Pathway to Paradise — Page 96
96 However, when you look at the world today, brotherhood and love between human beings is rarely seen. All over the world there is fighting and hatred, not only between different races and religions, but also between people of the same nationality and even t he same faith. In America, racism is ever prevalent. Very little progress has been made towards harmony and understanding between the races. It is therefore the responsibility of Muslims, especially new Muslims, to abandon all prejudices towards others, de velop a love for all humanity and uphold the special quality of brotherhood among Muslims. The Islamic concept of equality is one that challenges the Western idea that equality means everyone should be the same. Rather, Allah says in the Holy Qur’an that He has created many different kinds of people in order to promote diversity and progress. Al l mankind is spiritually equal in the sight of God, but cannot possibly be physically equal or the same. Allah says: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you tribes and sub - tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable amongst you in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely Allah is All - Knowing, All - Aware. ” (Holy Qur’an, 49:14). The verse clearly shows that all created beings come from the same source and thus are equal in the sight of God. The worth of a man is not judged by the color of his skin, his wealth, rank or social status, his descent or pedigree, but by his moral goodne ss