The Detroit Address — Page 14
14 Then I would be a great loser and become one of the transgressors. From this brief interpretive translation of these verses, it is clear that although N uh ’s as period is far off in history, the subject matter still relates to the present day condition in America. Here too lives a race who is looked down upon by oth- ers. Their own countrymen, who are of white color, mistreat them. Although the law of the land establishes some rights, liberties, and equal opportunities, in actuality, these people remain impoverished. They are seen doing the lowest jobs in the streets and in factories. The fact is that actual power and authority are still in the hands of the whites. Consequently, the blacks live in an agitated state of extreme distress. As far as Islam is concerned, it is a universal religion that does not discriminate between races. It forbids mistreatment of peo- ple due to their race or color. Yet, at the same time, it does not allow the discriminated to take revenge or act unjustly. Islam is a religion of balance and does not allow any injus- tice. Therefore, I am making it clear that Ahmadiyyat does not take sides or discriminate among people. According to Ahmadiyyat, all human beings are equal and enjoy the same status. If Ahmadiyyat makes any discrimination, it is between the oppressor and the oppressed. Discrimination is not based on the color of the skin. At the moment, I do not intend to go into the details of this subject.