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Egalitarianism
The unity, equality and brotherhood of mankind, regardless of the distinctions of birth, class or caste, are among the cardinal principles of the Islamic faith. The universal appeal of these principles has drawn and continues to draw hundreds of thousands of people from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds across the world to the fold of Islam. In spite of occasional deviations from the ideal, the principle of egalitarianism has remained a beacon of inspiration for generations of Muslims across the world.
According to the Islamic view, all human have been created from a single primordial pair (Quran 49:13) and are therefore equal. In the Islamic view, the distinctions of birth, lineage, class, wealth or caste are inconsequential. The only worthwhile distinction or honour is piety and moral virtue. Thus the Quran says: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know each other. Verily the most honoured amongst you in the sight of God is the one who is the most righteous of you" (Quran 49:13). In his sermon during the Last Pilgrimage, the Prophet declared: "O people! Verily your Lord is One and your father (Adam) was one. Verily an Arab is not superior to a non-Arab nor is a red-skinned person superior to a dark-skinned person, nor is a dark-sinned person superior to a red-skinned person, except in respect of piety and righteousness. All Muslims are brothers unto each other."
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