The limitations in these examples are natural. The social limitations are those imposed by society as a result of experience and practice; in the final analysis, they are intellectual attitudes related to the previously mentioned traits. There is, for instance, the established difference between the ignorant and the learned. No one would assign major responsibilities that are crucial to the community to an ignorant person.
Yet, none of these differences can by themselves,
establish the status of superiority of one man or race over another. The
stock of man, the color of his skin, the amount of wealth he has and
the degree of prestige he enjoys have no bearing on the character and
personality of the individual as far as Allaah is concerned. The only
distinction, which Allaah recognizes is the distinction in piety; the
only criterion which Allaah applies, is the criterion of goodness and
spiritual excellence. In the Quran, Allaah Almighty Says (what means): "O
mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female, and have made
you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Indeed the
most honored of you in the sight of Allaah is the most righteous.
Indeed, Allaah is Knowing and Acquainted" [Quran 49:13]
This is to assert that in Islam, no nation is
created to be above other nations or to rise above them. Man's worth in
the eyes of men and in the eyes of Allaah is determined by the good he
does, and by his obedience to Allaah.
The differences of race, color or social status are
only incidental. They do not affect the true stature of man in the
sight of Allaah. Again, the value of equality is not simply a matter of
constitutional rights or the agreement of noblemen or condescending
charity. It is an article of faith, which the Muslim takes seriously and
to which he must adhere sincerely. The foundations of this Islamic
value of equality are deeply rooted in the structure of Islam. It stems
from basic principles such as the following:
(1) All men are created by One and the Same Eternal God, the Supreme Lord of all.
(2) All mankind belong to the human race and share equally in the common parentage of Aadam (Adam) 
and Eve.
and Eve.
(3) Allaah is Just and Kind to all His creatures.
He is not partial to any race, age or religion. The whole Universe is
His Dominion and all people are His creatures.
(4) All people are born equal, in the sense that no
one brings any possession with him; and they die equal in the sense
that they take back nothing of their worldly belongings.
(5) Allaah judges every person on the basis of his own merits and according to his own deeds.
(6) Allaah has conferred on man, a title of honor and dignity.
Such are some of the principles behind the value of
equality in Islam. When this concept is fully utilized, it will leave
no place for prejudice or persecutions. And when this Divine ordinance
is fully implemented, there will be no room for oppression or
suppression. Concepts of chosen and gentile peoples, words such as
‘privileged’ and ‘condemned’ races, expressions such as “social castes” and “citizens” will all become meaningless and obsolete.
Prophet Muhammad 
said: "O
mankind, your Lord is One and your father is one. You all descended
from Aadam, and Aadam was created from earth. He is most honored among
you in the sight of God who is most upright. No Arab is superior to a
non-Arab, no colored person to a white person, or a white person to a
colored person except by Taqwa (piety)." [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi ]
In another narration, the Prophet said: "O
mankind, your Lord is One and your father is one. You all descended
from Aadam, and Aadam was created from earth. He is most honored among
you in the sight of God who is most upright. No Arab is superior to a
non-Arab, no colored person to a white person, or a white person to a
colored person except by Taqwa (piety)." [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi ] was asked: "Who among men is most favored by Allaah?' He, replied: "A man who does the most good to people."
[At-Tabaraani ]Therefore, it would be unrealistic to assert the
absolute equality of human beings, although humans are basically equal
in rights, duties and accountability, and there is some degree of
similarity in physical and mental traits, which enables them to
understand and apply rules and laws. At the same time, it is obvious
that there is a natural diversity among human beings in terms of traits
and talents; therefore there will be limitations in natural, social and
political positions. Some of the limitations are temporary, some
permanent; some are infrequent, some frequent. However, a limitation is
specific to a particular situation. It may not be generalized to
inequality in other rights. A person who is morally upright is not equal
to a crook in terms of morality, but they may be equal otherwise. Nor
is an intelligent person equal to a dull one, but they are equal in
other spheres. In the same way, a woman is not identical to man in her
traits, gifts and abilities.
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