International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

21 March 

Islam has long called for equality between all people. Almighty Allah said in His Holy Book: (Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures.) (Al-Isra : 70). Islam also emphasized that all people come from the same origin. The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said, “And people are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from dust." (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi).

Islam differentiated between people in terms of their deeds and actions, while rejecting any form of racial discrimination. Almighty Allah said: (Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.) (Al-Hujarat : 13). Allah’s messenger also said, “Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and to your deeds.” (Muslim).

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is recognized by the United Nations, the Muslim Council of Elders calls on the international community to actively work against racial discrimination and to achieve equality between people of all backgrounds, which will further advance peace and coexistence. 

This was highlighted by the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in Abu Dhabi, which stressed the importance of spreading dialogue, coexistence and peace while combating all forms of extremism, racism and discrimination.

The Muslim Council of Elders under the Chairmanship of the Grand Imam exerts strong efforts to spread these noble values through various initiatives, events and projects which emphasize equality and respect.