Teachings of Surah Al-Hujurat on Confronting Racism

TEHRAN (IQNA) – One of the problems in today’s world is racism. Although efforts have been made to counter this ugly phenomenon, it seems that inattention to religious teachings has prevented societies from getting rid of racism completely.

Al-Hujurat is the name of the 49^th chapter of the Quran. This Surah is Madani (revealed in Medina) and is in the 26^th Juz. It has 18 verses and is the 107^th Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Hujurat is the plural of the word Hujra in Arabic and means rooms. It is a word mentioned in verse 4 and refers to the rooms built beside the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina for his wives.

Surah Al-Hujurat includes ethical rules about issues like relation with God and with the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and how people should interact with one another in society. It also refers to the criterion for superiority of some over others, the need for dominance of order in society, and the truth of faith and Islam.

Surah Al-Hujurat orders Muslims not to pay attention to rumors, to avoid backbiting, gossiping and finding faults with others, and to try to promote reconciliation among Muslims.

The first verses urge believers to “be not forward in the presence of Allah and His Messenger,” (Verse 1) and teaches them how to speak to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and how to be respectful in his presence, saying “Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, do not be too loud in speaking to him [as you may have been to one another].” (Verse 2)

The Surah also orders believers to be careful about news spread by evil-doers and inquire first before believing them.

Another recommendation in this chapter of the Quran is that if there is a quarrel between some groups of believers, it is the duty of others to strive for reconciliation and paving the way for the settlement of the issues.

Another part of the Surah refers to six improper traits in social interactions, namely mocking others, finding fault with one another, defaming others, having suspicion about one another, spying on one another, and backbiting.

In this Surah, it has been emphasized that issues like the color skin, race, and ethnicity should not be considered as a source of pride because the criterion for nobility and being honorable before God is Taqwa (God-fearing).

The last verses of the Surah elaborate on the different between Islam and faith.