Universality of the message of Islam

Is it true that Islam is a religion only for Arabs?:

This idea can be easily be disproved, as only about 15 to 20 percent of Muslims in the world are Arabs. There are more Indian Muslims than Arab Muslims and more Indonesian Muslims than Indian Muslims. This assumption is possibly based on the fact that most of the first generation of Muslims were Arabs, that the Qur’an is in Arabic and that the Prophet Muhammad was an Arab.

However, history testifies that the Prophet, his followers and the early Muslims made every effort to spread the message of Islam to all nations, races and peoples. From the very beginning of the mission of Prophet Muhammad, his followers came from a wide spectrum of countries and races. Among them was Bilal – the African slave, Suhaib – the Byzantine Roman, Abdullah bin Salam – the Jewish Rabbi and Salman – the Persian.

Furthermore, it should be clarified that not all Muslims are Arabs and not all Arabs are Muslims. An Arab might be a Muslim, Christian, Jew, atheist or follower of any other religion or ideology. Additionally, some countries – such as Turkey and Iran (Persia) – that uninformed people consider to be ‘Arab’ are not Arab at all. The people who live in those countries speak languages other than Arabic and are of a different ethnic heritage.

Since religious truth is eternal and unchanging, and humanity is considered one universal brotherhood, Islam teaches that God’s revelations to humanity have always been consistent, clear and universal. The truth of Islam is meant for all people regardless of race, nationality, cultural or linguistic background.

A brief look at the Muslim World – from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Malaysia to Afghanistan is sufficient proof that Islam offers a universal appeal, a message for all of mankind – not to mention the fact that significant numbers of Europeans and Americans of all races and ethnic backgrounds are finding and coming into Islam. The Qur’an clearly says:

And we have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most men know not. ([34:28] 27

All religions basically teach their followers to do good deeds, so why should a person follow Islam?

In the Qur’an, Allah says: This day, I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.[5:3]