UNITY OF MUSLIMS
Abdul Haq Abdul Kadir

In an effort to establish our Deen with sincerity, knowledge and merit, one of our main objectives must be to unite amongst ourselves. However, before we unite as believers under the banner of Islam, it is imperative that we first comprehend the meaning of being a Muslim, according to Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Let us examine some significant aspects of what it truly means to be a Muslim.

As Muslims, we should appreciate the bounties and blessings of Allah SWT, specifically for the grandest favour of Allah in making us Muslims. We should never take it for granted or feel proud to the extent that we feel we are doing a favour or service to our Lord, through our beliefs and worships. On the contrary it is Allah’s favour upon us that we are honoured and fortunate enough to be His sincere servants. Almighty Allah says: They regard as favour upon you (O Prophet) that they have embraced Islam. Say: “Count not your Islam as a favour upon me. Nay, but Allah has conferred a favour upon you, that He has guided you to Imaan (Faith), if you indeed are true. (Surah Al-Hujuraat 49: Verse 17).

An important lesson to be derived from this verse of the Noble Quran is that we should remain constantly grateful to Allah SWT for this most gracious bounty of being Muslims. Islam is an active choice on the part of every Muslim and Muslimah, not a passive process out of birthright. Allah SWT establishes the superiority of an observant Muslim by saying: And who is better in speech than he who (says: “My Lord is Allah” by believing in His Oneness – and then stands straight by acting upon His Commands – and) invites people to Allah (i.e. His Oneness), and does righteous deeds, and says: “I am one of the Muslims. ” (Surah Fussilat 41: Verse 33).

As proud as a Muslim is, in moments of weakness and periods of despair, when facing trial and tribulation, one should remain proud and superior in Imaan (Faith), with unwavering trust and dependence upon our Sustainer and Creator. Concerning this Allah says: So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed believers. (Surah Ale Imraan 3: Verse 139).

Moreover, the disbelievers (kuffaar) will always strive to convince you about the superiority of their ways by foolishly trying to extinguish the Light of Allah. Allah says: They (the disbelievers,) want to extinguish Allah’s Light (with which Muhammad has been sent – Islamic Monotheism) with their mouths, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the disbelievers ( Kaafiroon) hate (it). It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad – Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), to make it superior over all religions even though the Mushrikoon (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) hate (it). (Surah Al-Tawbah 9: Verse 32-33).

Allah will make this religion victorious and triumphant by any means He sees fit, to the extent that He may support Islam even with the help of corrupt and treacherous people. Rasulullah SAW ordered Bilal RA to announce among the people: “None will enter Jannah except a Muslim, and Allah may support this religion of Islam even with an evil wicked individual.” (The Sahih of Bukhari & Muslim).

As Muslims it is absolutely imperative that we unite together in goodness for the sake of establishing the true religion of Allah. However, this will never happen unless we learn to support one another in our good works, causes and efforts. Concerning the unity of Muslims, Allah says: The believers, men and women, are Awliyaa (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they establish Salaah ( Iqaamat-as-Salaah ) and give the Zakaah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (Surah Al-Tawbah 9: Verse 71).

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Noble Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith); and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, so that you may be guided. (Surah Ale Imraan 3: Verse 103).

The current disunity of Muslims is the result of our failure to comply fully with the Commands of Allah and His Messenger. We often witness the success of other communities while Muslims lag behind in fragmentation. The secret to their success is simple – UNITY . Other communities support their own people, contribute to their own causes and help in whatever way possible to advance themselves further as one big community. Muslims should heed such lessons and act according to the Shari’ah by helping other Muslims with wherever they can, supporting them in their efforts, contributing to their causes and helping Muslims in whatever little way possible and affordable.

May Allah guide us all in contributing towards the unity of the Muslim Ummah on truth and with sincerity. AMEEN