At the advent of Islam and the Islamic revolution...

At the advent of Islam and the Islamic revolution, the only social and political organizations of the pre-Islamic Arabs were the tribe, race, and language, which were used as measures of superiority or inferiority. Blood and tribal bond were the basis of unity, a rough and raw form of modern nationalism and racism. Language, too, was regarded as a sign of superiority, and for this reason, the Arabs considered non-Arabs as “Ajam”, which means dumb.

The progress of the Islamic revolution did away with this idea and with tribal organization; with the tempestuous slogan of “There is no god but God” , it made conviction and ideology prevail over all attachments to blood, territory, and language [4] . However, despite these teachings, the reality of racism in Islam has manifested in various forms throughout history.

Following the death of the (PBUHH), the rapid expansion of the Islamic empire brought together diverse populations, leading to cultural exchanges but also conflicts rooted in ethnic and racial differences. Historical accounts indicate that certain groups, particularly non-Arabs, faced discrimination and marginalization within the burgeoning Islamic state.

This racial hierarchy often reflected existing tribal affiliations and societal norms rather than the egalitarian principles espoused by the faith. The legacy of racism in Islam continued through the centuries. In many Muslim societies, issues of race and ethnicity became intertwined with politics and power, leading to tensions that persist today.

For instance, the historical treatment of African Muslims, particularly in the context of slavery, highlights the contradictions between Islamic teachings on equality and the lived experiences of marginalized groups [5] . In contemporary times, the dialogue surrounding racism in Islam has gained renewed focus, especially in light of global movements advocating for social justice and equality.

Islamic Teachings on Race and Ethnicity Islamic teachings on race and ethnicity present a profound and clear stance against discrimination and prejudice, emphasizing the inherent equality of all human beings. Central to the understanding of racism in Islam is the Quran, which serves as a guiding text that articulates the principles of human dignity, brotherhood , and unity among diverse peoples.

The Quran explicitly affirms that all humans are created by God and belong to a single family: “O mankind!