BELIEF IN UNITY OF HUMANKIND The Islamic message in its dealings with mankind...

BELIEF IN UNITY OF HUMANKIND The Islamic message in its dealings with mankind, starts from a practical and creative overview based on believing in the unity of mankind, and in the fact that all people spring from a common origin. Naturally then, they all share the common feature of humanity, and all are equals in their creation and nature as human beings living in this world. It follows that they share similar feelings, inclinations, and basic needs.

Owing to these incontestable features, Islam rejects the discriminatory practices and limits of human interaction instituted by man and inspired by the concepts of ignorance which reflects the human spirit of egoism, ignorance and arrogance. The Qur'an wages war against these relics and concepts of ignorance, and raises the slogan of the unity of mankind and beckons towards this: "0 mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another.

The most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is the most pious of you in conduct. Allah is All-knowing, All-aware". Holy Our'an (49:13) "0 mankind! fear your Lord Who created you from a single soul and created its mate of the same (kind), and spread from these two many men and women; and fear Allah by Whom same (kind), you appeal to one another and (to) the kinship ties; Surely Allah is ever Watchful over you".

Holy Qur'an (4:1) Muhammad (s.a.w.), the final Prophet to mankind, confirmed these lofty principles, and referred to them in his timeless speech in the wake of his farewell pilgrimage. He said: "0 people! Your Lord is One, and your father is one.. .All of you are from Adam, and Adam is from clay, The most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is the most pious of you in conduct', and there is no preference for an Arab over a non-Arab, except in' terms of piety"(3).

( 9 ) Islam has based its practical criteria for distinguishing and giving respect on these supreme principles. It has fixed the measure of preference and evaluation on a scientific and accurate calculation. This course leads humanity towards progress and perfection, and activites in man the motivation towards good and innovation. Islam has restricted the reasons for preference to faith and piety. a. Faith and Piety: Islam fixed this principle as a basis of respect.