Beliefs about race

The Black person is the reincarnation of ancient Israel, who at the hand of the White person has been in exile in Jamaica.

Rastafarians regard themselves as the genuine Israelites.

They believe they have been persecuted by white people and the form of this punishment is their subordinate position as the slaves of whites. This persecution resulted in their expulsion from 'Ethiopia' to Jamaica, but they believe they will eventually be returned to 'Ethiopia'.

The Rastafari belief that they are the authentic Israelites is mirrored in their adherence to Old Testament laws. Below is the Rastafari ten point moral code, the first two points of which reflect Old Testament laws.

Whilst most Rastafarians take the code literally, others will accept and follow a number of the rules listed but ignore others.

1. No sharp implements to be used to damage Man, for example no trimming or shaving, no tattooing of the skin or cutting of the flesh.
   • As foretold in Leviticus 21:5: "They shall not make baldness upon their heads, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh."
2. Vegetarianism: Rastafarians use as little animal flesh as possible. They avoid eating pig flesh, shellfish, scaleless fish or snails, etc.
3. Worship and recognise no God other than Haile Selassie, and reject pagan beliefs, without disrespecting believers.
4. Love all mankind, but make one's first love the sons of Ham.
5. Condemn hate, jealousy, envy, deceit, craftiness, treachery, etc.
6. Oppose the pleasures of modern day society.
7. Create a world of one brotherhood.
8. Be charitable to any afflicted Rastafarian brother, and latterly to any other human, animal, plant, etc.
9. Adhere to the ancient laws of Ethiopia.
10. Do not accept aid, titles or possessions that the enemy might impart upon you, in fear. One's main purpose is to uphold Rastafari.

(List taken from Leonard Barrett, The Rastafarians: The Dreadlocks of Jamaica, page 104.)

The White person is inferior to the Black person

This notion emerged largely from Marcus Garvey's theories and ideas in the early development of Rastafari.

For some Rastafarians it remains a strongly held belief, whereas others do not take it literally.

Today there is an increasing number of White Rastafarians so beliefs like this are no longer taken so literally.

Leonard Barrett says that Rastafarians who still stand by this belief are not anti-white, although whites are regarded as persecutors by many Rastafarians.

Rastafarians do not consider all white people to be evil.

In the near future Blacks shall rule the world

Many Rastafarians believe that following their repatriation to Africa black people will become rulers of the world, resulting in the suppression of whites. Early Rastafarians may even have claimed that whites would eventually be destroyed.

For Rastafarians this period will mark the beginning of a new world, in which Blacks are respected. Many Rastafarians believe this is how the world would have been, but for the behaviour of corrupt whites.

Modern developments mean that many Rastafarians now dispute this belief and promote the multi-racial appeal of Rastafari.

Find out more

• Modern interpretations of these beliefs