Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

The Prophet not only laid down the principle of the oneness of humanity, but he also put it into practice. The Arabs, who regarded themselves as a superior race, had a very strong race and colour prejudice. To all non-Arabs, they gave the name of ajam, which means dumb, and ajma means speechless animal or brute. The immediate task before the Prophet was, therefore, to blot out the race, colour and language prejudices from the Arab mind. Among the first Muslims were members of the noblest Qoraish families as well as a great number of Negro slaves, and no difference of status was recognized between the two. While praying, they mixed freely on terms of equality. On other occasions, such as pilgrimage, which is an even more manifest example of equality and brotherhood than prayer, since the believers assembled in the same place coming from all parts of the world. Thus, it is clear that in brotherhood or collectivity there is a force, which an individual does not possess.