Unity in Islam — Part 1: Why Unity Matters

Introduction

All praises are due to Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT), Most Gracious, Most Merciful, is One, Eternal, Absolute. All thanks are due to Allah (SWT) for giving us the Perfect Religion through the Perfect Book (Holy Qur'an) and the Perfect Example (Prophet Muhammad, SAW). Islam is the religion for all humanity. The Holy Qur'an is the only religious book that has not been tainted by human follies of interpolations, additions and deletions to the original Word of Allah (SWT). Hence, the Knowledge and Wisdom of the Qur'an is applicable for eternity and has relevance for solving the problems of all ages of mankind, irrespective of the technological and scientific advancement of humanity — the Qur'an is just as relevant to the nomad in the desert as it is to the astronaut in the spaceship.

Since the first Revelation more than 1400 years ago, Islam has grown exponentially and is the fastest growing religion in the world since it appeals to the hearts and minds of humanity. There are approximately 1.5 billion Muslims today. Yet, despite having the Perfect Religion, many Muslims throughout the world are in the grips of abject poverty, war, conflict, suffering, oppression and hardship. Where have we gone astray? What has led to our situation today and what are the solutions?

Islam is a perfect code of conduct for all humanity. However, mankind is imperfect. If Muslims only implement Islam selectively, then it naturally follows that their success will only be partial. This article explores the concept of unity and the many benefits that can accrue to the Muslims as well as to the entire world, by having a United Muslim Ummah. It is only by achieving the true spirit of Unity as enjoined in the Holy Qur'an and shown by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), that Muslims can once again be leaders of mankind and ensure justice, freedom and peace for all humanity.

Why Be United?

Muslims can only attain success in this world and in the Hereafter if the Religion of Islam is implemented as per the Qur'an and the Sunnah. This requires not only outward manifestations of a Muslim's appearance, but more importantly, an inward internalization of the Message of Islam, followed by action. If we accept that Islam is the Perfect Religion, and if we find that the condition of present-day Muslims is far from perfect, then the problem is not with Islam, but with the Muslims' understanding and application of this Religion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the formula: Qur'an + Sunnah = Success in this world and in the Hereafter.

There are several references in the Qur'an and the Hadith where Muslims are urged to be united and to treat each other as brothers. The reason why we have to be united is because this is a direct Command of Allah (SWT):

There is strength in unity, whereas there is weakness in disunity. Even if the numbers are few, but if we are united and focused on a particular goal, then we can overcome huge obstacles: "How oft, by Allah's will, hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere." — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:249). If we do not follow the direct Commandment of Allah (SWT) and allow disunity to prevail, then we have only ourselves to blame for the condition that the Muslim world is facing today. Allah (SWT) Commands Unity — yet we are far from having a united global Muslim Ummah.

The 73 Sects

Some Muslims (a minority) are not willing to enjoin unity, and they use the following hadith to justify their claims — arguing that there is no point in being united because the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) predicted that the Ummah will be divided into 73 different sects, and why should we be united if that would affect the accuracy of this prediction? This viewpoint is unfortunate and takes the following hadith out of context:

Even a cursory glance at the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) clearly and unequivocally proves that he enjoined unity among the Believers, and there is no doubt on this matter. Some of his marriages to his Blessed wives were necessary to ensure tribal unity between warring factions. He enjoined unity between the resident Ansar in Madinah and the Muhajireen (refugees) from Makkah, thus giving birth to the first Islamic State. Numerous ahadith confirm his encouragement to the Believers to be united and to be brothers.

The above hadith, regarding the 73 sects, in fact expresses his concern and his unhappiness regarding the condition of his Ummah. The Prophet (SAW) is sad that despite the commands in the Qur'an and his glorious example, there will be people from his Ummah who will go astray — he is not instructing his Ummah to divide themselves into 73 sects; he says that this division into sects is "an evil." It is hence our duty to strive for unity with our utmost strength. If we claim that we love the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), then let us not bring disrepute to his glorious example by causing disunity.

Adapted from "Unity," Foundation for Islamic Publications, Editor: Ahmed Adam (Dec 2001 / Ramadan 1422). Distributed freely with acknowledgement to the Foundation.