Islam can unite divided nation
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The document discusses the concept of unity in Islam and how it can address societal divisions, citing Quranic verses and historical contexts. It highlights the causes of divisions such as selfishness, arrogance, and prejudice, while contrasting genuine ikhtelaf (justifiable differences) with khilaf (conflict). Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, equality, and shared values in overcoming divisions, especially within the Muslim Ummah and America.
Islam can unite divided nation
- 1. Islam can unite A DIVIDED NATION
- 2. Surah Al-Baqarah,2:213 Mankind was one single nation and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book after the clear Signs came to them did not differ among themselves except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace guided the believers to the truth concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guides whom He will to a path that is straight.
- 3. Surah Yunus,10:19 Mankind was but one nation but differed (later). Had it not been for a word that went forth before from your Lord their differences would have been settled between them.
- 4. Some causes of divisions Baghy- transgression against others by political, religious and economic exploitations. Selfishness. Hypocrisy
- 5. Causes of divisions Arrogance. Greed Boasting (Ria) Jealousy and envy. Prejudice- racial, ethnic, creed.
- 6. Difference between Ikhtelaf and Khilaf Ikhtelaf- It is justifiable difference of opinion and includes exertion of sincere intellectual effort to arrive at a judgment. It must fulfil 2 conditions: 1-Each disputant must have evidence or proof (dalil) to authenticate his argument. 2-Divergent opinion should not lead to anything false. If the opinion is obviously false from the beginning, it must be abandoned right away.
- 7. Etiquettes of Genuine Ikhtelaf • Sincere intentions • Good purpose- • Patience. • Acceptance of good opinions from others-. • Express opinions politely and with proper mutual respect- • Conclude the meeting with unanimous or majority decision.
- 8. Khilaf or Conflict It represents dispute which departs from one or both conditions mentioned above. It is a manifestation of impulsiveness and obstinacy. It has no relation to objectivity.
- 10. How Divided Are Americans? LIVIA GERSHON 77 percent of Americans see the country as “greatly divided when it comes to the most important values. (Gallop poi 2016) Seven in 10 Americans think the nation’s political divisions are as bad as during the Vietnam War (Washington Post-University of Maryland poll 6/17) Today, even disasters seem to pull us apart more than bring us together. Journalist Carl Bernstein, famous for his reporting on Watergate, suggested that we’re now in a “cold civil war” with different groups of people unable to agree even on the basic facts of what’s happening in the country
- 11. ARE THE DIVISIONS IN TODAY’S AMERICA REALLY NEW? Kwame Anthony Appiah, a professor of philosophy at Princeton University, said this kind of division has been rare in the U.S What’s unusual is the current tendency of some Americans to argue that others don’t belong in the country at all. In the Jacksonian period, Andrew Jackson’s supporters sharply defined Americans as English-speaking Christians of European origin In the McCarthy years, people with particular political views or lifestyles could be declared un-American and denied basic constitutional protections.
- 12. HAVE REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS EVER BEEN THIS DIVIDED BEFORE? (Brian Balogh cohost Backstory podcast) Level of partisan divide and Washington gridlock is reminiscent of the late 19th century. In those years, he said, the federal government was deeply divided, leaving it unable to address economic changes like the emergence of a large industrial working class and big urban centers. The divisions between the two parties declined, as two world wars and then the Cold War helped unify the country Objective journalism” set guardrails on what topics were appropriate for political debate—though not always for the better.
- 13. Right and left divided by ideology This “sorting out” was largely rooted in racial ideology. After Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, white backlash turned the South from solidly Democratic to a reliable source of Republican votes. Democrats aligned around the northern and mid-western progressive wings of the Democratic Party It become a party that stood for more progressive values. Republicans aligned around states’ rights, low taxes, and an emphasis on the individual.
- 14. Distrust of “experts” and the decline of “objective journalism. Facebook now delivers us news in a media bubble that caters to our existing political beliefs. (Anna Moltchanova, a professor of philosophy at Carleton College) It makes it hard to have national conversations based on a shared set of facts This division creates fundamental questions about what it means to belong in the country. When your body politic starts fracturing there is this kind of possible new direction for the whole body politic You become a country where people don’t care about each other.”
