Exposing Islam

Does Islam Promote a Superiority Complex? The Standard Islamic Perspective

Introduction: Understanding the Concept of Superiority in Islam

In Islamic theology, the concept of superiority is not based on race, ethnicity, or nationality, but on faith, righteousness, and adherence to the guidance of Allah. Islam teaches that the best of people are those who are most righteous and obedient to Allah, regardless of their background. The Quran and Hadith emphasize that true superiority comes from faith (Iman), piety (Taqwa), and good deeds.

1. Quranic Foundation: Superiority Based on Righteousness

A. Superiority Defined by Faith and Righteousness

The Quran clearly states that the best of people are those who uphold faith, promote righteousness, and submit to Allah:

The Best of Nations:

“You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.”
— (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:110)

This verse is interpreted by Islamic scholars to mean that the Muslim Ummah (community) is the best nation because of its commitment to righteousness, justice, and faith in Allah.

B. No Superiority Based on Race or Nationality

The Quran explicitly rejects any form of racial or ethnic superiority:

Equality of Humanity:

“O mankind, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes 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.”
— (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)

This verse establishes that all human beings are equal in the sight of Allah, and the only criterion for superiority is piety (Taqwa).

C. The Status of Believers and Disbelievers

While the Quran promotes equality in terms of humanity, it also distinguishes between believers (Muslims) and disbelievers (those who reject faith). The superiority of Muslims is based on their faith and obedience to Allah:

Believers as the Best of Creation:

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds—they are the best of creatures.”
— (Surah Al-Bayyina 98:7)
Disbelievers as the Worst of Creation:

“Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures.”
— (Surah Al-Bayyina 98:6)

From an Islamic perspective, this distinction is not based on inherent value but on faith and righteous conduct.

2. The Prophetic Teachings (Hadith): Superiority Through Character and Faith

A. The Best of People Are Those of Good Character

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that true superiority is determined by good character, faith, and righteous actions:

Best in Faith:

“The best of you are those who have the best manners and character.”
— (Sahih Bukhari 3559)
Equality of All Races:

“O people, your Lord is One, and your father is one. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a non-Arab over an Arab, nor of a white over a black, nor of a black over a white, except by piety.”
— (Musnad Ahmad 22978)

B. The Superiority of the Muslim Ummah (Community)

Islamic teachings hold that the Muslim Ummah is superior because of its adherence to divine guidance and its role in promoting righteousness:

Role of the Muslim Community:

“My Ummah is like the rain. It is not known if its beginning is better or its end.”
— (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2869)

The Muslim Ummah is honored because it is chosen to spread the message of monotheism, justice, and morality.

3. The Concept of Wala' and Bara' (Loyalty and Disavowal)

A. Loyalty to Believers

Islam teaches that Muslims should maintain strong bonds of loyalty (Wala') with one another, forming a united community based on faith:

Believers Are Protectors of One Another:

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”
— (Surah At-Tawbah 9:71)

B. Distinction from Disbelievers

While maintaining loyalty among Muslims, Islam also emphasizes a distinction between believers and disbelievers:

Avoidance of Close Alliances with Disbelievers:

“O you who have believed, do not take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do you wish to give Allah against yourselves a clear case?”
— (Surah An-Nisa 4:144)

This distinction is based on faith, not race or nationality. It is a spiritual separation, not an endorsement of discrimination.

4. The Status of Dhimmis (Non-Muslims Under Islamic Rule)

A. Protection and Rights for Non-Muslims

Non-Muslims who live under Islamic governance are given a special status known as Dhimmi (protected people). They are guaranteed safety, freedom of worship, and protection of property in exchange for paying a tax called Jizya:

Jizya as a Symbol of Protection:

“Fight those who do not believe in Allah… until they give the jizya willingly while they are humbled.”
— (Surah At-Tawbah 9:29)

B. Justice for All

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized justice for all people, including non-Muslims:

No Oppression for Dhimmis:

“Whoever oppresses a Dhimmi, I will be his prosecutor on the Day of Judgment.”
— (Sunan Abi Dawud 3052)

Non-Muslims under Islamic rule are to be treated with fairness and justice.

5. Theological Basis: Superiority Through Faith, Not Ethnicity

A. Superiority is Based on Piety (Taqwa)

Islam consistently teaches that the most honorable of people are those who have the most Taqwa (piety), not those of a particular race, tribe, or nationality:

Criteria of Superiority:

“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”
— (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)

B. Role of the Muslim Ummah as Witnesses

Muslims are considered superior in the sense that they are entrusted with the divine mission of guiding humanity to righteousness:

Witnesses Over Mankind:

“And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:143)

This status is a responsibility, not a privilege, and Muslims are accountable for how they fulfill this mission.

6. Conclusion: Superiority in Islam is Based on Faith and Righteousness

From an Islamic perspective, the concept of superiority is not a matter of race, nationality, or ethnicity. It is solely based on faith in Allah, righteousness, and good character. Muslims are considered superior only in the sense that they are entrusted with the responsibility of spreading divine guidance and upholding moral values.

Key Takeaways:

Superiority in Islam is determined by faith (Iman) and piety (Taqwa).
The Quran teaches that all human beings are equal in their creation.
Muslims are superior only in their role as the best nation because of their commitment to righteousness.
Non-Muslims are respected as human beings and are protected under Islamic law.
The true measure of superiority is good character and righteousness, not race or ethnicity.