The short answer
Qur’an 49:13 says that God made people into nations and tribes so that they might know one another, and that the noblest in His sight is the most God-conscious. In his farewell sermon the Prophet is reported to have declared that no Arab is superior to a non-Arab, nor a white person to a black person, except by piety. Bilal, an Ethiopian former slave, was chosen by the Prophet to give the first call to prayer.
A little more context
Pilgrims on Hajj, dressed identically regardless of origin, experience this equality in practice; Malcolm X’s account of it is well known. Muslim societies have nonetheless practised slavery, tribal prejudice, and colour-based discrimination, and some still do. The teaching is a standard against which Muslims, like everyone else, fall short, not a claim that they never have.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 49:13 The noblest of you is the most God-conscious.
- Qur’an 30:22 The diversity of languages and colours as a sign.
- Musnad Ahmad 23489 No Arab is superior to a non-Arab except by piety.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.