Racism-The Quranic and Biblical Perspective on Human Equality

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 29 October 2024 Racism is like a corrosive force that erodes the very bonds meant to unite humanity. Despite historical strides toward equality, it remains a festering wound, weakening the moral fabric of society. It is a disease of the heart, manifesting as arrogance and hatred, blinding individuals to the shared humanity that binds all people. From both a Quranic and Biblical standpoint, the antidote to this societal ill is made clear: a call for unity, equality, and the recognition of the inherent dignity in every human being. In the Quran, the rejection of racism is both explicit and foundational. Like the sun shining on all corners of the earth without bias, the Quran’s teachings on race offer universal guidance against racial prejudice and affirm the equality of all people. These teachings are a fortress against the destructive forces of racism, rooted in the belief in the shared origin and dignity of all human beings. Central to the Quranic worldview is the idea that all human beings are created from a single origin. This shared lineage is vividly expressed in Quran 4:1: "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women." This verse serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's common origin. Like branches of a single tree, humanity stems from the same root. It dismantles the illusion of racial hierarchies, emphasizing that we are all part of a single human family. This foundational principle leaves no room for any claims of racial superiority. As in a flowing river, the various streams may differ in appearance, but they all originate from the same source, bound together in their essence. Further reinforcing this idea is the Quran’s emphasis on the dignity of all human beings. In Quran 17:70, it states: "We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference." Here, the Quran extends dignity to every human being, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or social standing. Like precious jewels, every individual is valuable simply by virtue of being human. This collective honour is a birth-right, passed down from Adam to all humanity, and untouched by superficial distinctions such as skin colour. This teaching acts as a direct rebuke to any form of racial pride, reducing it to mere dust in the wind. Taqwa: The True Measure of Worth In contrast to the superficial markers of race, wealth, or lineage, the Quran introduces the concept of taqwa (piety) as the true measure of a person's worth. Quran 49:13 declares: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you. Indeed, God is Knowing and Acquainted." This verse celebrates human diversity and asserts that it is not a cause for division but rather an opportunity for understanding. Like a beautiful mosaic, humanity's differences contribute to the overall beauty of the whole. The true measure of superiority is not what is visible to the eye, but what lies within—the purity of one’s character. In the sight of God, the most noble person is not the one with the fairest skin or highest social rank, but the one with the most righteousness. This teaching acts as a potent antidote to the poison of racism, reminding us that human value is like gold, determined by its substance, not by its outer appearance. Diversity as a Sign of God’s Creativity The Quran does not merely tolerate diversity but celebrates it as a manifestation of God's creative power. In Quran 30:22, it says: "And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge." Diversity is portrayed as a divine sign, a reflection of the vastness of God’s creation. Just as the sky is adorned with stars of varying brightness, so too is humanity enriched by its differences. The varied "colours" of humanity are like the strokes of a master artist, each essential in creating the masterpiece of creation. In this light, human diversity is not something to be feared or rejected, but to be embraced and cherished. The Bible also presents a clear and powerful message against racism. Scripture reveals that all humans are created in the image of God, sharing a common origin and equal dignity. Like oil and water, racism and biblical teachings do not mix. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the equality of all people in God's eyes, offering a compelling response to any form of racial discrimination. Humanity is one race, both scientifically and scripturally. The Bible teaches that all humans are made in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27), a reflection of His creativity and worth. The apostle Paul reinforces this in Acts 17:26: "He hath made of one blood all nations." This image of humanity as one blood, descending from a common ancestor, shatters any notion of racial superiority. Like the branches of a family tree, all humanity is connected, tracing back to the same root. The "Curse of Ham": A Misused Text One of the most egregious historical misinterpretations of the Bible was the so-called “Curse of Ham,” which was used to justify the enslavement of Africans. However, a closer examination of the text in Genesis 9 reveals that the curse was placed on Ham’s son Canaan, not on Ham himself or all his descendants. Like building castles in the sand, pro-slavery advocates manipulated this narrative to support racial discrimination. But this interpretation, which suggested that Africans were cursed, does not hold up under scrutiny. Ham’s other sons—Cush, Mizraim, and Put—were not cursed, and the curse of Canaan was specific to a particular context, not a blanket condemnation of African peoples. The New Testament explicitly rejects favouritism based on race or social status. James 2:9-13 makes clear that to show partiality is a sin, whether based on race, class, or any other factor. In God’s eyes, all people are equally valuable, created in His image. Galatians 3:28 further declares that "in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female," for all are one in Christ Jesus. The message is clear: in the light of God’s glory, all distinctions fade away. Racism is like a thorn in humanity's side, standing in direct contradiction to the message of the cross, where Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). A Call to Unity and Equality Both the Quran and the Bible provide a firm foundation for rejecting racism and affirming the unity of humanity. In their respective teachings, the oneness of humanity, the inherent dignity of all people, and the emphasis on piety or righteousness over outward distinctions serve as powerful counterweights to the poison of racial prejudice. Just as a lighthouse guides ships through a storm, these teachings continue to light the way toward a more just and harmonious world. Racism, as a manifestation of human arrogance and pride, has no place in the vision of equality and mutual respect found in these sacred texts. In a world still scarred by the wounds of racism, these divine messages stand as beacons of hope, calling us to see each other as God sees us: not as separate and divided, but as one. --------- (V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar of Islamic humanism. He writes with a passion for developing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress. His work inspires the creation of a just society, fosters critical thinking, and promotes inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. He receives his mail at vamashrof@gmail.com) ----------------- URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/racism-quranic-biblical-perspective-human/d/133573 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism