- The call for unity among the 2 billion Muslims worldwide, transcending creed and sect, is emphasised, particularly in light of ongoing events such as the bombing in Gaza.
- Recent weeks have seen encouraging unity among Muslims, bridging sectarian differences, with a shared commitment to supporting justice for the Palestinian cause.
With nearly 2 billion Muslims across the globe, the wisdom of a particular Hadith acutely reflects our current circumstances.
Narrated by Thawban:
The Prophet (st) said: The people will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating invite others to share their dish. Someone asked: Will that be because of our small numbers at that time?
He replied: No, you will be numerous at that time: but you will be scum and rubbish like that carried down by a torrent, and Allah will take fear of you from the breasts of your enemy and last enervation into your hearts. Someone asked: What is wahn (enervation).
Messenger of Allah (st): He replied: Love of the world and dislike of death.
:Sunan Abi Dawud 4297
: Book 39, Hadith 7
: Book 38, Hadith 4284
Across the annals of time, a resounding lesson echoes: unity, an indomitable force, serves as the bedrock of strength and resilience. When individuals converge for the sacred cause of Islam, a formidable alliance arises, capable of withstanding the tumultuous waves of adversity, oppression, and injustice. Conversely, in the absence of unity, the Muslim community becomes susceptible to the insidious machinations of evildoers who exploit divisions for their nefarious gains. A poignant illustration of this is evident in the Muslim army, where the illustrious commander Khaled bin Waleed RA, transcended sectarian differences. In doing so, he showcased the power of unity by aligning with other significant Muslim figures. We witnessed unity’s transformative triumph over sectarian discord, reshaping history. Unity is therefore imperative, not only for self-defence and to liberate the oppressed but moreover, as an expression of devotion to act in a manner which is pleasing to Allah Azza wa Jal.
Regardless of our individual ethnicities, we must stand together. The ongoing bombardment of Gaza desperately highlights the urgency of transcending nationalist sentiments. By uniting in substantial numbers, we aspire to draw the attention of our leaders, urging them to respond and take action to assist those in dire need or for the current leadership to face removal from power.
While we acknowledge the non-Muslim pro-Palestinian supporters, who display admirable humanitarianism and earn our profound respect, it is vital for Muslims worldwide to comprehend that we constitute a single entity, as exemplified by the following Hadith:
Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6011, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2586
In recent weeks, it has been truly uplifting to observe an unprecedented sense of solidarity flourishing among our community. Individuals from various sects and backgrounds, be they Salafi or Deobandi, have set aside their trivial disputes. May Allah, the Most Merciful, maintain this spirit among us, for our Palestinian brothers and sisters require our collective support more than ever. Let us fulfil our duty to uphold justice, as we are solemnly instructed to do….Ameen
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allāh, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allāh is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allāh is ever, of what you do, Aware.
Qur’an 4:135
The following clip serves as a poignant reminder of the repercussions of discord, highlighting how external observers are taking note:
