The Qur’an For All Humanity
The Reason for Differences
~ 57 ~
Such geographic and cultural differences resulted
gradually in variations in people’s skin colour,
features, height, temperament etc. In this way, some
were black or brown, others white, and distinctive
racial characteristics developed. Yet all these
differences are relative, not real. These are only for
the sake of identification, and are not meant to form
the basis for discriminatory practices or the
establishment of superiority. Most of the evil in this
world is caused by people having come to regard
apparent differences as real ones. That is why they
begin to discriminate between people, thus
producing unending prejudice and the injustice that
goes with it.
As a matter of origin all human beings are equal. If
there is any basis for discrimination between them,
it can only be in terms of how pious and god fearing
they are. Difference between one person and
another has to be based on real attributes and not
just on appearances.
