
And
"You should provide food and greet both those you know and those you do not know."