Racism

Cont'd from page 3

 If people really saw everyone else as a very distant cousin, they might be able to let go of some misconceptions and biases. But our ego works to convince us we are better than others.

Racism has had a long history—colonization, slavery, apartheid, Nazism, genocide, and many other examples.

Satan was the first racist. He refused to obey an order from God to prostrate before Adam:

[38:76] He said, “I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from clay.” And Satan continues to inspire his followers to be arrogant and to treat people badly. Satan loves injustice, arrogance and fear. He does not want peace and harmony. He does not want people to be united. He does not want people to be happy or prosperous.

But Satan can only whisper/invite. It’s up to us to turn back to God. The ego (arrogance augmented by ignorance) is compounded by greed and selfishness, a disregard of truth and God’s principles.

If people stopped to think about simple principles like “treat others like you want to be treated”, they’d be able to do better. But the ego, mental conditioning, selfishness, and other human traits get in the way.

What’s the solution? Worship God alone, prepare for the Day of Judgment, lead a righteous life—being fair, truthful, kind and compassionate, and give everyone maximum freedom and social justice.

[3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners.

And always remember that we are all the same: [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

Faiz