ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE EQUAL

Being created by the One God, all human beings are equal. It is one’s inner character and conduct, not the outward appearance, which counts in God’s eyes. In the final analysis, one’s character and conduct alone matter.

It is reported that the Prophet of Islam, while preaching a sermon on the occasion of the Final Pilgrimage, stated: “O people, no Arab is superior to a non-Arab and no non-Arab is superior to an Arab, no white is superior to a black, and no black is superior to a white, except in religiosity and God-consciousness.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 23489)

The Creator of all human beings is the same. Moreover, all humans are children of the same primal parents, Adam and Eve. As such, then, all human beings are equal.

Many different ethnic groups that inhabit Planet Earth are dissimilar. For instance, some have white skin and some black. However, all such differences are solely about external appearances related to the physical body. In reality, there is no difference in essence between one person and another. They are essentially the same.

A good society can be built only by giving an equal position to all human beings, no matter what religion they follow or the community they identify with. In a society without equality, peace and prosperity will not flourish. On the contrary, such a society will be eternally beset by tension and conflict.

The difference between one person and another is not based on race or community, skin colour, or language. Rather, it is based on character and conduct. It is one’s character and conduct that is the true criterion for gauging a person.  This is important to remember when seeking to help promote better relations between people who subscribe to different religions or belief systems. No matter what religion or community people identify with, good character and conduct are most important.