Common Terms 3:64

Oh Messenger, say to the Jews, Christians, and others around you, that Muslims use their intelligence and their senses and do not worship, obey, or appoint any partners with G-d, or take as lords any beside Him, or any idols, or mix His authority with anyone or anything.

Muslims worship one G-d, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and everything in between. So embedded is the concept of the singularity of G-d, that even the ancient Arabic word for G-d, Allah, is singular and has no plural form. That being said, Muslims do not isolate themselves from working or associating with others who share common values.

These common values, principles, and concepts are the universal truths that come from divine revelation. We have one common life, one common humanity, one common nature, and one common destiny.

G-d says in the Qur’an that He has made our design excellent, and that the most excellent among us is the most righteous. This excellence is not restricted to one people but is given fairly and justly to all people, all colors, all nationalities. The excellent picture G-d is talking about is not the color of our skin or facial features, but the upright man who has the potential for a great destiny.

This language in the Qur’an should free us from any burden of racism. Islam welcomes the diversity of cultures, as well as the diversity of religions. Islam is a religion about humanity and is not exclusive on who will get into heaven. It is a religion of fairness, justice, and appreciation for whatever good anybody does. And that good will get you into heaven. Muslims should work with Christians, Jews, Buddhists and anyone who shares our values of the destiny that G-d intended for His human creation.

The Prophet said the best of you is the one who is best in his service to humanity. And we should work together for the good of all people.

Anyone who believes in the superiority of one race over another does a disservice to his soul and to humanity. Let us come to common terms, common goals, and work for the common good of all people, and eliminate the concept of racism, and the other evils that threaten the excellence of our original human nature.