Why not being racist isn’t enough—Islam’s Call to Action Against Racism

In the contemporary world, one may not be surprised to hear the statement, “I am not racist,” but Islam instructs us that “not being racist isn’t enough.” Avoiding racist actions is a good beginning, but Islam insists on taking positive actions against racial injustice. This bitter message lies at the center of Islamic teaching, where Muslims have specific directives to shatter complacency and take action against racism.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clarified in his final sermon, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black over a white, except by piety and good action.” These statements erase any idea of racial or ethnic superiority, showing that “not being racist isn’t enough”—what” matters is being good and righteous.

The True Challenge: not being racist isn’t enough

While the vast majority of Muslims catch the Islamic message of equality, internally as well as externally in the society around us, racism exists. The challenge happens when one waits idly, assuming being nonracist is satisfactory. The Hadith and Qur’an continually exhort us not to submit to tyranny, which translates to never submitting to racism.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:104), we are ordered to “enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”

Silence in the face of racism is not passivity—it’s collusion. Such collusion not only destroys the victimized but is in direct opposition to the very basics of justice upon which Islam teaches.

Islam’s Stance: Equality and Justice for All

Islam is premised on Tawhid or belief in Allah’s oneness. That is, all human beings, whatever race or background, are all equally created by the same single Creator. Pre-Islamic superioristic traditions along racial lines were uprooted by the Prophet (PBUH), and Muslims are required to emulate him for rejecting racism and embracing equality.

The Qur’an clearly expresses in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13): “O mankind, We have made you peoples and tribes so that you might know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you before Allah is the most righteous of you.” This emphasizes that “not being racist isn’t enough” — nobility is based on righteousness, not race.

Practical Steps: Actively Fight Racism

So how do Muslims actually do better than ? Islam’s cry of solidarity is not a cry to merely agree with equality but a cry to actually work beyond and in addition to such an agreement. Not being racist isn’t enough—Muslims must actively work against injustice and racism wherever and whenever they encounter it. This is how we can actively work against racism:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the history and effects of racism, both in your community and globally.

2. Speak Out: Condemn racial slurs, jokes, and prejudices, especially in your own communities, in your home, workplace, or neighborhood.

3.  Support the Oppressed: Show solidarity with oppressed communities through moral and material assistance.

4. Reflect on Bias: Examine your own unconscious biases through Dua (supplication) and introspection.

5. Educate Your Children: Educate children on values of equality, respect, and diversity.

Conclusion

The not being racist isn’t enough” is not only a proverb—it is also a summons for Muslims worldwide to be proactive in combating racism and working towards justice in every area of life. Being Muslims of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we have a responsibility to stand up against injustice in the face of injustice. Silence against racism isn’t enough. “Not being racist isn’t” enough”—Islam calls on us to actively fight racism as both a moral and divine duty.

It’s time for us not just to avoid racism but to be a positive force in making the world a fairer and more equal place, starting right in our homes, our neighborhoods, and beyond. Act today—for our society, for the oppressed, and for the sake of justice.

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