- 15. IS THERE MORE CONFLICT NOW, OR IS IT JUST MORE APPARENT? Many Americans were kept outside of mainstream political debates in the past. (Jim Grossman, executive director of the American Historical Association) Social media has made groups from Black Lives Matter to the white supremacists who marched in Charlottesville more visible. Another difference this year is the president. In the past, almost every U.S. president has invoked language of national unity, even at times of deep division like the Civil War. “ Trump has no patience or time for those niceties, which is why his constituency likes him.
- 16. WHAT COULD HELP AMERICANS COME TOGETHER? (Robert Cavalier, director of the Program for Deliberative Democracy at Carnegie Mellon University) Americans need to figure out how to work with people we disagree with to solve real problems. We need to begin organized public conversations at the local city level about concrete issues. Without building up the skills for public deliberation, he said, it’s almost impossible to have rational conversations around national events—like talking about gun control after a mass shooting occurs Our founders’ intention was for this to be a deliberative democracy
- 17. Islam can unite all as it did before The value of human brotherhood is among the fundamental teachings of Islam. According to the Holy Qur'an, nuclear and extended families are a microcosm of universal brotherhood All of you are from Adam and Adam was created from clay (Hadith) "… but kindred by blood have prior rights against each other in the book of God…" (8:75)
- 18. Q1: Why did God create us? a) He is the Creator, Evolver, Shaper, Provider, Lord, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful. b) He is the Creator, Wise, Knower…. What would you think of someone who claims to be a doctor yet he has never cured any disease nor treated any patent? c) To develop the living conditions on the earth as well as to worship Him. d) What is the aim of any innovator or inventor? e) To develop the quality of our souls in order to prove and improve ourselves.
- 19. Q2. Why are we different? O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (Al Hujurat, 49:13)
- 20. Q2. Why are we different? (a) So that we can easily recognize each other and easily be identified. (b) A human being is created in such a way that he likes diversification by instinct. (c) It is a test for mankind. (d) So that we can compete against each other in developing the earth and doing other acts of righteousness
- 21. Q3. What are the things that make people arrogant and proud? A-Color of skin- "And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors; verily in that are signs for those who know.“ (30:22)
- 22. B-Wealth "Your riches and your children may be but a trial. But in the presence of God is the highest reward." (64:15)
- 23. C- Power possessions or prestige
- 24. D-Social status and a high post "It is He Who has made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He has raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He has given you: for your Lord is quick in punishment – yet is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (6:165)
- 25. E- National and tribal pride or exceptionalism “and We have made you into nations and tribes so that you recognize each other (not that you despise each other)." (49:13) Nor walk on the earth with insolence: for thou canst not rend the earth asunder nor reach the mountains in height. (17:37)
- 26. F- Ignorance e) “ask those who posses knowledge if you know not." (21:07)
- 27. G- Stereotypes "And pursue not that of which you have no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing, or of (feeling in) the heart will be inquired into (on the Day of Reckoning.) (17:36)
- 28. A Divided society of Arabia, united by Prophet Mohammad (SAW) The whole of society was divided into many separate sects and tribes. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) brought oneness and unity, not only in belief in the Oneness of God, but also in the most fundamental criteria people use to define themselves. Michael Hart, who has ranked the great men in history in his book The 100 says ; "My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels."
- 29. How did Prophet Mohammad (SAW) bring unity amongst divided people And hold fast to the rope of Allah, all of you together, and do not be divided; and remember Allah’s favor on you, that when there was enmity between you, He created affection between your hearts, so due to His grace you became like brothers to each other; and you were on the edge of a pit of fire (hell), so He saved you from it; this is how Allah explains His verses to you, so that you may be guided. (Quran 3:103)
- 30. Prophet Mohammad (SAW) brings unity He (SAW) lightened the hearts with the light of believing in the Glorious Creator Who owns all that is in the heavens and on the earth. He firmly fixed this faith, practically and continuously, by the acts of worship his Lord revealed to him, such as prayers, fasting, Zakah, Hajj, and other kinds of good deeds. In addition to this, he purified the souls of his people of grudges and hatred; there was no room for aggression or injustice, no room for pride or insults, He promoted brotherhood, love and equality because they were of one origin, and there was no privilege of an Arab over a non-Arab except through piousness.
- 31. Prophet Mohammad (SAW) brought unity Value of material world and its pleasures was minimized in their eyes. He also made them look forward to a marvelous Paradise and to live for an eternal life to come after this temporary life. He enjoined all to absorb and to reflect some of Allah’s compassion, and therefore to be kind, fair and gentle towards everyone and indeed everything around us. Compassion includes peaceful relations with our neighbors being kind to children and to those less privileged than ourselves and to the environment Prophet’s beautiful character exemplified these teachings.
