Source: Muslim Sunrise Fall Volume 2020
Editorial by the Chief Editor Mubasher Ahmad
The United States of America is not alone in suffering from the fatal malady of racism; the entire world is affected in one form or another through the downgrading of ethnic groups who are marginalized on the basis of their color and/or genealogical background.
For example, in India, since ancient times, people are divided into many castes, some considered superior over others on the basis of family lineage and profession. Stories were fabricated that the Brahmins, the highest caste, were born from the mouth of god Purusha, while the Kshatriya out of his arms, the Vaishyas from his thighs, and the Shudras from his feet. Consequently, the Shudras were the lowest of the low, and considered as ‘untouchables’. This caste system was based on the family a person was born into, so no one could escape the consequential racist treatment meted out solely on account of his or her birth in a certain family.
Many among the European white races considered themselves superior and held strong prejudice against blacks. Not only did the white races conquer many of their lands but also brought thousands upon thousands to their own countries as slaves. In America, the establishment of slavery was the root cause of racism, and we are still experiencing its tragic effects.
In this issue of the Muslim Sunrise, we have tried to cover several aspects of the racism that is so deeply embedded in the world, and we have made an effort to provide answers to questions such as: What is racism?
What does Islam teach to overcome racism? How to converse on topics related to racism. We cover articles that detail the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s approach to solve the problem.
We are thankful to the ‘Review of Religions’ for allowing us to publish an important article entitled ‘Islam and Black Lives Matter’ by Abid Khan, UK.
Please read the articles and give us your feedback.
Read online:
Additional suggested reading
Time Magazine Athlete of the Year: Lebron James
The Butler: A Dramatic & Must Watch Movie For Human Equality
In the Face of Racism in US — Selma: A Movie, Every Black, Brown and White Person Will Enjoy
White Christian America Needs a Moral Awakening
When the Americans Think of Islam, Some Think of Malcolm X
When the Americans Think of Islam, They Think of Muhammad Ali
Categories: Racism, The Muslim Times
Thanks
From my experience from visiting the London Mosque years ago, and another local one more recently, the Ahmadies are just as guilty of racism as others. In both cases I witnessed how the mainly Pakistani Ahmadies did not mix or communicate with African Ahmadies, it was a clear case of ‘apartheid’ of the two sections of the community. When I visited the mosque(s) I was not made much more welcome, being a white European. I did not fit the bill of speaking Urdu and being one of the Pakistinis, and few of the Pakistanis, especially the women spoke English. I was not made welcome, and much the same with others, like the Africans. I remember one Ahmadi woman, the wife of a friend, saying to me ‘You will never be accepted in Pakistan’. I see the Ahmadies as firstly a Pakistani religious group for those of Pakistani origin.
Well, Pakistani Ahmadis should take note of this experience and correct the situation. Yes, Pakistanis are very much ‘burdened’ by their culture.
The lady who said that should have been reported to Hazoor. Anyway, she said ‘you will never be accepted in Pakistan’, not ‘you will never be accepted in Ahmadiyyat’. Please note the difference.
please let me add:
Some people can make mistakes, but there are no words in the books of Ahmadiyyat as a reference to a certain ethnicity, instead a universal religious community is stressed. Also in no meetings, jalsas, ijtemas is it mentioned that the members of the Jamaat should turn towards Pakistanis. In Jalsas such as UK and Germany and Switzerland addresses are held in the local languages. Also Jamaats such as in Germany, Netherlands; Switzerland Ameer Jamaats are local citizens. Not to speak of the Jamaats in Africa and Indonesia etc. where Pakistanis are a miniscule minority.
Therefore your experience is a British experience. Your comments are of course valid however and Pakistanis should note and improve.
Of course, all religions preach good, peace and love, but that does not mean that the people always follow that course. The people I was referring to are all Ahmadies. Perhaps some of the sermons should remind them of the correct course when dealing with people from other parts of the world, that they should welcome them and treat them with respect and friendship. They are not supposed to be an exclusively Pakistani institution, even though Pakistanis make up the majority of the group. Acceptance of others is important, and in the case of the mosques they should extend a hand. Some, of course, do to some extent.
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