With each suffocated breath, centuries of oppression were exhaled. Floyd’s death did not occur in isolation; it echoed the cries of countless others whose lives had been shattered by the slow, systemic violence of racism. His plea became a rallying cry, awakening a world that had grown numb to injustice. Streets filled with voices, fists raised not in hatred but in a desperate yearning for dignity and equality.

This was not merely the story of one man—it was the story of humanity’s ongoing struggle with a disease that infects not the body, but the soul: racism. A silent plague passed down through generations, cloaked in law, culture, and indifference. And yet, even as the breath was taken from one man, it stirred a moral conscience in millions. It reminded the world that to deny the humanity of one is to endanger the humanity of all.

Racism: a contagious disease

In recent years, racism and xenophobia have been on the rise across the globe, fueled by economic uncertainties, political populism, and social polarization. The increasing fear of the “other” has led to discriminatory policies and widespread societal divisions. Racism is a social construct that fosters discrimination and prejudice based on race or ethnicity. It is deeply rooted in history and manifests in various forms, including systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and outright violence. Racism and hate crimes have witnessed a troubling resurgence across the globe. In the United States, the FBI reported a record-high 11,862 hate crime incidents in 2023, with over 51.3% targeting Black or African American individuals, making race-based offenses the most prevalent. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, recorded racial hate crimes surpassed 100,000 for the first time in 2022, reaching 155,841 incidents—a 26% increase compared to the previous year.

On a global scale, the World Justice Project’s 2022 Rule of Law Index found that

three-quarters of countries have experienced an increase in discrimination since 2015, highlighting a worldwide decline in equal treatment and social cohesion. These statistics underscore that racism is not merely a personal bias but a deep-rooted social illness that continues to erode justice and unity in modern societies.

The causes of racism are multifaceted, stemming from ignorance, ethnocentrism, economic disparity, and political manipulation. Throughout history, societies have used race as a means of division, oppression, and superiority, leading to widespread social injustice. While racism continues to be a destructive force, various religious and moral doctrines, particularly Islam, offer a strong counter-narrative that emphasizes equality, brotherhood, and justice.

So you may know one another

Religious teachings, including those found in the Qur’an and the hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), strongly condemn racism and promote the idea of universal human equality. One of the most profound Qur’anic verses addressing this issue is found in Surah al-Hujurat (49:13):

O humankind! Surely We have created you from a single (pair of) male and female, and made you into tribes and families so that you may know one another. Surely the most honorable of you in God’s sight is the one best in piety, righteousness, and reverence for God. Surely God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.  

This verse establishes that racial and ethnic differences are merely a means of identification, not a basis for superiority. True honor and distinction come from righteousness and moral integrity rather than race or lineage.

Another verse reinforcing the message of equality is found in Surah ar-Rum (30:22): “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and colors. Indeed, those are signs for those of knowledge.”

This verse highlights that human diversity signifies God’s wisdom and creative power. It encourages people to embrace and appreciate differences rather than use them as a source of division and discrimination.

None has superiority over another

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently preached against racism and promoted unity among different ethnic groups. One of his most famous statements on this matter is from his final sermon:

“O people! Your Lord is one, and your father (Adam) is one. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none has superiority over another except by piety and good action.” (Musnad Ahmad)

This hadith clearly states that racial and ethnic backgrounds do not determine a person’s worth; rather, character and righteousness are the true measures of superiority. Prophet Muhammad’s actions, peace be upon him, also reflected his teachings. One notable example is his appointment of Bilal ibn Rabah, a former African slave, as the first muezzin (caller to prayer) of Islam, demonstrating that one’s background does not impede one’s spiritual or social standing in the Muslim community.

Islamic scholars have long examined the detrimental effects of racism on societies. One such scholar, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, likened racism to the venereal disease of syphilis, describing it as a silent but deadly force that weakens the moral and social fabric of society. According to Nursi, racism infiltrates communities stealthily, corroding unity and fostering division. He emphasized that nationalism, when positive, fosters solidarity and mutual support, but when corrupted, becomes a divisive force that undermines social harmony. He also warned that colonial powers deliberately manipulated racial and nationalist sentiments to weaken the unity of undeveloped nations, using racism as a tool for control and division.

Moreover, Nursi compared racism to an inflated ego, arguing that an exaggerated sense of racial superiority stems from an individual’s excessive self-importance. Racism, he explained, is an external projection of an enlarged ego—where individuals prioritize their racial identity over their fundamental human values. He noted that racist ideologies gain traction during times of social and political crises, just as latent diseases emerge when the body’s immune system is weakened.

A path toward eradication of racism

Racism remains a pervasive issue in modern society, perpetuating injustice, division, and hostility. However, our faith traditions, especially the Qur’an and the practice of the Prophet, provide a compelling framework for combating racial prejudice. The concept of human equality, as emphasized in the divine scriptures, negates racial superiority and calls for universal brotherhood based on faith, righteousness, and justice.

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s analogy of racism as a social disease offers profound insights into its insidious nature. Just as an untreated disease silently weakens the body, racism corrodes the social order, leading to hostility and fragmentation. To eradicate this moral ailment, societies must embrace the principles of justice, equality, and unity.

