Islam does not advocate racism or bigotry

Submitted by Prince AlyKhan (Canada), Nov 24, 2008 at 13:29

As I recall, Prophet Muhammad said:

"There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab. There is no superiority for a non-Arab over an Arab. There is no superiority for a black over a white (person). Likewise, there is no superiority of a white over a black, except in piety."

Of course, there are variations of the above saying or tradition, but the essential spirit is that Islam does not advocate racism or bigotry. Many verses may be found in the Quran that express the unity or oneness of the human race, and that the diversity of creation (not only among humans but created species in general) is but a function and a confirmation of God's mercy and grace. It is for us, having the benefit of Intellects and with our God-given status as God's greatest creation (as indicated the Quran), that we -- nations, tribes, individuals -- should "know each other" and engage with each other in good and noble works.

Furthermore, the Quran repeatedly speaks of Muslims, Christians and Jews as "People of the Book" (Ahl al-Kitab). In the first Muslim state (i.e. Medina) founded by Prophet Muhammad, there was no forced conversion to Islam. This set a precedent and was observed by most Muslim empires, city-states and communities which flourished after the revelation of Islam. The Quran states "Let there be no compulsion in religion". (2:256) -- many Muslims and non-Muslims, scholars and non-scholars, have interpreted this verse a confirmation that (1) imposition of one's religious views is contrary to the spirit of Islam, and (2) that forced conversion is unacceptable.

I think it is ludicrous for anyone to take a hard and fast position that relations between America and the Muslim world can only be improved if all Americans / non-Muslims convert to Islam. This is a misinterpretation of the Quran at best, if not bordering on the extreme limits of sanity.

As for imaging the non-existence of America or Canada at the hands of ill-disposed extremists or otherwise, such domineering positions (on the part of extremists) and fear-driven or counter agressive positions (on the part of victims or potential victims) are responsible for much of the divides in the world today. As Obama would say, "We should all take a deep breadth" (i.e. the situation could be worse), and let's take calculated steps to redress the unhappy and unfortunate human condition, which is ailing, but not incapable of being rescued by compassionate, responsible, open-minded and determined men and women. The root of much of the violence and conflict that we see throughout the world is poverty, abject poverty -- not religion. I believe that the President-elect understands this, and this is one more reason that he has my confidence.

I hope the above might cause a re-think among those whose reactions to my last piece are rather divisive and unconstructive, but thank you for this opportunity to respond, and thank you to Mr. Pipes for facilitating this dialogue.

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