Each and every single religion that exists has specific elements and characteristics that differentiate between them and other religions.  This acts as a way for religions to form special bonds as they share similarities and discuss their differences. On the other hand, these differences and similarities allows for many concepts to be misunderstood and misjudged. Since it is not always clear what is precisely meant with a certain concept, many disputes can arise due to the varying comprehension of what is shared and discussed.

These concepts are often misunderstood due to the fact that they either have several meanings or it is because of the ignorance that some may have. One of the most prominent concepts that are present in almost every religion is equality. This concept, like many others, is similar in many ways in each religion; however there is a particular religion that introduced this merciful belief and revealed the genuine meaning of the term “equal”. This religion is Islam, the one known as the perfect religion that acted as the completion to the religions that existed. The entire ideology of spreading equality is something Islam came with after witnessing the widespread of injustice and racism that existed at that time.  

Racism essentially means to direct prejudice and racism against others of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior. This was a an epidemic that did not settle on only just personal beliefs, this extended to the point where others were treated unjustly, with extreme cruelty and in many cases it lead to constant battles and bloodshed.  When the religion of Islam was first revealed, one of its main objectives was to end the ignorance that existed as to whom is better based upon their beliefs which mainly focused on materialistic objects. It aimed at spreading humanity and justice and this began with equalizing between the communities that existed at that time. Before beginning to discuss as to how that took place, one must first take a look at the way people lived their lives before the revelation of Islam.

Existing in a society that was built upon chaos and distress meant that most individuals were extremely ignorant in terms of their thinking process and actions. Racial discrimination and inequality was so common that it was considered as the “norm” during that time.  One of the most prominent issues at that time was the ill treatment of Non-Arabs, especially those with dark complexions. Arabs at that time   considered themselves to be the most superior individuals, which was the main factor that resulted in racial discrimination. Those who were not Arab were made into slaves and were treated in a horrific manner, as they were denied of all of their human rights and were treated as objects. This was something that was neither acceptable nor tolerable as Allah SWT created mankind to be treated equally.  When Prophet Mohammed PBUH finally brought forward the religion of Islam as well as the Holy Quran, these issues began to decrease as the followers of the new, merciful religion began to increase.

The messages Islam came with regarding this issue were so many to the point where it began to be extremely clear that the main messages it aimed to spread was to unite mankind under one banner without there being any form of discrimination. This message is clearly revealed in the Holy Quran as it states, O Mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is he who has most Taqwa among of you. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." Noble Qur'an (49:13)

This verse relates as to how mankind was created equally from male and female, and how Allah SWT purposely made each individual different so that they are divided into nations and tribes. This is a divine and merciful way of spreading love, peace and justice as Allah SWT orders for us to put our differences aside and to be civil towards one another. This was far from reality at the time this verse was revealed,  as it was extremely clear that what was occurring between different nations and tribes was far from the peace Allah SWT wants. Constant battling and cruelty between one another lead to extreme discrimination and racism as one tribe saw themselves as greater as and more superior than the other. Allah SWT makes it very clear throughout verses from the holy Quran stating that this not simply ignorance, but in fact destruction to society. The fact that humans were created in an equal manner is further clarified as it states in the holy Quran, "And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your tongues and colors; most surely there are signs in this for the learned." Noble Qur'an (30:22)

This verse relates to the first verse mentioned as both tie between the idea of how Islam declares equality among people as one human race, and how it does not distinguish between individuals based on differences. When Allah SWT created mankind he set one purpose for this great creation, and that was for humans to worship and love Him. Allah SWT translated the principle of equality into a sensible fact through the worship acts He set as mandatory so that this never leaves one’s mind. This is revealed through the simple act of prayer, as Allah SWT ordered for all humans, without any regards to the differences between them to worship on a daily basis, five times. Through the simple acts of prayer,

 one of the main things that Allah SWT set for us to do to remind us that we are all equal, is the simple act of prayer, equality is practised practically and the differences one has vanishes, as in this position, one’s color, race, financial state ect, does not matter at all. Another way Islam revealed its equality among everyone is the way it set laws and regulations for people to abide by, without any exceptions as to who that person is.  Islam clearly states that what is allowed is for all people and what is forbidden is forbidden for all as well. The obligations are upon everyone, and whoever deserved punishment will be punished, regardless.

Prophet Muhammed PBUH also addressed this issue numerous times as he was present in midst of the ignorance of the Arab peninsula and witnessed the injustice of the racial discrimination that existed. Prophet Mohammed signified this concept during his last pilgrimage as he said, "O People! Your God is one; your father Adam is one; no preference of an Arab neither over non-Arab nor of a non-Arab over an Arab or non-colored over a black or black over a non-colored except for the most righteous. Verily the most honored of you is the most righteous."

This eloquent statement said by the Prophet is not only a beautiful reminder as to how everyone is equal, but also emphasizes on the fact that the most honored individuals are those who are most righteous. This relates back to worshipping and abiding by what Allah SWT has set for humans to act upon, as the Prophet here makes it clear that the only thing that is able to divide by human and makes one better than the other, is ones actions and deeds.

Another way Islam brought equality among everyone is he brought forward each individual’s rights and made it clear that each and every single person is not denied of what is rightfully theirs. This was a way for many to receive their rights, as most slaves and foreigners were denied of the basics of what they needed to survive.

In conclusion, it is made clear that existing in a chaotic society where blood is shed for the simple reason of being different was a way of calling out for a saviour. Through the revelation of the holy religion of Islam, each individual was given their rights after many were denied and it was made clear that no one is better than the other except by righteousness. This is mentioned numerous times throughout the Holy Quran and through many beautiful sayings said by Prophet Muhammed PBUH.