A Brief Description of Islam as the Shi'ites Believe

THE HOLY QURAN _ S57: 25

22_ RACIAL AND TRIBAL ADVANTAGES REJECTED

WE BELIEVE that all the prophets, especially our prophet Muhammad, admitted no Racial or Tribal advantages for any one. To them, all the races, nations languages, and color of skin, were of equal value and at the same rank:_

"O MANKIND! We have created you all, from a male and a female; and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other. The most honoured among you all, in the sight of Allah is the most virtuous one. Allah is All- knowing, All-aware.

THE HOLY QURAN _ S49: 13

We have a famous tradition that Muhammad (S.A.W.) was in MINA during the performance of the rites of pilgrimage (HAJ). He made a speech for an audience while he was on his camel. He said,

"O PEOPLE! Know that your God is only one; and all of you are the descendants of one father. No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab and vice versa; Neither a black is better than that with a redskin, except for their PIETY. Do you all fallow me? "Yes we all understood," said the audience. "Then let those who are present," continued the Messenger of God:" convey that to those who are absent."

23 _ ISLAM AND THE HUMAN NATURE

WE BELIEVE that Monotheism, belief in God, and the commandments of the Apostles, are all natural, and based upon the human instinct. The prophets have only watered and grown this fruitful seed.

"So set your face steadily in devotion to the true religion the natural pattern on which God has made mankind.