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Sure,
Islam isn’t racist; almost any Muslim will tell you that.
But
Islam’s very strong stance against racism and prejudice wasn’t
just demonstrated in words and principles: [O Mankind, We created
you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into
nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most
honored of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous
of you] (Al-Hujurat:13). It was also evident in the Prophet’s
establishment of the mu’akhah (brotherhood) system.
About
six months after the Muslims of Makkah had left their homes,
livelihoods, and, in many cases, their families, for the sake of
Allah and immigrated to Madinah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) established a system that would bring together Muslims of
two different cities and different tribes.
The Muslims who had left Makkah were called Muhajirun, immigrants to Madinah; they had left their homes for the sake of Allah. They were now homeless
and more or less penniless in Madinah. They needed help.
Enter
the Muslims of Madinah. They became the Ansars (helpers) of their
Muhajirun brothers and sisters in faith.
They
Were Not Just “Roommates”
Bringing
Muslims together (Mu’akhah), coming from the same root as
akh “brother” in Arabic, means a system of making people
brothers. The Prophet paired one Muhajir with one Ansar. They were
not just temporary roommates. They became brothers in the truest
sense. Not only did the Ansar Muslim provide the Muhajir Muslim with
food, shelter, and clothing. He offered him consolation, support,
and true Muslim fellowship.
Although
there were no set rules, every one of the Ansar who got a Muhajir as
his brother gave an equal share in his property and belongings to
his Muhajir brother.
In
the bad old days of Arab tribal enmity and prejudices, the mu’akhah
system was truly revolutionary. It gave the Muhajirun a chance to
rebuild their lives in their new home, while creating a deep bond of
love and affection between Muslims of two very different cities.
The
regional differences between people, languages, and culture, despite
smaller distances as compared to today, were great.
So
it was perhaps strange for people at the time to think of an Arab
and a non-Arab living together as brothers.
For
instance, Bilal ibn Rabah, an African Muhajir and an ex-slave, was
paired as a brother with Abu Rawahah `Abdullah ibn `Abdul Rahman.
And they were brothers, not mere roommates. A black man and an Arab.
Who could have imagined this state of affairs in the pre-Islamic
tribal Arabia?
They
Even Used to Inherit from Each Other
This
brotherhood was even more important than the blood relationship,
since it was based on faith, not genetics or blood.
This
existed to such a degree that initially, the Muslim brothers in mu’akhah
would inherit from each other. However, later on, this practice was
abrogated.
The
mu’akhah system is clearly an example of Islam’s solid
commitment to the establishment of a brotherhood based not on color,
language, race, or ethnicity, but purely on faith. Muslims today
need to remember this system and our community leadership should be
proactive to implement the Islamic ideals.
Excerpted,
with slight modifications, from: www.soundvision.com
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