Parenting Perspective 

Children tend to absorb values much more deeply through stories than they do through rules alone. When you want to teach them that diversity is a blessing and not a barrier, sharing stories from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a particularly powerful way to do so. He lived in a society that was made up of many different tribes, languages, and cultures, and instead of dismissing these differences, he showed respect and dignity to all. Sharing these beautiful examples with your child can teach them that Islam embraces our diversity under the unifying umbrella of faith. 

The Story of Bilal ibn Rabah 

You can tell your child the story of Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), an African companion who had once been enslaved. He was chosen by the Prophet ﷺ himself to be the very first muezzin and to give the call to prayer (adhan) from the top of the Kaaba, because of his strong faith and his beautiful voice. This powerful story shows that it is a person’s faith and character, not their cultural background, that gives them true honour in Islam. 

The Story of Salman the Persian 

Share the story of Salman (RA), who came from Persia and embraced Islam after a long and difficult search for the truth. The Prophet ﷺ welcomed him so warmly that he famously said Salman was ‘one of us, the people of the household.’ This highlights how cultural differences were welcomed and integrated with love. 

The Story of Suhaib the Roman 

You can also explain the story of Suhaib (RA), who grew up under Roman influence and was among the earliest Muslims. He was dearly loved and respected by the Prophet ﷺ and the other companions. His background did not make him any less of a believer; on the contrary, it enriched the community. 

The Brotherhood Between the Muhajirun and the Ansar 

Tell your child how, after the migration to Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ created sacred bonds of brotherhood between the Muhajirun (the migrants from Makkah) and the Ansar (the local inhabitants of Madinah). He honoured the customs of each group while uniting them under the single banner of Islam. 

These stories help to reassure children that Islam did not come to erase our cultures, but to honour them and to unite them when they are aligned with faith. 

Spiritual Insight 

Equality as a Prophetic Principle 

Islam teaches that all people are equal in the sight of Allah, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ modelled this principle perfectly by honouring his companions from all of their different cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. 

The Quranic Teaching on Equality 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 13: 

‘O mankind, indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have created you all from one man and one woman; and placed you amongst various nations and tribes for your introduction to each other; indeed, the best of you in the judgement of Allah (Almighty) is the one who is most virtuous…’ 

This verse reminds us that our diversity is a part of the divine plan of Allah, and that our righteousness is the only true standard of our honour. 

The Prophetic Rejection of Superiority 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Indeed, Allah does not look at your forms or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.’ 

This authentic narration makes it clear that our lineage, race, or cultural background have no weight with Allah. Only the sincerity of our hearts and the quality of our deeds truly matter. By sharing these stories and teachings, you can show your child that the Prophet ﷺ honoured people of every background. This can help to nurture in them a sense of pride in diversity, while at the same time grounding them in the profound truth that Islam unites all cultures under a shared faith in Allah. 

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