Martin Luther King Jr. Promoted Equality and So Does Islam.

Every year Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the 3rd Monday of January. This year it is going to be on January 20, 2020. This day is celebrated to honor his life, achievements, and legacy. He was the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. His accomplishments and teachings are now studied by scholars and students of all races worldwide. He played an essential role in putting an end to racial segregation and started the Civil Rights Movement.

As Muslims, our Islamic teachings on brotherhood very much coincide with Martin Luther King’s ideology. Brotherhood in Islam is a comprehensive concept that is based upon treating others the way we want to be treated. Most importantly, brotherhood involves purifying the heart of all animosity, hatred, and malice for fellow human beings. As Ahmadi Muslims our very motto “Love for all, hatred for none” explains how strongly we believe in equality and brotherhood.

The Holy Qur’an states,“And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your tongues and colors” (30:23). This verse explains that all created beings come from the same source and thus are equal in the sight of God. The worth of a man is not judged by the color of his skin, his wealth, rank or social status, his descent or pedigree, but by his moral goodness and the way he fulfills his duty towards God and mankind. During his farewell sermon, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “All of you are equal. All men, whatever nation or tribe they belong to, and whatever station in life they may hold, are equal...an Arab possesses no superiority over the non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab over an Arab.” The idea of brotherhood makes it clear that if we will value every human life regardless of race, religion or creed, we will have a better and wonderful human community.

May God enable us to be kind to others and to show openness and affection to each other.