Discrimination- A disscusion

[May Ayob]

I'm very interested in this topic..... it is a very important issue. Perhaps one of the most important. I just prefer to hear the views of others, sit back and listen. I thought the points that you raised were very thought-provoking.... and inshallah, I shall comment upon those points when I get the time.

Salaam sister
Thank you soo much for your reply , you are sooooo nice , I love you !
IT actaully brings happiness into my heart when someone replies.
May Allah bless you and give happiness just as you gave me , if you were infront of me i would have given you a big hug and a kiss on the cheek !

Salaam

 

[Who Am I?]

As sister Flame said, it is an important topic. I've already commented so I don't have much else to add at this time. I want to sit back and let others speak.

 

[Just_A_Girl13]

I guess not many people are interested in this topic, thats sad although i thought it was an important issue but no problem

Salam sister,

I'm interested! I find that more often than racial discrimination, I have encountered anti-Islamic sentiments from members of the community when I am among my Muslim friends. As you can imagine many ignorant people make remarks about terrorism, the hijab and the like because they don't understand Islam. It makes me sad. I usually try to correct people when the opportunity arises, but as I'm sure you are already aware, there are those who refuse to listen. Inshallah one day they will learn what a beautiful and peaceful religion Islam really is

 

[Who Am I?]

Salam sister,

I'm interested! I find that more often than racial discrimination, I have encountered anti-Islamic sentiments from members of the community when I am among my Muslim friends. As you can imagine many ignorant people make remarks about terrorism, the hijab and the like because they don't understand Islam. It makes me sad. I usually try to correct people when the opportunity arises, but as I'm sure you are already aware, there are those who refuse to listen. Inshallah one day they will learn what a beautiful and peaceful religion Islam really is

That is an issue I am dealing as well from members of my own family. I've decided not to tell my family when I take shahada, and let my actions and attitude be my testimony. Hopefully they will notice that I have changed for the better and when they mention it, I can tell them about Islam.

I also pray daily that Allah will guide my parents and help them to understand and appreciate my decision, inshallah.

 

[Perseveranze]

No Muslim should ever even think of doing it. Allah(swt) makes this extremely clear -

"O' mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed the most honourable of you in the sight of Allaah is the one with the most piety" (Surah Al-Hujjarat 49:13)

May Allah(swt) rightously guide the Ummah.

 

[May Ayob]

No Muslim should ever even think of doing it. Allah(swt) makes this extremely clear - "O' mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed the most honourable of you in the sight of Allaah is the one with the most piety" (Surah Al-Hujjarat 49:13) May Allah(swt) rightously guide the Ummah.

Salaam Jazak Allhu khairan this Aya is very releiving and it give hope to the people out there that are being hurt by prejudice.

 

[May Ayob]

Salam sister, I'm interested! I find that more often than racial discrimination, I have encountered anti-Islamic sentiments from members of the community when I am among my Muslim friends. As you can imagine many ignorant people make remarks about terrorism, the hijab and the like because they don't understand Islam. It makes me sad. I usually try to correct people when the opportunity arises, but as I'm sure you are already aware, there are those who refuse to listen. Inshallah one day they will learn what a beautiful and peaceful religion Islam really is

Thank you sister May Allah Guide you and make you one of those whom He loves.

 

[Flame of Hope]

Sister, you have probably highlighted the major areas where people can discriminate.....

1.Racial Dicrimination:

World history contains plenty of examples that are proof of how a man thinks he is better than another because of his color. People have been treated like animals and turned into slaves simply because of their skin color.

This sort of discrimination is largely due to ignorance and pride.

2.Gender :

Men thinking that they are better than women......

Women thinking they are better than men!

3.Religous- sayings like - My religion is better than yours

A big one. Can start a separate discussion thread on just this topic alone. How wrong it is to think that one is better than a Christian, a Jew, a Hindu simply because he is a Muslim. It is certainly wrong because it causes a person to look down upon people of other faiths. This is certainly not what Islam teaches. Non-Muslims must be treated with every bit of respect and courtesy.

Cultural

Because people are set in their ways, they cannot see beyond what they are accustomed to. They thus begin to scorn and show ridicule towards things that are not done their way.

Height

Men who are proud of their height and who want to marry women who would look good next to them. I've come across those kind. Women who look down upon other women because they are taller and make better models.

Weight-

Laughing at people because they are overweight, calling them names. Not caring to understand that perhaps they might have a medical condition that prevents them from losing weight. Whatever the case, making fun of others because they are too thin or too fat or because they don't look like the model shown on the magazine.... it's all discrimination.... having just one standard and scorning and ridiculing anything that doesn't come close to that standard.

