This 30” wooden birchwood piece with individually hand-placed gold tinted mirror tiles is titled “Equality”
The Kaaba in the centre represents Divinity
Each gold tinted hexagonal tiles represents a human being and the uniformity of color was an intentional choice to show that while externally our bodies, mere vessels which house our souls, may be of different colors, each soul, a breath of Divinity which animates the body [Surah As-Sajdah (32:9)] is equal
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH, reminded us of this fact in his last sermon “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.”
Irrespective of the divisive titles and identities assigned based on color, gender, nationalities, etc, Muslim or Non-Muslim, we are all equally beloved creations of Allah swt with a duty towards Humanity
We can control our words and actions to radiate the beauty of our belief and faith by standing up for what is right and for those being unfairly persecuted in any capacity, anywhere in the world
It is commanded to us by the One who created it all “O you who believe stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor [Surah An-Nisa (4:135)]
Allah swt is “Al-Adl” (The Utterly Just) who is the embodiment of Justice and He is “Al-Aalim” (the Knower of all that is seen and unseen) who knows what is in all our hearts
The Beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH said regarding protecting not just our own community but all Humanity: “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue (words) and hand (actions) the people are safe” Sunan al-Nasā’ī 4998
May Allah swt place the light of justice, equality and love for all of His magnificent creations in all of our hearts and grant us the strength and wisdom to stand up for and support what is right
Rumi said “Some human beings are safe havens. Be companions with them”, wouldn’t it be beautiful if each of us strive to *become* safe havens for all of Humanity