- 32. Malcolm X describes the beauty of a diverse yet united Ummah during Hajj: “There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood. During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept on the same rug – while
- 33. Q3. What are the factors that can help establish universal brotherhood? (a) Equality: This value of equality is not to be mistaken for or confused with identicalness. Islam teaches us that we are all equal in the sight of God but not necessarily identical.
- 34. Factors that can help establish universal brotherhood b) Respect for all regardless of color, race, religion and social status. c) Helping one another when in need (Whoever solves a Muslim’s problem, God will solve one of his problems on the Judgment Day) d) Love for your neighbor as you love for yourself. “You will not enter paradise until you believe…” e) To implement justice to all. “the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just; that is next to piety and fear God. For God is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (5:8)
- 35. Q5. What are the factors that can help unify mankind? (a) All of them are created by one God. (d) They are descendants of one couple, Adam and Eve. (c) All mankind belong to the human race. (d) God is just and kind to all His creatures. (e) All people are born equal in the sense that non of them brings any property with him and no one takes anything with him when he dies.
- 36. Factors that can help unify mankind (f) God judges every person on the basis of his own merits and according to his own deeds. (God does not look at your faces …etc.) (g) God has conferred on man a title of honor and dignity. We read in the Holy Qur'an: "We have honored the sons of Adam; provided them with the means of transportation on land and sea; given them for sustenance good and pure things, and conferred on them special favors above a great part of our creation." (17: 70)
- 37. Factors that can help unify mankind h) Doing good to those who have wronged you. "Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel (evil) with what is better: then will he between whom and you was hatred become as if he were your intimate friend." (41: 34)
- 38. The Basic Human Rights in Islam 1. The right to life: We read in the Holy Qur'an: "Whosoever kills a human being ( without any reason) like manslaughter, or corruption on earth, it will be as though he had killed all mankind."(5: 32) 2-The right to basic necessities of life: "And in their wealth there is an acknowledged right for the needy and the destitute, he who asked and he who (for some reason) was prevented from asking." (51: 19)
- 39. The Basic Human Rights in Islam 3-The right of protection of life and property: All citizens have the right of protection of their life and property from inside and outside aggression. After the Tartar commander had agreed to free only Muslim prisoners of war, Ibn Taymiyah insisted that non-Muslim prisoners of war also be released because they were under the Muslim protection
- 40. The Basic Human Rights in Islam 4-Freedom of religion "Let there be no compulsion in religion. (2: 256) 5-Freedom of work and profession: Work and profession are a birth right of every one. No one should regard it as special for him and deny it others.
- 41. Divisions in Muslims Ummah The term Ummah refers to “the people” in Arabic This terminology is used in the Quran by Allah referring to the Muslims. It is more commonly used in the Muslim world. Therefore, UMMAH means the nations who believe in the oneness of Allah and accept Muhammad (pbuh) as His messenger irrespective of color, territory, race or any other identity.
- 42. Divisions among Muslim UMMAH . 1-Politically divided: We see two types of division namely internal and external within and outside of a Muslim country. The Muslim World is divided into various sects politically. In past, the Shia-Sunni conflict was religious but the Iranian revolution of 1979 has given it a political dimension. Besides, Kurd conflict, ISIS in the Middle East, these groups are divided for political reason. Similarly, we see internal conflict among political groups in many Muslim countries. For instance, we have seen the verdict of five top leaders of Bangladesh Jamat-E-Islami .
- 43. 2-Cultural separation Some Muslims claim that the person who does not wear long dress or veil on the face is not Muslim. Sometimes, it is seen that some Muslim majority countries merge Islamic culture with their own existing culture and thus create a new semi-Islamic culture and those countries feel very proud to be identified distinctively as upholders of Islamic culture. For this reason, it creates separation among the Muslim UMMAH and weakens the strength. Certainly there are cultural differences in an explicit manner among the Muslim nations in terms of dress, food, social manner and language but they must not be taken as topics of argument.
- 44. 3- Local nationalism: Conflicts arising in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Algeria, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Bangladesh, South Africa (within Muslims), UK (within Muslims), USA (within Muslims), Canada (within Muslims) and many other Muslim and non-Muslim countries are most of the time created in the name of Islam. Leaders are struggling for control and power in order to implement their own beliefs and policies or for personal, family or group’s interest In some regions, Muslims do not protest against any Muslim-killing outside their own territory/country for the reason of the honor of their national territory, They do not protest against the illegal actions taken by their governments against struggling-Muslim groups.
