A sister came across a website which claims that Islam is a racist religion because the Qur’an contains verses which speak about the day when some faces will be black and some are white, those whose faces are white are going to Heaven and those whose faces are black are going to Hell.

What should be our response to this?

It goes back to the translation, where some have used the word ‘dark’ in referring to the mood more than the actual color. A person who feels low, etc, is referred to as being ‘dark in mood’ - not dark in complexion! Similarly, a person’s face is bright, meaning happy and cheerful, which is what the verses refer to.

There are many other places in the Qur’an where Allah speaks about the different colors and it’s all in the creation of Allah, and it’s amongst us. But there is no distinction made on this basis. We have so many statements of Prophet (ﷺ) about no favorites of Arab over non- Arab or white over black etc., hence this is a false claim.

As Allah says:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)”[1]

Nobility are of three kinds:

• God consciousness - of which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the highest example;
• The Prophetic House;
• Fitra or Pristine Disposition.

Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ) said in the Farewell Pilgrimage,

“There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab…..nor of a non-Arab over an Arab.... except in whoever fears Allah the most."

This is narrated from 17 Sahabas, so it is mutawatir (mass-transmitted), and this is the belief of Imam al-Shafi`i

Therefore, there is no discrimination or superiority on the basis of color or racism. It is only taqwa which will determine the status in the eyes of Allah.

And Allah knows best.

Reference:

[1] Surah Hujuraat, 49:13