Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 132
132 islam’s response to contemporary issues way superior to a black nor for that matter, is a black man better than a white, but only to the extent to which he discharges his duty to God and man. The most honoured among you in the sight of God is the most righteous among you. . . . Even as this month is sacred, this land inviolate, and this day holy, so has God made the lives, property and honour of every man sacred. To take any man’s life or his property, or attack his honour, is as unjust and wrong as to violate the sacredness of this day, this month, and this territory. What I command you today is not meant only for today. It is meant for all time. You are expected to remember it and to act upon it until you leave this world and go to the next to meet your Maker. . . . What I have said to you, you should communicate to the ends of the earth. Maybe those who have not heard me may benefit by it more than those who have heard. 52 The passage is very powerful and self-evident. But particularly noteworthy is the reminder by the Holy Prophet sa , that we are children of the same father. This in fact, has the evident connotation that different religions should not be permitted to divide the universal brotherhood of mankind originating from a single parenthood. Endnotes 1. Ch. 30: Al-R u m : 42 2. Ch. 103: Al-‘A s r : 2–4