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Fatwa CenterHow to get rid of racism
Question
If one finds that there is racism in oneself. How can one rid oneself of this bad trait? This is becoming a problem as people are becoming aware of it and a solution is needed.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
Racism is a fatal disease and a very dangerous matter. Whenever it spreads in the community, it divides them into groups and parties. The racists act according to their emotions rather than their minds. Islam totally disapproves of this and strongly condemns it.
Islam teaches us that the origin of all mankind is one; all of them belong to Adam and Adam was created from dust. Allah Says (what means): {O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.} [Quran 49:13]
Allah made different groups and tribes only to allow them to know one another, and not to stimulate boasting or fighting between them. The difference of languages, colors, nationalities and wealth are not criteria to boast and show off. Indeed, the supremacy and superiority are based only on piety (Taqwa, God fearing) and this is something between Allah and his slaves and no one knows its extent except Allah Alone. The location of piety is the person's heart and Allah Alone knows what the hearts conceal. Allah Says (what means): {…then it is truly from the piety of the heart.} [Quran 22:32]
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The piety is here, (and while saying so), he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim to look down upon his Muslim brother. All things of a Muslim are inviolable from his brother in faith, his blood, his wealth and his honor (should be respected)." [Muslim]
In fact, the differences of languages and colors are among the wonderful signs of Allah that proves His Might and Greatness. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said in his last sermon: “There is no preference of an Arab over a Non-Arab, or a white over a black, or a black over a white, except by the (degree) of piety.” [Ahmad]
In another Hadeeth the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said about racism: “Leave it (that call) as it is a detestable thing.” [Reported by Imaam al-Bukhari]
Therefore, racism is totally rejected by Islamic teachings. Muslim scholars and reformers have always denounced it. It has always been the weapon of foolish and arrogant people; by using these hateful feelings they always cause much harm to mankind as a whole.
Actually, the founder of racism is Iblees (Satan) who objected to Allah's Order when ordered him to prostate to Adam. He claimed: {[Satan] said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay."} [Quran 7:12]
So, Allah punished Satan by driving him away from His Mercy and Blessings. Therefore, whoever is affected by this disease should fear Allah and try his best to get rid of it, seeking refuge with Allah.
The best way that could help one to get rid of this disease is to ponder over the Quran and Sunnah, and to read the biography of the companions of the Prophet .
Allah knows best.
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