Who was the first racist in all of history?

Hanbali · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 08:25 PM

“God said: ‘What prevented you (O Satan) that you did not prostrate when I commanded you?’ Iblees (the Satan) replied: ‘I am better than him (Adam). You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.'” (Quran 7:12)

So begins the history of racism. Satan thought himself superior to Adam on account of his origins. Since that day, Satan has misled many of Adam’s descendants into also believing themselves superior to others, causing them to persecute and exploit their fellow man based on their outward appearance.

Khairan · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanbali

“God said: ‘What prevented you (O Satan) that you did not prostrate when I commanded you?’ Iblees (the Satan) replied: ‘I am better than him (Adam). You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.'” (Quran 7:12)

So begins the history of racism. Satan thought himself superior to Adam on account of his origins. Since that day, Satan has misled many of Adam’s descendants into also believing themselves superior to others, causing them to persecute and exploit their fellow man based on their outward appearance.

Interesting. I see Iblis' crime as fundamentally a sin of pride and not one of bigotry, but nevertheless it's an approach to that story I hadn't considered before.

I agree with you, certainly, that people ought not be superficial when they evaluate another's worth. However, it is worth noting that while many would likely share this principle, people will differ on what constitutes "superficiality" and where one must look to discern the "inner appearance" of a person.