When calamities strike the Muslim Ummah, there is often an outcry—a collective wave of concern, prayer, and charitable action. We see this response when disasters affect parts of the Middle East, Asia, or other well-known regions. Yet, when similar crises affect African Muslims, the response is often muted, if not absent. Whether it’s conflict, famine, or disease, the suffering of our African brothers and sisters frequently remains overlooked, receiving far less attention and support. This disparity is a troubling reflection of our own biases. Yes, there are Muslim charities that work tirelessly to help all in need, but on an individual level, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough? The suffering of Black and African Muslims is no less significant than that of others and deserves the same empathy, attention, and action.
The Problem of Division and Lack of Support
Within our communities, there’s a painful reality: many Muslim women lack the support they need from their fellow sisters. This problem is often worsened by divisions based on race, ethnicity, and social status. For example, imagine a Black Muslim sister speaking up in a group, only to be quickly dismissed or ignored, while others from more “favoured” backgrounds are given more attention. This kind of behaviour is not just hurtful; it’s against the teachings of Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever” (Riyad as-Salihin 224). Yet, when we fail to support our sisters—especially those who are African or Black—we fall short of this prophetic ideal. We need to reflect on how we treat each other and strive to act in a way that reflects true sisterhood.
The Role of Jealousy, Arrogance, and Condescension
Jealousy, or ‘hasad’ in Arabic, is one of the most damaging forces within our communities. It’s not just about wanting what someone else has; it’s about harbouring resentment towards them for having it. The Qur’an warns us against this: “Or do they envy the people for Allah’s bounties? Indeed, We have given the descendants of Abraham the Book and wisdom, along with great authority.” (An-Nisa 4:54). When jealousy goes unchecked, it can lead to division, resentment, and harm.
Sadly, this jealousy often shows up in subtle but harmful ways. It might be seen in the way some sisters talk down to others, judging them based on their race, ethnicity, or background. For instance, calling someone disgusting names in a chat group is never acceptable. It’s not just unkind; it’s sinful. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) strongly condemned arrogance, saying: “Whoever has a mustard seed’s weight of pride (arrogance) in his heart, shall not be admitted into Paradise. And whoever has a mustard seed’s weight of faith in his heart, shall not be admitted into the Fire.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1998). Arrogance, whether shown through words or actions, is a major barrier to the unity and solidarity that Islam teaches.
In our daily lives, we might also see this when someone reaches out for help or support, and the response they get is lukewarm or indifference. Perhaps it’s because the person in need is not from the same background, race, or village. If they were a family member or someone from our own community, we might jump to help them without hesitation. But when it’s someone different, that sense of urgency or care can disappear. This is not how we should behave as Muslims.
A Call for Unity and Respect
These divisions—whether caused by jealousy, arrogance, or racial biases—are more than just social issues; they are spiritual diseases that we must cure. Islam teaches us to respect and support each other, regardless of our differences. The Qur’an says: “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Al-Hujurat 49:13). This verse reminds us that our differences are meant to be a source of learning and connection, not something that divides us.
To truly live by these teachings, we need to:
- Reflect on Our Intentions: Are we treating others with kindness and respect for the sake of Allah? Or are we letting our own biases and insecurities dictate our actions? We must always remember that our deeds are judged by our intentions, and the best intention is to do everything sincerely for the sake of Allah.
- Support Each Other Actively: Let’s make a conscious effort to support our fellow Muslim sisters, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalised. This means going beyond just words; it’s about taking real, tangible actions to help those in need.
- Avoid Hurtful Words and Actions: Gossip, backbiting, and speaking down to others are not just socially harmful; they are sins. We are warned about the dangers of backbiting, equating it to eating the flesh of our dead brother (Al-Hujurat 49:12). We should strive to speak well of others or remain silent, especially in today’s world where words can travel far and wide online.
- Embrace Our Diversity: Instead of letting racial or ethnic differences divide us, we should see them as a blessing from Allah. Our diversity is something to be celebrated, not shunned. By embracing and learning from each other, we strengthen our community.
- Act for the Sake of Allah: Every act of kindness, every effort to support another sister, should be done with the intention of pleasing Allah. This mindset transforms our actions from mere good deeds into acts of worship, for which we are promised immense rewards.
Conclusion
As Muslim women, we are all sisters in faith, regardless of our race, ethnicity, or background. The divisions we see—rooted in jealousy, arrogance, and biases—are obstacles that prevent us from building the strong, united community that Islam calls us to be. By reflecting on our actions, offering genuine support, and embracing our diversity, we can begin to heal these divisions.
Most importantly, we must remember to do it all for the sake of Allah. When we help one another, when we speak kindly, and when we stand up for what is right, we should do it not for recognition or praise, but because it is what Allah has decreed. Every small act of kindness, done sincerely for the sake of Allah, brings us closer to Him and strengthens our community. Let us strive to build a sisterhood that is not just based on shared faith, but on the principles of love, respect, and mutual support, all done for the sake of Allah.
