Does the father’s country of origin or the mother’s colour prevent their son from becoming Muslim?

Question

Because my father is puertorican and my mother is white does that stop me from becoming a muslim?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

What you mention does not stop you from becoming a Muslim at all. Islam is the religion for all of mankind, no matter what their colour, land, tribe or language. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is the Messenger to all of mankind, of all origins and countries. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allaah – to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. None has the right to be worshipped but He; it is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allaah and His Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, who believes in Allaah and His Words, and follow him so that you may be guided.” [al-A’raaf 7:158].

There is no superiority of anyone over anyone else in Islam, except in terms of taqwa (piety, consciousness of Allaah). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allaah is that (believer) who has al-taqwa (i.e., is one of the muttaqoon – the pious). Verily, Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” [al-Hujuraat 49:13]

In His wisdom, Allaah has made mankind into different peoples and tribes so that they may know one another, not so that they may despise one another. He tells us that the differences in colour and languages are a sign of His greatness and power in creation. He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge.” [al-Room 30:22]

The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) affirmed the prohibition of racial discrimination and of despising coloured people, when he said in his famous speech: “O people, your Lord is One and your father [i.e., Adam] is one. There is no superiority of the Arab over the non-Arab, or of the non-Arab over the Arab, or of the red over the black, or of the black over the red – except with regard to taqwa.”

(Reported by Imaam Ahmad, 22391)

When a man insulted his brother (in Islam) for having a black mother, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, “You are a man who still has jaahiliyyah (ignorance) in him.” Abu Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “There was an argument between me and one of my brothers whose mother was non-Arab. I insulted him about his mother, and he complained about me to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). I met the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he said, “O Abu Dharr, you are a man who still has jaahiliyyah (ignorance) in him.”

(Reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim; this version narrated by Muslim, 3139).

Hasten to Islam, and you will prosper. You will find in Islam that which will delight you in this world and the next. Peace be upon those who follow true guidance.

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