Disunity

Disadvantages of Disunity

The world I was born into was one bounded with disunity and divisions. As I grew older the world seemed to be getting more and more segregated/divided. Back then, I assumed that the disunity I was introduced to was the quality of unity we had and therefore I tried to accept it.  Though, after being exposed to and hearing about the sirahs and the Islam at the time of the Prophet S.A.W, the reign of the early caliphates R.A and the history of the Muslims; I learned that there was a time where unity existed. I am sure many of us have read about the history of Abu Bakar As-Siddique R.A and Umar al-Khattab R.A. The leadership and sacrifices they’ve displayed were of such excellence that we so called modern day Muslims view it as fairy tales. Simply because we do not witness people like the Sahabas R.A anymore.

 Can we try imagining a world where everyone is treated justly and our leaders were pious individuals who cared about the well-being of their people and just like the Sahabas lived their lives in simplicity? Let us think again on how far we are from the teachings of our beloved Prophet S.A.W and how far we are on realizing our dream of achieving unity.

 If one is oblivious to the effects of disunity; this would paint you a bleak picture on the consequences of disunity amongst Muslims. A few days back the Muslim Ummah celebrated Awal Muharram which signifies the new year of the Islamic calendar. At the very first day the Zionists occupiers started their attack and bombing in Gaza. This is the very effect of disunity. The enemies of Islam making a blatant mockery of us and the rest of the Muslim world paid no heed and worse still it seemed as if they couldn’t be less concerned to what is happening to our Palestinian brothers. Take a moment and imagine the level of arrogance the Zionists have displayed that they deliberately chose that day to start their attack? The Zionists, as if sending out a message that we Muslims won’t be able to do anything against their cruel war-crimes and atrocities they have inflicted throughout the years.   

Then there are also other effects of disunity like: Selfishness outgrows selflessness, individuals are more conceited and disrespectful towards one-another and internal conflicts that’ll lead to the utterly weakened state of the Muslim society.

 It is important to note that the package that disunity brings is a dire one. It makes us easy targets and (may Allah SWT protect us) weak in our faith, where our faith can be steered into any direction it is directed to.

 Instead of prolonging on the disadvantages of disunity, it would be more beneficial to discuss about what we can do to unite the ummah and to better the Muslims.

To Pray and give Zakat

Islam is the complete religion. It tells us to pray in congregation and give alms. Every Muslim should work on giving charity and attending the masjids as frequently as he can. These are deeds prescribed by the Almighty and these too are deeds and actions that unify people.

The Quran says: 

Who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity. [Surah Baqarah Verse 3] 

You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down. [Surah Baqarah Verse: 43]

 Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous. [Surah Baqarah Verse:177] 

If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), then they are your brethren in religion. We thus explain the revelations for people who know. [Surah Tawbah Verse: 11] 

The only people to frequent GOD\'s masjids are those who believe in GOD and the Last Day, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and do not fear except GOD. These will surely be among the guided ones. [Surah Tawbah Verse: 18] 

 Through obeying and following God’s decree and through the mercy of Allah SWT these deeds in itself will bring the Ummah to unification.

Good Morals\\Akhlaq

Let us ponder on the personality of our Nabi S.A.W and the characters of the Sahaba R.A. They were the embodiment of good morals. Kindness, humility, and selflessness were amongst their many noble traits displayed in their everyday lives, be it in their speech or actions.

 One of the ways to attain good morals is to put continuous effort in copying the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet S.A.W and the ways of the Sahabas R.A. Another effective way is to get closer to the Ulamas and learn from their lifestyles and how they interact with others. Mainly because there are no other people who passionately follow and try to resemble the sunnah of the Prophet SAW and the Sahaba R.A like the Ulama.

 The Holy Messenger said: \"Give me guarantee for six things; I will become a guarantor of Paradise for you.\"

1) When you speak, you shall speak the truth

2) When you promise anything, you shall fulfill it

3) When you preserve anything (keepsafe, trust) for others, you must return it

4) Protect your private part of the body from misuse

5) Protect your gaze from misuse

6) Keep away your hands from wrongful actions.

 Unity

 How does the Muslim Ummah once again attain unity? First and foremost, one has to strive away from the traps of the material world. If we are too consumed with attaining material things then we will be trapped by debts. A person who is surrounded by debt is also a person surrounded by worry and stress. All of his thoughts, goals and objectives would be concentrated on how to gain more money to pay off the banks etc. I have met people who take bank loans in order to pay other bank loans because of the interest rate. The stress, worry and fatigue will disease the heart and bring negative traits like; selfishness, jealousy and devoid of love for others. Therefore we must be cautious on not making the wrong judgment regarding the type of life we want. Our society and culture has a different definition of happiness. Certainly it is not the version of happiness taught by Islam and the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

 Look at the life of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. The best of creations, how did he live his life? It is strange to witness Muslims following the footsteps of others when they, since little were taught about the virtues and  the excellence of character shown by the Prophet S.A.W.

 Unless they were introduced to western fairy tales that shapes the minds of children towards material love and making them fantasize of a ‘happily ever after life’ in this dunya. The Sahabas who emulated him, lived their lives in sincerity, selflessness and simplicity. It might be too difficult for us to follow their footsteps, especially for someone as weak as me. Not wanting to give up hope, I gradually yet constantly try to work on my intentions, correct them and do good deeds as much as I can. Insha-Allah with the mercy of Allah SWT we will get closer to our beloved Prophet S.A.W.

 Abdullah ibn Mas`ood narrated that Allah`s Messenger said:” shall I not inform you for whom the fire is unlawful and he is unlawful for the fire? (it is) every person who is gentle, kind, and easy (to deal with).”(Tirmidhi)

 More importantly, the root of unity is firmly planted in family. A child is first exposed to unity/disunity and the quality of life through his or her parents. If a family is disunited then the child grows up to become an adult who would most probably inherit the traits of his parents. Therefore families, young families and especially young people who plan to have their own family must put a lot of effort to ensure that their family is heading towards the directions of unity.

 Our first step in uniting the Ummah is to learn and acknowledge about the greatness of Allah SWT. We should also learn to accept, understand and make peace with ourselves. And whilst doing so continue to work on strengthening the bond of our family members. If we can’t even unite our own family, we should stop dreaming of unifying the whole Muslim ummah. It is not an easy task but gradually if we persist in putting effort, we might get closer to attaining it. Let us pray to Allah SWT to guide us and to grant us unity through His Mercy. Insha-Allah.

 I end with this hadith:

Narrated Al-Aswad bin Yazid: 
I asked \'Aisha \"What did the Prophet use to do at home?\" She said, \"He used to work for his family, and when he heard the Adhan (call for the prayer), he would go out.\"