Beauty discrimination

How many are there who have let their good looks go to their heads and become vain? Seeing everybody else as inferior to themselves? Sheer ignorance, it is! Why won't they stop to consider that they did not make themselves!!

To add to the above list, sister..... here's one more:

KNOWLEDGE.

People who think they know better than others. People who believe they are superior because they have got this degree or studied at this university or been a student of such and such Islamic academy. People who think that they are better than others because they have more knowledge. Or because they can speak Arabic so well or because they recite the Qur'an so beautifully. When they think in such a way, they begin to show disrespect towards those who may know less. They may even begin to show-off. This is all because of discrimination. Assigning a superior position to oneself and a lower one to others.

That's the reason why Islam is the best religion. It teaches us that all people are equal. The only person who is better than another is he who is better in righteousness and good manners. Not because of his color, race, wealth, gender, religion, beauty or knowledge.

Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!

 

[Salahudeen]

I'd like to bring what I think is an interesting point into the discussion, is it still discrimination/racism if you have a certan preferance? Say for example a white woman has a preference to only marry a asian man, so she rejects proposals from every other race because of her preference, is this considered discrimination?

Or what if a father has a preference that only an asian man should marry his daughter, this is his preference, he doesn't believe asians are better or anything, he just simply prefers that an asian man marries his daughter as he feels this would be a more suitable match, so he rejects proposals from every other race, white,black, chinese etc.

What are your thoughts on this? Is there a difference between having a preference and discrimination? Some may say the man who rejects every race for his daughter except his own, is racist, even though its his preference to have an asian marry his daughter and doesn't look down upon or consider asians any better. This is just his preference cos he believes they will be a more suitable match in terms of language/culture/cooking/food/clothing and other things etc.

would like to hear thoughts on this because I've encountered this many times, people having preferences that seem to be discriminating against other people however they say this is their preference and there's nothing wrong with preferring one thing over another as long as it's halal.

 

[Who Am I?]

I'd like to bring what I think is an interesting point into the discussion, is it still discrimination/racism if you have a certan preferance? Say for example a white woman has a preference to only marry a asian man, so she rejects proposals from every other race because of her preference, is this considered discrimination?

Or what if a father has a preference that only an asian man should marry his daughter, this is his preference, he doesn't believe asians are better or anything, he just simply prefers that an asian man marries his daughter as he feels this would be a more suitable match, so he rejects proposals from every other race, white,black, chinese etc.

What are your thoughts on this? Is there a difference between having a preference and discrimination? Some may say the man who rejects every race for his daughter except his own, is racist, even though its his preference to have an asian marry his daughter and doesn't look down upon or consider asians any better. This is just his preference cos he believes they will be a more suitable match in terms of language/culture/cooking/food/clothing and other things etc.

would like to hear thoughts on this because I've encountered this many times, people having preferences that seem to be discriminating against other people however they say this is their preference and there's nothing wrong with preferring one thing over another as long as it's halal.

In my past, I have pursued all types of women. White, black, Asian, Latina, Arab. I have no preference when it comes to women. A beautiful woman is beautiful no matter what color her skin is.

That being said, I once dated a Costa Rican girl who told me that she would prefer to marry a Latin guy. Being a white guy myself, I knew right then that I had very little chance of having a real relationship with her, and sure enough, it ended soon after. I understood the significance of her comment, but it still hurt a little.

Where I live, there are still a lot of people who are against interracial marriages. It is becoming more accepted than it used to be, but that change has come slowly and at a price.

Different people have different preferences. I don't think that is discrimination; it just means that you have different tastes than I do. We're all different and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[Flame of Hope]

is it still discrimination/racism if you have a certan preferance?

I don't think it is discrimination or racism to have a certain preference. It's just an expression of what you would like more in a life partner.

But as Muslims, I think it's better to say "Allah knows better who would be good for me...." and keep one's eyes and mind wide open to whoever Allah sends you.

 

[Revert 2010]

Salaam, I think that it becomes racial when a person parents pick a certain race for their child because their culture dictates this and not Islam and a person does not have a choice is that not haraam?? Did the prophet(pbuh) not warn against discrimination within the Ummah When he gave his last khutbah.

 

[Flame of Hope]

Salaam, I think that it becomes racial when a person parents pick a certain race for their child because their culture dictates this and not Islam and a person does not have a choice is that not haraam?? Did the prophet(pbuh) not warn against discrimination within the Ummah When he gave his last khutbah.

