Cooperation and communication, not the sectarianism and racism that permeate the modern world, are key to prospering and required by God from His believers.
In Friday’s sermon, the imam says that regardless of creed, race, sex, tribe or religion, all of humankind is equal in God’s eyes and all are the sons of Adam.
“O mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is knowing and acquainted.” (Al-Hujurat: 13)
The excerpt from the Quran stresses civilised human relationships based on cooperation, and constructive dialogue. It also calls for positive communication among peoples and cultures, avoiding sectarianism and conflicts, respect for cultural diversity and other’s opinions.
Islam requires that its believers respect diversity – so much so that among the foundations that the Prophet laid down in the Charter of Medina were the rights of citizenship regardless of religion, race or tribe. This made Medina one of the safeguards of civilisations.
In fact, under the Charter of Medina, the Prophet safeguarded the rights of citizenship for all residents of the city, giving them equal rights to be protected in their religion, lives, wealth and integrity without any discrimination.
This is because the differences in opinion, race or religion are of the divine arrangements is mentioned in the Quran as a source of knowledge.
“And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.” (Ar-Room: 22)
He also says, “and if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ. Except whom your Lord has given mercy and for that He created them.” (Hood: 118-119)
This idea that diversity is celebrated was further emphasised to the faithful when the imam recalled the story of Prophet Mohammed scolding Abu Dhar Al Ghifari after he was rude about a man’s mother’s colour.
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