- 45. 4-Ideological separation The Muslim UMMAH is ideologically divided into various sects and groups. Some follows the path of extremism, some are moderate. Some groups believe in socio-political aspect and some deny political aspect of Islam. Groups have emerged who feel proud to call themselves secular Muslims.
- 46. 5-Jurisprudential Separation: Sunni Muslims became separated into four Madhabs (ways) like HANAFI, MALIKI, SHAFI’E AND HANBALI. The Shi’a Muslims created a separate Fiqah exclusively for their own and called it JA’FARIAH (from Imam Ja’ffar us Sadiq, In terms of Quran and Sunnah, jurisprudential differences among Imams and Islamic scholars based on the practice of Islam in different regional and cultural context come within the ambit of Islamic Sha’ria. But, later on, the followers of Imams and subsequent scholars made it a big issue.
- 47. 6-Educational separation: We see various education systems in Muslim countries which create mental conflicts in their religious belief and increase ideological differences in their family, social and national life. Students are being educated under several distinct educational systems named religious and English Medium – where western cultures are generally followed. These separate systems shall increase ideological conflict between and among the streams of future generations.
- 48. Necessity of unity. Enormous problems are being confronted by the UMMAH due to the absence of unity Political instability has become a serious concern among the Muslims. Unemployment, economic disparity, hunger, illiteracy, sectarianism and extremism are vehemently being found in the Muslim world Crises in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Algeria, Kashmir, Burma are the consequence of disunity among the Muslim UMMAH. Terrorism and extremism have become a severe threat on the identity of Muslim though Islam has no connection with terrorism.
- 49. Obstacles in the way of unity A-Weaknesses (Internal Problems) Ideological conflict: After the death of prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Muslims became divided into various groups with different ideologies. The reality suggests that these groups could not tolerate each other easily. In this way, the internal conflict emerged systematically. Shia-Sunni conflict: Shia-Sunni sectarian dogma is a rising phenomenon in Islamic world which is responsible for dividing the UMMAH. It should be avoided by soft handed policies as soon as possible
- 50. Internal problems Juristic differences regarding Sharia: The academic opinions of the respected four Fuqaha, Imam Malik, Imam Abu Haneefah, Imam Shafi’i and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal based on the understanding and interpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah texts are known as the four schools of thought. Every school has the sufficient materials which are accepted in Sha’ria. Some Muslims started confrontation against each other due to juristic opinions causing disunity. Leadership crisis: The whole Islamic world is going through a critical situation that also affected the leadership. The leaders of Muslim countries are failing to unite in the points of their common interests despite Muslim UMMAH has plenty of burning issue in common.
- 51. Internal problems Heterogeneous political interests: Because of separate national identity of Muslim countries, the political interests are heterogeneous in nature. Therefore the UMMAH is divided into many factions based on their political interest. These interests often collide with each other which further creates the ground for dissension. Low literacy rate:-The vast population of Muslim UMMAH is illiterate and therefore cannot take a holistic decision. They are being constantly exploited by the anti- Islamic forces. Moreover, the tendency of learning Islamic knowledge among Muslims is losing significance because of secular education system. Unwilling to sacrifice:-Since the sense of brotherhood is clearly absent from Muslim mind, the tendency of sacrifice is absent too.
- 52. B-External problems Lack of sharing of information: The Muslim states do not share information and technology with each other. Therefore individually they are dependent upon non-Islamic states, which has created a vicious cycle of dependency. Besides, the share the Muslim world holds in modern information technology is nominal comparing with the West that is another reason for backwardness of Muslims. It is said that the West rules the world through the force of information technology
- 53. 2-Media crisis: The Muslim UMMAH does not possess internationally recognized medias therefore it is often carried away by the propaganda of anti-Islamic media. This clearly impacts unification process. The media crisis also equally affects in the internal politics among Muslim countries Reality suggests that majority of domestic medias in Muslim countries are possessed and dominated by secular supported groups.
