Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear respected brother,

Aa
Would like to ask you on Racism.

What is the position Islam takes in view of Quran on Racism, and what is the practice we Bohra's are Practising on racism?

Will await for your answer.

Thanks and regards

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Answer:

Islam on Racism

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

There is absolutely no place in Islam for the concept of racism or discrimination. No person will be discriminated upon because of his race, or color, or tribe, or lineage, or language, etc. Islam propagates the concept of an Universal Brotherhood, and every person is equal in the eyes of the Shariah.

Allah says in the Holy Quran: Chapter 49 Surah Hujurat verse 13:O mankind, We created you from one man and one woman, and then divided you into nations and tribes so that you may recognize one another. Indeed, the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most pious of you. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Thus, the only quality and qualification that will differentiate one from the other is ‘piety’. The one who is the most pious is the one most honorable in the sight of Allah Subhanah.

The Messenger of Allah (saws) delivered the following sermon on the ‘Hajjat-ul-Wida’ occasion. This Sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all the sons of Adam and Adam was created of dust. Thus you are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action. There should be no differentiation between a black person or a white person, an Arab or an Ajmi (non-Arab). Even if a black person is chosen as a leader amongst you, then it is your duty to follow him.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah; and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.

Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people."

In light of the above aayah of the Holy Quran, and the words of the Messenger of Allah (saws); it is evident that there is absolutely no room for any sort of racism in the deen of Islam.

Your Comment: what is the practice we Bohra's are Practising on racism?

There is an element of racism practiced in Islam, whereby the relatives and blood-relationships of the leader are always given preference and superiority over the other Bohras; and that is absolutely un-Islamic. Other than that, I am not aware of any other practice of racism in Bohra-ism.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan