(Worksheet) The Means Of Achieving True Unity

(Worksheet) The Means Of Achieving True Unity
Author: Shaikh Saalih Fawzaan al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah)
Source: Beneficial Answers to Questions on Innovated Methodologies

Q: What are the means and ways of achieving unity?

A: The means of achieving unity are:

First: Correcting ones Creed, such that it becomes purified from Shirk. Allaah says:

وَإِنَّ هَذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّة ً وَاحِدَة ً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاتَّقُونِ

"Verily this nation of yours is one (unified) nation, and I am your Lord, so be dutiful to Me." [Surah Al-Mu`minoon: 52]

It is only the correct creed that will unite the hearts and vanquish the malice, as opposed to their being various beliefs and several deities, for each adherent of a creed will incline towards his own creed and deity, whilst holding that which others are upon to be falsehood. This is why Allaah says:

أَأَرْبَاب ٌ مُتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ الله الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ

“Are many different lords (i.e. gods) better or Allaah, the One, the Irresistible?” [Surah Yoosuf: 39]

This is the reason why the pagan Arabs in the Days of Ignorance were divided and suppressed in the earth. However, when they entered into Islaam and their creed and beliefs became rectified, they united their ranks and unified their rule.

Second: Hearing and Obeying the Muslim Rulers, which is why the Prophet (sallalahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:

I counsel you to have Taqwaa (fear/obedience) of Allaah, and to hear and obey (the rulers) even if an Abyssinian slave assumes leadership over you. For indeed, whoever lives (long) amongst you will see great differing... [Saheeh: Reported by Abu Dawood (4607), At-Tirmidhee (2776) and Al-Haakim (1/96), and the wording here is from his report.]

Disobeying the Muslim ruler results in differing.

Third: Returning back to the Qur`an and the Sunnah to quell disputes, and end differing. Allaah says:

فَإِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْء ٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى الله وَالرَّسُولِ إِنْ كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِالله وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْر ٌوَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلا

“So if you differ in some matter, then return it back to Allaah and His Messenger, if you truly believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” [Surah An-Nisaa`: 59]

One should not turn back to the opinions and traditions of men.

Fourth: Rectifying and reconciling when disputes occur between individuals or between nations. Allaah says:

فاتَّقُوا الله وَأَصْلِحُوا ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ

“So fear Allaah and rectify all matters of dispute between you.” [Surah Al-Anfaal: 1]

Fifth: Fighting the transgressors and renegades who seek to split the unity of the Muslims. If they are strong and powerful, they will demolish the Muslim society and corrupt the ummah. Allaah says:

فَإِنْ بَغَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا عَلَى الأُخْرَى فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِي تَبْغِي

"But if one of them transgresses against the other, then fight against the one that transgresses." [Surah Al-Hujuraat: 9]

This is why the Commander of the Believers, 'Alee bin Abee Taalib (radiallaahu 'anhu) fought against the transgressors and the Khawaarij. And this was considered one of the greatest of his virtues.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1.What is the first means of achieving unity mentioned in the article?

a) Hearing and obeying rulers

b) Correcting one's creed

c) Fighting transgressors

d) Returning to the Qur'an and Sunnah in disputes.

2.How does having a correct creed contribute to unity among people?

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