Beyond religious doctrine and philosophical reflections, real-world initiatives also play a crucial role in combating racism and fostering intercultural understanding. The Hizmet Movement, inspired by the teachings of Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen, has long emphasized dialogue, education, and mutual respect among diverse communities. One of its most prominent initiatives, the Turkish Language Olympiads, brought together students from over 160 countries to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. Through poetry and song performances, participants transcended borders and stereotypes, highlighting the unifying power of shared humanity. In addition, the movement’s sustained interfaith and intercultural dialogue efforts have served as important platforms for breaking down prejudices and promoting peaceful coexistence. These initiatives exemplify how grassroots efforts, when rooted in sincerity and mutual respect, can effectively challenge racism and build bridges across differences.

Breaking the cycle of prejudice

History has repeatedly shown the destructive consequences of racism. Yet, humanity has the power to break this cycle through education, awareness, and moral commitment. Until societies actively implement the principles of justice and inclusivity, they will continue to suffer from the consequences of racial prejudice. By fostering a collective commitment to eradicating racism, we can ensure that future generations inherit a society where people, in the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., are valued not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. The responsibility lies with all of us to challenge discrimination, promote understanding, and embrace the diversity that makes humanity strong.

In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced world, it is all too easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of what truly matters in life: our relationships with others. More often than not, we find ourselves making snap judgments and treating people based on superficial traits rather than on the values and principles that define our own identities. Today, let’s consider a thought-provoking question that has the potential to reshape the way we interact with those around us: “Do I treat others based on who they are, or based on who I am?”

This question transcends mere social niceties and etiquette and invites us to engage in an introspective exploration of our own moral and ethical values. It challenges us to question the very nature of our existence, our purpose, and our responsibilities towards others. Consequently, it offers a gateway to a more compassionate and inclusive society, grounded in a greater understanding of our shared human experience.

Our society is riddled with assumptions, stereotypes, and preconceived notions that often color our perceptions of others. When we treat people based on these external factors, we inadvertently contribute to division and discord in our communities.

By choosing to treat others based on who we are, we embrace the core values, beliefs, and principles that guide our lives. Instead of allowing prejudice and stereotypes to dictate our interactions, we take control of our own behavior and strive to extend kindness, understanding, and respect to everyone we encounter, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. Embracing an attitude of humility and openness to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives will enable us to evolve as individuals and contribute to the collective betterment of society. By choosing to treat others based on who we are, we not only cultivate a more inclusive, compassionate, and harmonious society but also embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, personal growth, and moral development.

Contemplating the profound question, “Do I treat others based on who they are, or based on who I am?” can inspire us to make conscientious decisions across diverse spheres of life, encompassing religious, political, cultural, and racial aspects. For example, as a Muslim, is it appropriate for me to extend the greeting of “peace be with you” solely to fellow Muslims, or should I extend this sentiment to Christians, Jews, Hindus, and followers of other faiths as well? Similarly, as a political leader, should I prioritize the welfare of my party’s supporters or work for the betterment of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations?

To imbue our communities with this mindset and make a positive impact starts with self-reflection. We need to examine our beliefs and values, the principles that guide our actions and interactions with others. Do we consciously cultivate understanding, compassion, and empathy in our daily lives? This introspection can be a powerful tool for personal growth and inclusivity.

Challenging our biases and assumptions is another essential step. Each of us harbors preconceived ideas about certain individuals or groups, a reality of human cognition. However, when we consciously endeavor to scrutinize these biases, we embark on a transformative process. This conscious effort enables us to perceive others in their authentic light, free from the obscuring shadows of stereotypes. This approach fosters a more accurate understanding of others, nurturing connections based on reality rather than preconceived notions.

Open dialogue

Open dialogue is a powerful tool for bridging gaps between different groups. By fostering conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives, we can promote mutual understanding. This requires active listening and sharing of experiences.

Supporting inclusive policies and initiatives is another important way to promote inclusivity. Whether it’s through voting, volunteering, or donating, we can contribute to organizations that champion causes such as equal opportunities and social justice.

We can also play a role in encouraging others in our communities. As active participants in our communities, we possess the power to inspire change. Sharing our insights and experiences can serve as a catalyst, disseminating messages imbued with love, compassion, and understanding. This shared wisdom not only promotes a sense of unity but also has the potential to ignite a spark in others, inspiring them towards adopting a more inclusive mindset. The ripple effect of such actions can extend far beyond our immediate circles, gradually shaping a community that thrives on empathy and mutual respect.

Cultivating self-awareness—in our thoughts, words, and actions—is a cornerstone for fostering a more inclusive society. Acknowledging the potential impact of our behaviors on others and the world around us is a testament to our mindfulness. As we navigate our daily lives, striving to be a beacon of inclusivity and empathy, we can effect substantial change. By embodying these values, we can serve as positive role models, influencing others through our actions and thus sculpting a more empathetic and accepting world.

However, current global context presents unique challenges in practicing these principles, including the lingering effects of wars, economic disparities, xenophobia, religious intolerance and racial and cultural tensions. To overcome these challenges, the question “Do I treat others based on who they are, or based on who I am?” may serve as a guiding principle, encouraging us to prioritize empathy, understanding, and love in all of our interactions. 

In conclusion, the question “Do I treat others based on who they are, or based on who I am?” encourages us to examine our actions, motivations, and values, seeking a deeper understanding of our place in the world and our responsibilities towards others. By doing so, we can foster a more equitable and harmonious society around us and beyond. Ultimately, this mindset paves the way for a world where we treat others based on our values and beliefs, rather than relying on preconceived notions and stereotypes.