Pathway to Paradise — Page 97
97 and the way he fulfills his duty to God and mankind. Allah divided humanity into tribes, nations and races to give them better knowledge of each other and to benefit from one another’s characteristics and qualities. Islam therefore totally rejects racism in any shape or form. Racism in this society is seen as prejudice against people of different color, race, nationality, religion, economic status and class. It expresses itself as name - calling, arrogance, hostility an d violence between races. Islam not only lays down the doctrine of equality, but also addresses this type of racist behavior. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “O ye who believe! let not one people deride another people, haply they may be better than they; nor let one group of women deride other women, haply they may be better than they. And do not defame your people or call one another by nicknames. It is an evi l thing to be called by bad name after having believed; and those who repent not, such are wrongdoers. ” (48:12) While other religions also teach equality and love for humanity, Islam is unique in that it requires physical expression of brotherhood. In the daily salaat or prayer, Muslims must stand shoulder to shoulder, indifferent to the status or color of the person next to them. There is no greater physical example of equality than the Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca) when all Muslims wear the same dress and circuit the Kaabah (House of Allah) in unison. In daily life, Muslims should show openness and affection to