“Son of a black woman” - Black History Month

Assalamu alaikum: “Son of a black woman.”  It was literally true. Bilal ibn Rabah, may God be pleased with him, was exactly that. But the tone, the way it was said, and the context, was clearly offensive. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him responded with strong disapproval: “You are a man who still has traces of pre-Islamic ignorance," he said to the Muslim who made this comment.  Stunned by this censure, Abu Dhar Ghiffari, who, like Bilal, was also a great Companion, immediately sought his Abyssinian brother’s forgiveness. He went as far as placing his head on the ground and asked Bilal to step on his face as a way of making him feel for the offensive insult. Instead, Bilal took his hand and hugged him.  February is Black History Month. While it offers us an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of African-Americans and Africans to the world, it should also be a time to assess ugly prejudices that persist against Africa, Africans, and blackness as a skin color.  Whether it’s the blatantly racist comments one comes across, or subtle ways dark skin is deemed unworthy, these are an insult to our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, who despised racism, and actively sought to educate his Companions about it and to change attitudes and behaviors that would lead to ending it.  Which brings us to America 2022, where debate over Critical Race Theory (CRT) is leading to what its detractors are calling “division”. This theory, which calls for education of our nation’s history of systemic racism, is being attacked by those who wish to paint a utopian picture of our nation.  The reality is that we cannot love our country, any country, through blind patriotism that refuses to acknowledge the sins we have committed. We are all sinners. But the best sinners are those that seek forgiveness, make amends, and do better.  And that is ultimately what we should gain from Black History Month: a greater appreciation and respect for Black contributions to the world, along with a willingness to challenge those who undermine God’s message of humanity’s unity in its diversity (Quran 49:13).  Peace, Sound Vision Team

Discrimination Against UK Muslims · A University of Birmingham survey has found that British people from middle and upper-class occupational groups are more likely to hold prejudiced views of Islam. · The survey was conducted in conjunction with YouGov. · It found 23.2% of people from Britian’s higher social class were prejudiced against Islam compared with 18.4% of people from lower economic and social status.

A Quick Primer On Critical Race Theory The term “Critical Race Theory” (CRT) appears to be a new issue being used by politicians on both sides of the political aisle as a battering ram. However, it is not a new concept and the “controversy” around it is simply a manifestation of the very concepts that CRT examines.

CRT Hysteria – A Cyclical Dispute The current CRT hysteria really stems from an Executive Order issued by then-President Donald Trump in September 2020 that excluded federal contracts that addressed any diversity and inclusion training interpreted as containing “Divisive Concepts,” “Race or Sex Stereotyping,” and “Race or Sex Scapegoating.” Among the content considered “divisive” was Critical Race Theory.

A History Of Racism In The United StatesThe history of racism in the American landscape can primarily be traced back to the European colonization of North America beginning in the late 15th century. Various groups have bore the brunt of it, manifested in discriminatory laws, social practices, and criminal behavior directed toward a target group. The following are a list of just a few and their experiences.

32 Tips To Launch Your Personal Jihad Against Racism Some Muslims fall for the age-old trick of Satan and start playing the silly inferiority/superiority game. Some stereotype others and tolerate prejudice against other human beings, despite the fact that all human beings are equal, from the same man and woman. (Quran 49:13) How should we save ourselves from falling into this trap? Here are some ideas.