What does Islam say about racism?

Islam rejects racism. The Quran teaches that all people come from one origin, that differences in colour and language are signs of Allah, and that the only measure of worth before Him is taqwa (God-consciousness), not race, nationality or wealth. Sadly, some Muslims fall short of this teaching, but the teaching itself is clear.

One humanity, many peoples

The Quran addresses all of humanity, not just Muslims:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ "O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you." Quran 49:13

The Quran also lists "the diversity of your languages and colours" among the signs of Allah (Quran 30:22). Differences are meant to be appreciated and understood, not turned into a ranking.

What the Prophet ﷺ taught

Hearts and deeds matter: "Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth, but He looks to your heart and to your deeds" (Sahih Muslim 2564).
Pride is a barrier to Paradise: he described pride as "disdaining the truth and contempt for the people" (Sahih Muslim 91).
Old prejudices are jahiliyyah: when the Companion Abu Dhar insulted a man by abusing his mother, the Prophet ﷺ told him, "You still have some characteristics of ignorance" (Sahih al-Bukhari 30). Jahiliyyah means the pre-Islamic mindset of tribal pride.
Everyone's life and honour are sacred: in his sermon at Hajj, he said that blood, property and honour are sacred (Sahih al-Bukhari 1739).

The farewell sermon

That sermon, delivered to a crowd of many tribes and backgrounds at the end of his life, is the classic statement against racism. It is also widely reported to have said that an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a white person over a black person, except by taqwa. Early Muslim society included people such as Bilal, who was African and became the first caller to prayer, Salman from Persia and Suhayb from the Roman lands, who were honoured by their faith and character.

When Muslims fall short

Racism, tribalism and colourism exist in some Muslim communities, just as in every society. Cultural habits are sometimes wrongly presented as religion, for example when someone looks down on converts, people of darker skin or people from a particular country. Islam does not support this. If you experience it, you can be sure the problem is the person, not your faith. See How do I cope with racism from other Muslims?

What you can do

Greet and sit with people from different backgrounds at the mosque.
Challenge jokes and stereotypes politely, in person or online.
Judge people by character, not appearance or accent.
If you are choosing a spouse, look first at faith and character. See Can I marry someone from a different race or culture as a Muslim?
Remember that Islam is for everyone. See Is Islam only for Arabs?

Key points

Islam teaches that all people share one origin and equal dignity.
Allah ranks people by taqwa, not by race or nationality (Quran 49:13).
Pride and prejudice are condemned (Sahih Muslim 91).
Racism among Muslims is a failure of practice, not a teaching of Islam.

Tip: If you face racism in a Muslim space, tell a trusted community leader. Most imams take it seriously and want to correct it.