There is no such thing as Islamic racism

What version of Islam is Tan Sri Annuar Musa referring to when he said that racism is based on Islam? I want to know because if Islam really calls for racism, then I’ve been a bad Muslim!

The Umno Supreme Council member said this in his speech when he attended the ‘red shirt’ rally (aka Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu) on Malaysia Day.

In his speech, he also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were very touched by the show of support by the rally goers.

It is atrocious to see our leaders reacting positively towards a racist rally that was to show the supremacy of a particular race (they previously said that they were not endorsing the rally).

But back to this racism based on Islam issue. As far as I know, the Al-Quran says in Surah Al-Hujurat:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you people in tribes and nations so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”

And even Prophet Muhammad had said, in his last sermon:

“There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab. Neither is the white superior over the black, nor is the black superior over the white – except by piety.”

And even when it comes to people of different faiths, the Quran has already said in Surah Al-Kafirun:

“O disbeliever, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion and for me is my religion.”

Islam itself is a religion that has been stated to be for all of humankind regardless of race and can be adapted and practiced by anyone from anywhere.

So I wonder where Annuar is getting it when he says that he is racist according to Islam. Is there anywhere in between the lines that say the Malay race is superior over every other race?

Does it say anywhere in between the lines that Malays have more right to Malaysia than other races? Does it say anywhere in between the lines that Malays “granted” other races citizenship?

Here is a reminder to those who manipulate religion and politics for their own self interest. It may be easy to fool some people. But you definitely can’t fool all people.

If anything, this ‘red shirt’ rally that took place on Malaysia Day has done a disservice to the Malaysians and really ruined the image and reputation of the country.

It would seem that the country is continuing to move backwards. But I have faith that these people who have marched in Kuala Lumpur today lack something.

What they lack is the conviction and faith that we other Malaysians who really believe in unity and multiculturalism have. We won’t give up. – September 18, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.