Islam and Arab Supremacy: The 'Ajam' Insult Against Iranians
By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim who has embraced Christianity and the teachings of the LDS Church, I often reflect on the cultural and spiritual shackles that Islam has imposed, particularly on non-Arabs like the Persian people. One glaring example is the derogatory use of the term ‘ajam,’ an Arabic word historically used to label Persians and other non-Arabs as foreigners, or worse, as uncivilized or mute. This term, steeped in Arab supremacy, exposes a rarely discussed racist undercurrent within Islam.
The Origins of ‘Ajam’: An Insult for Non-Arabs
The term ‘ajam’ is derived from Arabic and was initially directed at the Persian people as a racial and cultural slur. In the early days of Islam, Arab conquerors referred to the Persians as ‘ajam’ to imply that they were inferior, backward, and unable to speak Arabic, which was considered the only proper and "noble" language. To be labeled ‘ajam’ meant that you were outside the fold of Arab culture, and therefore, outside of what was seen as the true, divine civilization.
This insult speaks volumes about the racial hierarchy ingrained in early Islamic expansion. It wasn’t just about spreading faith—it was about enforcing Arab culture and superiority. Islam was born out of the Arabian Peninsula, and its growth was often synonymous with the Arabization of conquered peoples, including my Persian ancestors. The Quran itself was written in Arabic, and early Islamic teachings, such as those found in the Hadith collections, emphasize the superiority of the Arabic language and, by extension, Arab culture.
Racism and Arab Supremacy in Islam
It’s important to understand that Islam, especially in its early centuries, was not simply a religion but a vehicle for Arab imperialism. The use of ‘ajam’ to describe Persians and other non-Arab peoples was a way to assert Arab dominance. This is particularly painful for Iranians like myself, who have a long and proud history stretching back to the great Persian empires—civilizations that flourished long before Islam even existed. Yet, under Islam, Persians were told to abandon their language, customs, and heritage in favor of Arab norms.
Even today, the legacy of this Arab supremacy persists in various forms across the Islamic world. Consider the way in which non-Arab Muslims are often made to feel inferior. The most devout Muslim is the one who can speak Arabic fluently, recite the Quran in its original language, and adopt Arab customs. Whether it’s the dress code or religious practices, Islam has always subtly favored Arab culture as being closer to God.
‘Ajam’ Among Iranians Today: A Painful Parallel
What’s particularly troubling is how Iranians today have internalized this racial slur. Much like how African Americans have reclaimed the derogatory term "nigger" or "nigga" as a form of defiance or camaraderie, many Iranians now refer to themselves or each other as ‘ajam.’ I see this as a tragic example of cultural subjugation. In reclaiming the word, we may think we are empowering ourselves, but in reality, we are reinforcing the very Arab-supremacist narrative that sought to demean us.
This internalized racism is a painful reminder of how deep the wounds of Arab imperialism run in the Iranian psyche. Iranians, despite their rich history and unique identity, have been conditioned to accept the idea that they are "other" in the Islamic world. Even the widespread use of Arabic script for the Persian language and the Arabization of Persian names reflects this sad reality. We are a people who have been forced to look at ourselves through the lens of our conquerors.
Islam’s Broader Treatment of Non-Muslims and Non-Arabs
The term ‘ajam’ also underscores a broader truth: Islam’s treatment of non-Muslims and non-Arabs is not one of equality. The Quran and Hadiths make clear distinctions between Arabs, non-Arabs, Muslims, and non-Muslims. Non-Muslims, referred to as kafir (unbelievers), are often subject to harsher treatment, both legally and socially, under Islamic rule. Historically, non-Muslims living in Muslim-majority countries were relegated to second-class status, paying a jizya tax simply for being non-Muslim.
The racial and cultural distinctions within Islam are not just relics of the past but are echoed in the modern treatment of non-Arabs and non-Muslims in the Middle East and beyond. As a Christian, I find it troubling that a faith that claims to preach unity under one God has allowed such divisions to flourish under the guise of religious superiority.
Why I Left Islam
It is these deeply rooted contradictions that led me to leave Islam. Islam claims to be a universal faith, yet it exalts Arab language, culture, and identity above all others. As an Iranian, I could not ignore the fact that the very religion my ancestors were forced to adopt had once referred to them as ‘ajam,’ essentially casting them as inferior.
In Christianity, particularly as I have found in the teachings of the LDS Church, there is a far more inclusive and loving approach to humanity. We are all children of God, regardless of our race, language, or ethnicity. The love of Christ does not demand cultural or linguistic conformity; rather, it celebrates diversity under the unifying banner of God’s love. This is something Islam, with its emphasis on Arab cultural superiority, could never offer me.
Conclusion
The use of the term ‘ajam’ to describe Iranians and other non-Arabs is a stark reminder of Islam’s Arab-supremacist roots. As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim Christian conservative, I see it as my duty to speak out against the racist underpinnings of Islam that continue to degrade non-Arab peoples, even as they strive to be devout Muslims. For my fellow Iranians, it’s time to break free from the chains of Arabization and reclaim our true identity—one that existed long before Islam and will continue to thrive as we embrace the teachings of Christ.
Citations:
- Glassé, Cyril. The New Encyclopedia of Islam. Rowman & Littlefield, 2003.
- Hourani, Albert. A History of the Arab Peoples. Harvard University Press, 2002.
- Lewis, Bernard. Race and Slavery in the Middle East. Oxford University Press, 1992.
No comments:
Post a Comment