Caste Away

Islam came to bring people together, not divide them. The division of the human race into different colours, races and ethnicities was something that Allah (S.W.T) did so people can appreciate one another, not so that they can belittle one another.

It is mentioned in Holy Quran that; O people! We have created you from male and female, and (divided) you into (large) peoples and tribes, so that you might recognise one another. Surely, the most honourable amongst you in the sight of Allah is he who fears Allah the most. Certainly, Allah is All Knowing, All Aware. (Translation taken from Irfan ul Quran, Surah 49 Al Hujurat, Para 26, Ayah 13, Page 864)

Hazrat Imam Bayhaqi (R.A) has reported from Hazrat Abu Amama (R.A) that Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Allah has eliminated the pride and arrogance of Jaahiliyya (the period of ignorance) that occurs because of one’s paternal lineage. You are all equally the children of Adam and Hawwa like two Saa’ (measures used for food). Undoubtedly the most respected amongst you in the eyes of Allah is the one with the most Taqwa (piety). So whoever comes to you with whom you are pleased with his religion and trustworthiness; then marry [his daughters]”.

If Hazrat Adam and Hazrate Hawa (A.S) were the same caste/ race/ colour/ religion, then how did Blacks, Whites, Asians, Somali’s etc develop? The answer to this question lies in what ‘Adam’ means.

Hazrat Imam Qurtubi (R.A), a famous Scholar also specialising in the commentary of the Holy Quran, writes that ‘Adam’ comes from the root word ‘Adim’ in Arabic, which means ‘surface’. The reason why ‘Adam’ was called such was because Allah (S.W.T) created him from the different surfaces of the earth. The Angels were sent to collect red, white and black clay from the earth and this is the reason why man developed into different colours.

In short, the Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) taught that rather than giving consideration to lineage and casts, faith and piety should be of paramount importance. When a pious partner is found, then marriage should be sought irrespective of caste and race.