Unity in Islam — Part 2: Disunity's Cost, and the Path to Unity

Consequences of Disunity

Often, the seeds of disunity stem from our reliance on non-Muslims for assistance, since we fail to use the Qur'an and the Sunnah as our core source for all guidance — this weakens our faith, since we develop modes of thinking that are often at variance with Islam. Believers should help and support their fellow believers in unity and strength to earn the Pleasure of Allah (SWT): "Let not the believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers; if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah." — Surah Al 'Imran (3:28)

It is clear that disunity among the Muslim countries of the world has contributed to oppressive conditions many Muslims face today — from poverty affecting hundreds of millions, to conflicts in Palestine, Kashmir, and elsewhere continuing without lasting resolution, to Muslim nations bypassed or sidelined on the world stage because they do not speak with one voice. The same pattern repeats locally: mal-distribution of wealth, communities fractured by internal politics, mosques unevenly distributed, and welfare organisations duplicating effort instead of pooling resources.

The famous tactic of colonial powers is "divide and rule," since this is a most effective way to sow seeds of discord and destroy the power of a united front. Muslims must instead focus on the injunction of the Qur'an: be united. Those individuals or nations who deny this Command of Allah (SWT) will be answerable directly to Him: "As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did." — Surah Al-An'am (6:159)

The main harm caused by divisions is that it seeds doubt in the uninformed masses, especially the youth, who become confused about whom to follow. New reverts to Islam become perplexed by the various sects and divisions. Furthermore, when we live in isolation and ignore the plight of other Muslims, the behaviour of others actually jeopardises our own existence, as this hadith illustrates:

Dimensions of Unity

How do we go about achieving unity? The starting point of all unity is the individual. When the individual is at peace with himself and his fellow men, then he engenders unity in his family, then to his neighbours, the community, the nation and the world. The essence of all unity is to build bridges instead of barriers. Mutual tolerance regarding outward manifestations of prayer and similar matters is one of the keys to forming the bonds of Unity — differences of opinion on such matters should never be taken to the point of division, malice, or hatred among Muslims.

Allah (SWT) warns that the unbelievers are protectors of one another, and Muslims are called to the same standard of mutual support: "The unbelievers are protectors, one of another: unless ye do this, (protect one another), there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and a great mischief." — Surah Al-Anfal (8:73). The united Muslim Ummah must represent a rock-solid wall, as Allah describes: "Truly Allah loves those who fight in His cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure." — Surah As-Saff (61:4)

💰 Economic Unity

Poverty is a major form of oppression. A family in poverty is disadvantaged with regard to education, health, food, and opportunity — hindrances that also affect future generations. On a global level, poor Muslim countries burdened with debt and interest obligations are reduced to decades of economic dependence, widening the gap between rich and poor nations further still.

On the global level, wealthy Muslim nations are called to distribute Zakat and charity to poorer Muslim countries, to lend money without interest, and to form partnerships for mutual development. The money we earn is a trust from Allah (SWT) — to be used to benefit society, not hoarded for selfish gain: "...to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth; everything renders worship to Him." — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:116)

Our conduct in trade must reflect the Qur'an and Sunnah — transparency with buyers, fairness with tenants and workers, and honesty above profit: "Whoever has land should cultivate it himself or give it to his (Muslim) brother gratis; otherwise keep it uncultivated." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 3.533]

🤝 Social Unity

Social Unity is the essence of all forms of unity — it is only possible through harmonious interpersonal relationships. The Prophet (SAW) beautifully encapsulated this standard: "A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him... All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith; his blood, his wealth and his honour." [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 6219]

Where We Already See Unity

There are areas where Muslims already display real unity, worth recognising and strengthening. In congregational Salah, rich and poor, strong and weak, stand shoulder to shoulder before Allah with no reserved seating for status — a powerful formula for unity in action. The Hajj season strips away nationality, language, and social class, uniting millions in two simple pieces of white cloth. Weddings, funerals, and community collections for those in need all show the same spirit at work.

These examples clearly demonstrate that Muslims are, in many contexts, already very united — the question worth sitting with is: if we can be this united during these moments, why not all the time?

Reconciliation

Conflict is part of life—but disagreement should enhance a relationship, not destroy it. When conflict arises between two Muslims or two Muslim nations, it becomes the duty of others to facilitate a negotiated peace: "If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them." — Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9). Petty and minor differences can spiral into major problems if left unaddressed, which is why the Prophet (SAW) warned: "Don't differ, for the nations before you differed and perished because of their differences." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 3.593]

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