Local Voices
Black History Month and Islam
This article is about how Islam ties in with February's Black History Month.
Every year, the month of February is observed as “Black History Month”. This month is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of African Americans to our country.
Fourteen hundred years ago the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “God does not look upon your bodies and your outward appearance, but He looks at your hearts." This shows that Islam supported racial equality and still does. For example, when Muslims go for pilgrimage (Hajj), every man wears the same clothes, which are two white pieces of cloths, no matter who they are, how wealthy they are, or the color of their skin. The only way they appear different is their level of purity, humbleness, and their nearness to the Creator of us all. In chapter 49, verse 14, the Qur’an says, “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honorable among you, in the sight of God, is he who is the most righteous among you.”
In conclusion, Islam promotes racial equality and requires that we recognize all our heroes regardless of which color, race or faith they may belong to.