The Impediments of Nationalism and Colourism in the Muslim Community

The Muslim Ummah, a global community that spans countless cultures, ethnicities, and nations, is united by the faith of Islam. This sense of unity should ideally supersede any divisions that arise from national, racial, or ethnic lines. However, the seeds of nationalism and colourism within the Muslim community have posed a significant challenge to this unity, affecting the collective ability to uphold human rights and engage in political action. It’s crucial to recognise that these trends contradict the principles of Islam, which emphasises unity, equality, and mutual support among all believers.

Nationalism and Colourism: The unseen barriers

Nationalism – the identification with and support for one’s nation often to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations – has created a fracture within the Muslim community. It has promoted a form of tribalism that places national interests over the universal principles of justice and human rights.

Colourism, on the other hand, is a prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group. This form of discrimination has often led to a bias within communities, leading to disparities in social, economic, and political opportunities, thus hindering mutual support and collective action within the Muslim Ummah.

Contradictions with Islamic principles

Nationalism and colourism go against the very grain of Islamic teachings. Islam promotes unity, brotherhood, and equality among all believers, regardless of their race, colour, or nationality. The Qur’an states;

“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.” (49:13).

In his final sermon, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reaffirmed this principle by saying;

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also, a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action.”

The Islamic duty to unite and support each other

In the light of these teachings, it becomes evident that the unity of the Muslim community should transcend boundaries of race, colour, and nationality. The Qur’an clearly states;

“The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.” (49:10).

It is a duty upon all Muslims to be supporters of each other, to uphold justice, and to work towards the welfare of all, regardless of their national or ethnic identities.

The Qur’an further emphasises mutual support in saying;

“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (5:2).

This principle can and should be applied in the sphere of politics and human rights. Muslims should strive to support each other in the fight against injustice and oppression, regardless of where it occurs and who it happens to.

Nationalism and colourism are divisive forces that prevent the Muslim community from fully living the principles of unity, equality, and mutual support as mandated by Islam. It is the responsibility of every Muslim to consciously reject these trends and work towards a more united, supportive community that upholds the tenets of justice, human rights, and political fairness.

The first step in overcoming these divisive forces is acknowledging their existence and harmful impacts. It is only through awareness, dialogue, and concerted effort that the Muslim Ummah can return to its foundational principles of unity, brotherhood, and mutual support, and collectively work towards a more just and equitable world.