The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 35
II Brief Note on Islāmic Equality Introduction At this point it would not be inappropriate to write a brief note on Islāmic equality, because this issue is such that most people have a misconception regarding it. In other words, one class has understood Islāmic equality to infer that in Islām, the young and old are equal in every respect and Islām does not accept the distinction or greatness of any individual in any case, and wishes to efface all distinctions, thus bringing every individual to the same level. Another group has created unpleasant classes of the nature which are mostly found in other nations, and these separate classes have been given separate rights. As a matter of fact, endeavours are undertaken to further widen the rift between these classes. As such, it should be known that in the spirit of true Islāmic teaching, both of these ideologies are erroneous and incorrect in their path of extremity. Quite the contrary, the actual Islāmic teaching is that as far as rights and the means of the acquisition of progress are concerned, all people are equal, and no individual or community possesses superiority in any manner over another individual or community. In this regard, there are absolutely no ranks or classes, rather, there is absolute and complete equality. However, on the other hand, if an individual rightfully acquires religious or worldly success or greatness, putting the issue of rights aside (in which either way, all are equal), in everyday relations, Islām accepts the acquired greatness and success of such an individual. It does not diminish him from his rightful rank, and thereby does not follow a path of injustice and inequity. In