Reflections on Black History Month

Throughout Islamic history there have been prominent black Muslims that contributed a great deal to the advancement of Islam. They were Sahaba, leaders, scholars, and warriors. Among these great Muslims were: Bilal ibn Rabah(ra), Al-Najashi, MalcolmX and more (really too many to go into, so just three famous ones for now). The color of their skin held no place in their position in Islam, however race has always been an issue of division throughout recorded history. Islam came to end division and prejudice based on race and established that the only difference in one man from another was his faith in Allah and piety. In the last sermon by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he was nearing his death stated: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood…." (Ahmad).

The Concept of God in Islam

Dismayed about the practice of his people in regards to their idolatry he needed to find a way to disprove his people. He waited for the opportune time when they all left the town for a celebration by the riverbank and came to the temple armed with an ax. There were plates of food that were laid out in front of the statues as offerings and he jokingly remarked to the idols, "Why do you not eat? The food is getting cold." With his ax he demolished all of the statues except the biggest one and hung the axe over the remaining idol's neck. When the people returned to the town they were stunned to see all their gods broken.