WRITTEN BY MIRZA TAHIR AHMAD (RH), KHALIFATUL MASIH IV| JUNE 2022| AHMADIYYA, BOOK REVIEW, ISLAM
[From the book “Absolute Justice, Kindness & Kinship” by Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rh), Khalifatul Masih IV]
The Basic Principle of Establishing Equality Among all the Children of Adam (as) is mentioned in the following verse:
“O mankind, We have created you from male and female, and We have made you into clans and tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honorable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware” (1).
In the world today, all the prevalent disorders and inherent dangers to world peace spring from the concept of national or racial superiority. This is what is termed as ‘Racialism’ or ‘Racism’. This racism, although loudly condemned by every nation of the world, still exists as it once existed in Nazi Germany. This racism is white as well as black. The lava of hatred that erupts from time to time among black nations against the white is but another name of racism which is black in color. Alas! The world has not as yet been released from the clutches of this demon. This is an extremely poisonous weed which cannot easily be rooted out. All people of truth who see and recognize it, know very well the roots of this deadly weed are found everywhere, as much in the East as in the West. Despite great speeches and loud condemnation of racism, it continues to raise its head in every soil. This weed is so poisonous and hardy that it insidiously creeps into and flourishes in every soil, be it religious, social, political or philosophical.
Those who profoundly observe the relationship between America, Russia and China know full well that the Western powers and Russian block prefer white racism over Communism, if a choice has to be made. Both would join hands in favour of the supremacy of their white race, especially if Communism is linked with Chinese domination. At no cost can they accept the domination of the yellow race of China over the world.
According to the Holy Qur’an, every form of racism must be stamped out from the world. Without this, world peace can never be established. According to the verse of the Holy Quran we are discussing (49:14), although colors and races differ, it is only to make recognition easy. Otherwise, all humans are linked to the same progeny of Adam and Eve. In no way does it create any distinction. Superiority, according to the Holy Quran, is entirely based on the human fear of God. Fear of God causes a person to consider himself as equal to all others, or even lesser. This is an attribute which causes humans to rise in the sight of Allah. These inferences are drawn from the above-mentioned verse.
A Great Charter Proclaimed by the Holy Prophet (sa) on Racial Equality
The Holy Prophet (sa) explained this most beautifully in his last sermon during his last pilgrimage, in the following words: “O humankind your Allah is One and your father was also one, so listen carefully that Arabs have no superiority over the non-Arabs nor have the non-Arabs any superiority over the Arabs. Similarly, the white and red races, have no superiority over black races, and black races have no superiority over the white. Yes, only he is superior who transcends in his personal good deeds. O people tell me if I have conveyed my Lord’s message to all of you? At this, the entire gathering spoke with one voice: Yes, the Messenger of Allah has conveyed the message of Allah to all of us” (2).
References:
1. The Holy Qur’an (49:14)
2. Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, No. 22978, Vol. 6, p. 570, published by Darihy’it Turathil ‘Arabi