"Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is unable to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest form of faith."
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — Sahih Muslim
As American Muslims, we are called to stand firmly against all forms of injustice and oppression. Anti-Black racism is a deeply entrenched system that has caused immeasurable harm to Black communities in America. Islam provides clear guidance: all human beings are equal, and speaking out against injustice is not optional — it is an obligation of faith.
CAIR Michigan is committed to addressing anti-Black racism through education, direct action, and systemic reform. We believe that the fight against racism requires sustained, community-wide effort grounded in both our Islamic values and our commitment to civil rights for all.
Educate
Understanding the roots and reality of anti-Black racism is the first step toward dismantling it.
Islamic Perspectives on Racism
Islam unequivocally condemns racism in all its forms. The Quran states: "O mankind, indeed 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." (49:13)
In his farewell sermon, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a Black, nor does a Black have any superiority over a white — except by piety and good action."
Bilal ibn Rabah, one of the most revered companions of the Prophet, was an Ethiopian who became the first muezzin (caller to prayer) in Islam — a position of great honor in the community.
Culture & Ideology
Anti-Black racism in America is not merely a series of individual prejudices — it is a deeply embedded cultural and ideological system. From the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow to modern-day implicit bias, anti-Black racism pervades American institutions, media, and daily interactions.
Within the Muslim community, we must honestly confront the ways that anti-Black racism has infiltrated our own spaces. Cultural biases imported from various countries of origin, colorism, and the marginalization of Black Muslim voices are issues that demand internal accountability and reform.
The Social Impact of Anti-Black Racism
Incarceration
Black Americans are incarcerated at more than 5 times the rate of white Americans. Mass incarceration devastates families, communities, and economic mobility.
Education
Systemic underfunding of schools in predominantly Black neighborhoods creates persistent achievement gaps and limits opportunity from early childhood onward.
Employment
Black workers face hiring discrimination, wage gaps, and disproportionate unemployment — barriers compounded by historical exclusion from wealth-building opportunities.
Housing
Redlining, predatory lending, and discriminatory zoning have created lasting segregation and a massive racial wealth gap through homeownership inequality.
Health
Black Americans experience stark disparities in healthcare access, maternal mortality, chronic illness, and life expectancy — a direct consequence of systemic racism.
Environmental Justice
Black communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, from polluted water (as seen in Flint, Michigan) to industrial waste sites.
Recommended Reading
"The New Jim Crow"
by Michelle Alexander
"Between the World and Me"
by Ta-Nehisi Coates
"Stamped from the Beginning"
by Ibram X. Kendi
"How to Be an Antiracist"
by Ibram X. Kendi
"The Color of Law"
by Richard Rothstein
"Muslims and the Making of America"
by Amir Hussain
Take Action
Concrete steps you can take today to fight anti-Black racism in your community.
Report Discrimination
If you witness or experience racial discrimination, report it to CAIR Michigan. We provide legal assistance and advocate on your behalf.
File a ReportContact Congress
Urge your Member of Congress to support the Justice in Policing Act and legislation that addresses systemic racism.
Take ActionSupport Black-Owned Businesses
Economic empowerment is a critical pathway to justice. Intentionally patronize Black-owned businesses in your community.
Find BusinessesRegister to Vote
Your vote is your voice. Register and ensure you are prepared to vote for candidates who support racial justice and equality.
Register NowHost Anti-Racism Workshops
Organize educational workshops at your mosque, school, or community center. CAIR Michigan can provide speakers and materials.
Host a WorkshopLocal Actions
Find concrete local actions you can take in Michigan to support racial justice and community empowerment.
View ActionsDonate
Support CAIR Michigan's civil rights work. Your donation funds legal services, community advocacy, and educational initiatives.
Give TodayLaw Enforcement Reform
Reimagining public safety through investment in communities, not over-policing.
CAIR's Proposal: Reallocate Policing Funds
CAIR Michigan supports proposals to reallocate a portion of policing budgets toward community-based social services that address the root causes of public safety concerns. This is not about eliminating public safety — it is about reimagining what public safety truly means.
Studies consistently show that investments in mental health services, education, affordable housing, and community programs are more effective at reducing crime and improving quality of life than increased policing alone.
Proposed Reallocations
Mental Health Crisis Response
Trained mental health professionals responding to crisis calls instead of armed officers.
Youth Development Programs
After-school programs, mentorship, and job training for young people in underserved communities.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Investment in stable, affordable housing to address homelessness and housing insecurity.
Community Violence Intervention
Evidence-based violence interruption programs led by trusted community members.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Accessible treatment and recovery programs as an alternative to criminalization.
Key Principles
- Accountability and transparency in all law enforcement
- End qualified immunity for officers who violate civil rights
- Ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants
- Mandatory de-escalation training
- Independent civilian oversight boards
- Community-led public safety planning
Videos & Resources
Educational videos, articles, and reading materials to deepen your understanding and inform your activism.
Racism from an Islamic Perspective
Imam Dawud Walid
"Politically Speaking, Who Am I..."
Dr. Sherman Jackson
Read ArticleHave You Experienced Discrimination?
CAIR Michigan is here to help. Report incidents of discrimination, hate crimes, or civil rights violations. Our team provides free legal consultations and advocacy services.