:wa:

You have a point. But let's say this has to do with people's level of iman. Those with strong iman wouldn't be picky or fussy. Those with weak iman would have all sorts of preferences.

There are reasons why people marry.... they may marry for wealth, status, culture... have preferences for race and color even. But one must marry not for these considerations..... the sunnah is to marry for the sake of religion.

So it's alright if people have preferences and are picky about their choices. It isn't haraam. But it does show that they prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter.

 

[Who Am I?]

I'm not sure I will ever be married, and I'm starting to become OK with that. My situation dictates that it probably won't happen, but as long as I can keep a good relationship with Allah, that's all I need.

Or at least that's what I keep telling myself...

 

[May Ayob]

I'd like to bring what I think is an interesting point into the discussion, is it still discrimination/racism if you have a certan preferance?

Salaam I will give you a hadeeth insha allah the prophet PBUH said: There is no prefernce of an arab over a non-arab except with Taqwa, Nor is there a prefernce of a non-arab over an arab except with Taqwa; Same with There is no prefernce of a white over a black Nor is there prefernce of a black over a white except with Taqwa"

I think it is pretty clear that No one should ever think because this guy/girl is european or asian or african or whatever that they will suit them best. Race does not equal compatability.
The man in my point of view is completely mistaken and is looking at things the wrong way. I know that a long time that ive read a hadeeth that said that the Father of Alsayidah Kadijah wanted to reject the prophet PBUH proposal because he was an orphan isnt this prefernce? is it right? No it doesnt make it right all.

In my point of view Prefernce is the number 1 cause of discrimantion and God knows best but , i do acknowledge that is one thing to say to some body - sorry i cant marry you and it is another to say the former and insult them because of something that is out of their hands.

Salaam

 

[Flame of Hope]

In my point of view Prefernce is the number 1 cause of discrimantion and God knows best but , i do acknowledge that is one thing to say to some body - sorry i cant marry you and it is another to say the former and insult them because of something that is out of their hands.

I agree with you. Showing preference is bad manners. That sort of behavior can hurt others much and you're right in saying that it's tantamount to insulting people. I think it is a form of discrimination. Discrimination that is veiled.... However, I think it becomes a problem only when people openly declare their preferences. It's okay to prefer to marry a pretty girl who is pious than an ugly one who is also pious. One just need not say it out loud because this would hurt people's feelings.

It's better to keep your preferences to yourself.

 

[May Ayob]

than an ugly one who is also pious.

See honey , this is wrong God almighty never creates somethings that is ugly , non of God creatures especially human beings are ugly. i am sorry but i have to disagree with you.Also as long as she is pious no one should ever criticise her or try publicly embarass her.
Piety is what matters
I will share with you a hadeeth the prophet PBUH insh Allah said - God does not regard you with your apearances, nor with you possesions but rather he regards you with your actions and that which is inside of your heart.
salaam

 

[Flame of Hope]

See honey , this is wrong God almighty never creates somethings that is ugly , non of God creatures especially human beings are ugly. i am sorry but i have to disagree with you.Also as long as she is pious no one should ever criticise her or try publicly embarass her.

I think you may not have understood my point. I was speaking in reference to what people might prefer. I was merely giving an example.

I don't think anyone is ugly but there are people who do.

People do have their preferences. I just think that they should keep it to themselves.

I also think it's important to be careful when we discuss people's preferences lest we ourselves fall into the trap of discrimination.

People have a right to choose who they want to marry. Parents have the right to select who they want their children to marry. One should respect their right to do so.

I don't think it's right to criticize anyone who has preferences. And I always prefer to give people the benefit of doubt than condemn them for not conforming to a certain standard of behavior.

 

[Who Am I?]

There is nothing wrong with having preferences. It doesn't make you a bad person. If every guy wanted the same women (and if the opposite case were true), most of us would be out of luck.

 

[May Ayob]

I also think it's important to be careful when we discuss people's preferences lest we ourselves fall into the trap of discrimination.

Salaam sister, um yes i admit that maybe i havent understood what you are trying to say. but you kind of gave me the impression that i am a person who doesnt have good opinion about people , and watch out before you fall into the same mistake. look i know that i am not a scholar i am your simple muslim and i am weak and i do everday mistakes just because i said something is wrong to me doesnt mean that i am claiming to perfect. Also i know maybe i'm some what stubborn about my views but i am still a humanbeing and if there is something wrong that i do or say then i still ask Allah swt to guide me into leaving it.
I dont mean to offend you and if i did then i am sorry and i take back every word i said.
Salaam