Is there such a thing as Racism in Islam__By Shaykh Yaseen Adam

·30 min·3 clips

A Quraysh polytheist lamented seeing a black Abyssinian slave call the adhan atop the Ka'bah after the conquest of Makkah.

The episode is a khutbah (sermon) by Shaykh Yaseen Adam on the topic of racism in Islam. It begins with Islamic invocations and praises. The speaker defines racism as discrimination based on race, color, language, religion, or class, noting it has existed since ancient times. He traces the first instance of racism to Iblis (Satan) refusing to prostrate to Adam due to pride in his fiery origin. The khutbah references pre-Islamic Arab tribalism, such as the poetry of Amr ibn Kulthum boasting of superiority. It recounts historical incidents, like a Quraysh polytheist's disdain for Bilal calling the adhan atop the Ka'bah after the conquest of Makkah. The speaker argues that racism persists in contemporary Muslim societies, giving examples like discrimination against Indians, Malays, Malawians, and Tanzanians, or refusing marriages based on ethnicity or poverty. He critiques Muslims who follow outward religious practices but harbor racist attitudes. The khutbah cites hadiths where Prophet Muhammad condemned racist remarks as 'rotten' and part of pre-Islamic ignorance (Jahiliyyah). It highlights Quranic verses, such as Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), stating that superiority is only through taqwa. The speaker mentions companions like Salman al-Farisi, Suhaib, and Bilal, who were non-Arabs but esteemed in Islam, contrasting them with Abu Lahab, who was noble by lineage but condemned for his racism. The farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad is quoted, abolishing all racial and tribal superiority. Examples include Abu Dhaw insulting Bilal's African heritage and being corrected by the Prophet. The khutbah concludes with a story of Prophet Muhammad praying over a black female mosque cleaner whose death was overlooked, emphasizing the value of every individual. The speaker urges self-reflection, repentance, and worship during times of fitna (trials).

As heard by us

An Islamic sermon on racism that weighs status by taqwa, not lineage or class.

The episode frames racism as incompatible with Islam, placing al-unsuriya inside a sermon on taqwa and asking what truly gives a person standing before Allah.

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Why you'd press play

You want an Islamic reset on racism, with Bilal, Quraysh status, and Abu Lahab held up as the contrast.

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