- 54. 3- World Power politics Contemporary world system is based on super-powers and their clients structure. Some states are power maker and rest of the states are power taker. Unfortunately there is no single Islamic super power under which a Muslim umbrella can be created. Most of the Muslim countries are allies of one or the other super power and follow their directives
- 55. Types of unities 1-Political It is our responsibility to establish Islamic practices and regulations from individual to state level. Individual, family, society and state are inter-related to build a peaceful and humanitarian nation. So any anti-Islamic action by the state affects an individual and any individual’s anti-Islamic act hamper the common interest of whole nation. Political integrity within and out of the state is necessary; especially with other Islamic states.
- 56. 2-Economic Muslim UMMAH must be united in economic sector which would help it to decrease the dependency on non-Islamic blocks. We can learn from the example of EU, how EU united the European countries and how it enabled them to dominate the greater portion of the world economy. Islamic Development Bank consisting of 56 members and authorized capital of ID 100 billion and subscribed capital to ID 50 billion, was established in 1975 and it helped Muslim countries Muslim countries are dependent on developed countries for loans. In most cases, they impose obligations upon us to spend loans on specific projects which ultimately benefits the creditors and keep extra pressure on us to repay the amount with high interest rates.
- 57. 3- Cultural Some Muslims are so much adamant in love with their native languages that they repudiate to adopt another language. As a Muslim, we have to read and understand Quran which was sent down in Arabic language. If every Muslim knows Arabic Language he would be able to understand the Quran and this common language would help all Muslims to understand other Muslims. Therefore, we have another way to come closer to each other and be united under the shade of Islam. We can minimize cultural and communication differences.
- 58. 4- Educational The dichotomy of secular education and religious education must be abolished. Modern sciences should be taught in the madrassas “in place of obsolete ancient philosophy,” Religious sciences should be taught “fully” in the secular schools, This way we prepare our youth equipped with both knowledge of modern sciences and religious sciences. We can work together to make a modern Islamic education system which will contain science, theology, Fiqh and other necessary subjects.
- 59. Do’s of uniting Muslims Whenever we discuss a disputed matter we must be civilized, open minded and kind to other Muslims. Whenever we discuss a disputed matter we should acquire in-depth knowledge of both side’s point of view. We should be positive and respectful towards other Muslims regardless of difference in opinions. We must be preaching and spreading Islam not our own sectarian beliefs.
- 60. Do’s If a dispute arises on the interpretation of a verse in Qur’an OR Hadith OR about a certain action we must follow the consensus of the scholars of Islam. If we find that the scholars are split on the issue then one can follow who ever he / she likes to follow but must not consider the others as wrong. Friday’s Sermons of our Imams should be on the common issues and teachings. The Imams must try to bring Muslims together. They must stay away from the disputed topics. Muslims must love, respect and follow Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) did. Muslims must adopt all those ways which increase the love of Allah, His Prophet (peace be upon him) and His book, Qur’an.
- 61. Do’s Muslims must be very careful in listening, reading and following of those scholars of Islam who were responsible for the destruction of KHILATFAT-E-ISLAMI during 1800 and later. Muslims must focus on the major issues of Muslim Ummah such as Palestine, Al Quds, Chechnya, Kashmir, Indonesia, Philippines, Burma, Macedonian, Albania, etc.. rather than wasting time on minor issues. Muslims must focus on education, technology and science, moral and spiritual vales, economical and political stability in Muslim countries.
- 62. Don’t of uniting Muslims Imams in mosques and scholars of Islam must not interpret verses of Qur’an from their own opinions and preferences. They must follow the consensus of Islamic scholars about an issue. Imams and scholars should not be condemning Muslims of other sects in their speeches and Friday sermons. Muslims should not be spreading hate for other Muslims who disagree with them as long as both groups follow the interpretation of Qur’an and Hadith from an authentic scholar of Islam.
- 63. Don’t Muslims should not follow those Imams and scholars who undermine the honor of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) and consider themselves as the final authority on Islam. Muslims should not follow those Imams and scholars who are disrespectful towards the consensus of scholars of Islam. Muslims should not follow those Imams and scholars who ignore their own innovations in Islam but keep Muslims busy in small disputes.
- 64. Don’t Muslims should not follow those scholars who are very eager to issue Fatwa against Muslims and declare them KAFIR, MUSHRIK, JAHANNAMI, BID’ATEE, etc. Muslims should not follow those self claimed Imams and scholars who spread nothing but hate against those Muslims who do not belong to their sect. Muslims should not follow those Imams and scholars who intentionally dwell on minor differences among Muslims. Muslims should not follow those Imams and scholars who divide Muslims rather than uniting them.
- 65. Dua for unity and peace