Perseveranze
Junior Member
Asalaamu Alaikum,
Just wanted to relay a wonderful story which reflects the topic of "racism and Islam". This is also a reminder that racism has no place in Islam, it's completly forbidden and anyone who feels or acts with racism should most certainly fear and repent towards Allah(swt).
This story is about Bilal(ra), who was once a black slave. He reverted to Islam and for this, his Master and the Quraishi people tortured him (one of the methods was putting a massive stone on his chest). When the Prophet(pbuh) heard news of this, he sent his closest companian Abu Bakr to help him. Whilst at the brink his own death, Abu Bakr free'd him, paying a ransom. Bilal(ra) became amongst the closest companians of the Prophet(pbuh).
The call to prayer, which we Muslims hear 5 times a day, was first said by Bilal(ra).
An orientilist named Edward Blyden, himself a black man, wrote in 1874:
The Story -
Just wanted to relay a wonderful story which reflects the topic of "racism and Islam". This is also a reminder that racism has no place in Islam, it's completly forbidden and anyone who feels or acts with racism should most certainly fear and repent towards Allah(swt).
This story is about Bilal(ra), who was once a black slave. He reverted to Islam and for this, his Master and the Quraishi people tortured him (one of the methods was putting a massive stone on his chest). When the Prophet(pbuh) heard news of this, he sent his closest companian Abu Bakr to help him. Whilst at the brink his own death, Abu Bakr free'd him, paying a ransom. Bilal(ra) became amongst the closest companians of the Prophet(pbuh).
The call to prayer, which we Muslims hear 5 times a day, was first said by Bilal(ra).
An orientilist named Edward Blyden, himself a black man, wrote in 1874:
The eloquent Adzan or Call to Prayer, which to this day summons at the same hours millions of the human race to their devotions, was first uttered by a Negro, Bilal by name, whom Mohammed, in obedience to a dream, appointed the first Muezzin or Crier. And it has been remarked that even Alexander the Great is in Asia an unknown personage by the side of this honoured Negro
The Story -
“Abu Dharr, the leader of the tribe of Ghifar, and one who accepted Islam in its early days, narrates:
Once I was conversing with Bilal. Our conversation gave way to a dispute. Angry with him, the following insult burst from my mouth: ‘You cannot comprehend this, O son of a black woman!’
As Islam expressly forbade all kinds of racial, tribal and color discrimination, Bilal was both upset and greatly angered.
Some time later, a man came and told me that the Messenger of God, upon him be peace and blessings, summoned me. I went to him immediately. He said to me:
‘I have been informed that you addressed Bilal as the son of a black woman.’
I was deeply ashamed and could say nothing. God’s Messenger continued his reprimand: ‘This means you still retain the standards and judgements of the pre-Islamic days of ignorance. Islam has eradicated all those false standards or measures judging people by blood, fame, color or wealth. It has established that the best and most honorable of men is he who is the most pious and upright in conduct. Is it right to defame a believer just because he is black?’
Abu Dharr felt profound remorse. He went straight to Bilal’s house and, putting his head on the threshold, said: ‘This head will not rise from here until the blessed feet of Bilal tread on the face of foolish, impolite Abu Dharr.’
Bilal responded: ‘That face deserves to be kissed, not trodden upon,’ and forgave Abu Dharr.”
Once I was conversing with Bilal. Our conversation gave way to a dispute. Angry with him, the following insult burst from my mouth: ‘You cannot comprehend this, O son of a black woman!’
As Islam expressly forbade all kinds of racial, tribal and color discrimination, Bilal was both upset and greatly angered.
Some time later, a man came and told me that the Messenger of God, upon him be peace and blessings, summoned me. I went to him immediately. He said to me:
‘I have been informed that you addressed Bilal as the son of a black woman.’
I was deeply ashamed and could say nothing. God’s Messenger continued his reprimand: ‘This means you still retain the standards and judgements of the pre-Islamic days of ignorance. Islam has eradicated all those false standards or measures judging people by blood, fame, color or wealth. It has established that the best and most honorable of men is he who is the most pious and upright in conduct. Is it right to defame a believer just because he is black?’
Abu Dharr felt profound remorse. He went straight to Bilal’s house and, putting his head on the threshold, said: ‘This head will not rise from here until the blessed feet of Bilal tread on the face of foolish, impolite Abu Dharr.’
Bilal responded: ‘That face deserves to be kissed, not trodden upon,’ and forgave Abu Dharr.”
