When did racism first originate?

We find in Qur’an that Allah identifies the beginning of racism - in the creation of Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ.

“And [mention] when we said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.”[1]

When of Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ was created, the angels and Iblees (Satan), leader among the jinn, were instructed to bow in recognition of Adam’s special place with Allah. Iblees refused and when he was questioned as to why, he said,

“I am better than that man (Adam) that you want me to bow before, because you created me from fire and you created him from clay.”[2]

That is the expression of racism which is written in the Qur’an. It is mentioned as something evil, which led to Allah’s eternal curse on Satan. Pride based on racial/tribal origin is a cursed state, displeasing and hated by Allah. That is how it is mentioned in the Qur’an.

References:

[1] Surah al-Baqarah, 2:34

[2] Surah al-‘Araf,7:11