By Majid Kamrani
Let’s start from the Holy Qur’an: The Qur’an looks at the issue of unity from a social point of view and emphasizes the importance of unity between the world, religions, Muslims and the institution of the family, and considers the connection between the hearts of believers as an important matter. In order to create and maintain such unity, it has also provided special solutions, one part of which is to prevent division and the other part is to strengthen unity.
The Islamic Ummah can only regain its past glory through unity, and this is exactly what the enemies of Islam do not want. The week ending from 12th to 17th of Rabi al-Awwal has been named the week of Islamic unity, and it is believed that the Prophet of Islam was born on this date, according to Sunnis and Shiites. The birthday of the Prophet of Islam is one of the most important Islamic days.
The author of the article, for his part, congratulates all the Muslims of the world, especially the Muslims of Nigeria, on this happy and auspicious day from the bottom of his heart and wishes for more health and prosperity in the shadow of this blessed birth.
The fact is that the emergence of different schools of thought as a living and vibrant religion is a reflection of the evolution of Islamic wisdom. Because the world is constantly changing and Muslim societies face new and sometimes complex issues that must be dealt with in such a way that their interests are guaranteed within the framework of Islamic principles. Principles that remain unchanged forever and all Muslims believe in them. As can be seen from its meaning, Islam is the religion of peace; The religion of tolerance is the religion of peaceful coexistence, the religion of gentleness, the religion of logic and the religion of dialogue, which the Holy Quran says in the best way. Therefore, a religion that is inherently based on peace, ethics and culture cannot include violence in its calling, and the history of Islam is proof of this. Unfortunately, some extremist groups have tried to impose their code of conduct on other groups and excommunicate them, which has led to unnecessary bloodshed among innocent Muslims.
The truth is that the real scholars of Islam, who are really concerned about the fate of the Islamic Ummah, have not only opposed such extreme measures, but have also supported the approximation and unity between different Islamic schools, and have repeatedly stressed its increasing necessity and the factors that can It makes unity between different Islamic schools possible, they emphasized. Here are some important components and factors
These factors include:
a) Believing in the principles of Islam such as Tawhid, prophethood of the Noble Prophet of Islam (PBUH), the Day of Judgment, and the teachings of the Glorious Quran.
b) Adherence to the obligatory Islamic commandments like Salat, Fasting, Hajj, Zakat, etc.
c) Complete adherence to the Book of Allah and the tradition of our beloved prophet (PBUH) as the two fundamental sources of the Islamic faith with respect to the Islamic way of life, their individual and social behavior, and with regard to shari’ah.
d) Ijtihad is a practice approved by Islam as a means of overcoming the challenges of life faced by Muslim communities. And there is no doubt that time and space are two decisive factors.
e) Islamic Unity, without which the Muslim Ummah would not be in a position to evolve its identity. Islam has a comprehensive plan for the materialization of Islamic Unity. By emphasizing “holding steadfastly all together to Allah’s Cord and not be divided”. Quran repeatedly warns Muslims against the temptations made by Satan. Temptations can activate the five human traits of Anger, Jealousy, Pride, Greed, and Lust.
f) Quran refers to all Muslims as brothers and sisters this is one of the most important factors that can result in fostering unity in the Muslim Ummah.
The Principles and Values adherence to which can Promote Unity in the Muslim Ummah
1) Cooperation on things agreed upon;
2) Accepting differences on certain issues without trying to make uncalled-for false accusations;
3) Avoiding the temptation of trying to excommunicate or takfir other;
4) Avoiding the temptation of accusing others of bid’ah;
5) Avoiding criticizing other’s views without listening to them with an open mind and logically;
6) Observing utter respect for others in discussions and dialogues;
7) Abstaining from insulting others and their beliefs.
8) Respecting the freedom of choice with regards to schools of thought;
The Role of Scholars, Thinkers, and Intellectuals in Promoting Proximity and Unity in the Muslim Ummah
There is no doubt that Muslim scholars, thinkers, and intellectuals can play a significant role in fostering unity and proximity among different Muslim groups in the following ways:
1) Emphasizing the main pillars of Islam and Islamic values that can promote unity;
2) Coordinated efforts for fostering the culture of unity among the Muslim masses;
3) Cooperation in:
a) Recognizing, understanding and thwarting the conspiracies that aim at creating rift and disunity among Muslims;
b) Establishing Proximity Groups in which views can be shared and discussed;
c) Encouraging the Muslim masses in treating the followers of various Islamic schools of thought with respect and honor;
d) Using their influence for preventing the resources of the Muslim Ummah in unnecessary conflicts and making every possible effort for diverting such resources to projects that can benefit the world of Islam in general and its youth in particular.
•Kamrani is cultural
consular, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria