Understanding the Views on Muslim Unity.
Many people ask what do you mean by unity? How we can unite with Shias or Sunnis? What is your solution? And usually the answer does not take a lot of brain-work or a diploma to work it out.
1-Some say; "It is not Possible because there are too many groups, sects and conditions".
2-Some say; "Complete unity is only possible in all aspects of following the Quran and Sunnah"
3-But the more realistic saying is that; "It is possible and it is already happening based on common beliefs and practices". As for complete unity this is unrealistic. Complete unity and agreement does not happen even within one small family. It does not happen amongst Christians, Jews or Atheists so why do you think it will happen with Muslim people of various languages, colours, traditions and intellectual levels. This is usually the first mistake people make when they here about the call to Muslim unity between Shias and Sunnis. They think that it must mean one thing and one thing only. Partial unity means that we agree on the basis and work towards increased unity in other areas, it is gradual and not rushed. It takes discussion and sincere effort and a realisation that some of us are already uniting, alhamdulillah. Partial unity is acknowledging and saying yes we agree on these things, this opens the doors of mercy and love and hope.
The basis for any unity, partial or complete is that we are equipped with the necessary tools of unity. So those things that are not part of the unity tool kit are things like sectarian violence between shia and sunni. People that encourage it still have a long way to go and should not be followed in this regard. Blind hatred is also not going to help nor abusive language.
The basis for shia and sunni unity is communication and not cutting ties. It is not about trying to battle the person into accepting all that you see as true. It is about agreeing and accepting the points of common ground and gradually cover the issues step by step, topic by topic, time permitting, until there is increased understanding one way or the other. And even then if you do not agree on that point then still be willing to accept that person as Muslim even if they are weak or a little astray. Unless you cover various issues you cannot completely judge the person as out of the pale of Islam etc. Never say never to Muslim unity it is a lifelong duty of Muslims, just as disunity is the aim of those who are against Muslims whether shia or sunni, Arab or non Arab.
Most Muslims even united with Christians when it came to banning the burning of the Quran. This is a type of unity.
Most Muslims Shias and Sunnis unite with each-other against the sectarian violence in Iraq, Pakistan and other areas.
Most Muslims unite with non Muslims against the terrorism that took place in cities like New York and London and Madrid and elsewhere.
Most Muslims Shias and Sunnis are united in the belief that there is only one God, Allah. There is only one last Prophet, Muhammad. And there is only one last revelation, the Quran. As well as facing one Qiblah in prayer Mecca (Masjidul Haram). Praying five times a day, fasting Ramadhan, giving Zakat, and last but not least we have entered into Islam on the Shahadah (testimony) 'La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah'. As for the some that add Ali's name, it is not a condition nor a part of the Shahadah nor was it in the original Shahadah of any of the Prophets, as far as I know. So this is enough to count anyone a Muslim so long as they maintain these practices and beliefs as well as Amr bil Maroof & Nahy anil Munkar etc.
One way not to go about doing things is to pluck things out of obscure books or books that people have not read or heard of and say this is your belief. Alot of people are posting things on sites that many Muslims on the ground do not agree with. So first of all verify what is being said and do not accuse people. I have witnessed people using sources that are false and fabricated, so beware.
As for the You Tube videos that some people are fond of using as proof of this or that and use these videos to say "all you people do this" or "why do you do this"? This again is accusation and will not work and nor is it acceptable. Some people doing something is not proof that all people do that thing. You Tube and Google will give you truth and falsehood, just like books.
If you were an Asian, Arab or African person and you were shown videos of white men attacking these groups of people would it be fair to believe that all white men attack Asians, Arabs and Africans? No of course not, some do and others do not.
So the challenge for many of us is to try and be balanced in our dealings with people.
As for terms like Wahabi, Salafi, Neo Salafi, Shia, Sunni etc whilst some people may say they are used to divide or we should get rid of these terms it is true sometimes they do not help. But usually it is people that are calling others these terms, most Muslims will say they are just Muslims. What is more important than the names is the attitudes people have towards others who are called or call themselves Shia or Salafi etc. A name by itself can be harmless and just defines your views. For example if someone is called Shia it usualy means they believe that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hf) did not leave this world without appointing a successor, namely Ali a.s.
So to summarise, partial unity is evident and practical. Achieving complete unity in everything of the sunnah, in our lifetime is for day dreamers. Trying to find two people, alive today, who follow and practice everything of the sunnah of the Prophet, and understand it the same is close to impossible. The tools of unity require inner ability and sincerity to communicate and not throw accusations. Expecting these terms like Shia, Sunni, Salafi to be abandoned or disappear is not the real starting point, the starting point is a change of attitudes within ourselves towards others and learning how best to deal with our ignorance, arrogance, use of language and dealing with others in the best way possible. The best way is not complete avoidance and cutting ties. Always leave a way open for people to come back and communicate in-case there is a change of ways or attitudes.
There is much more that can be said on this topic, inshallah this will not be the last post regarding this issue of Muslim Unity.
Forgive any typing errors.
Wal Hamdulilahi Rabil Aalameen. (And All Praise is for Allah, Lord of All the worlds).
wasalams
brother United Sunna and Shia (Paltalk nic)
(Wednesday 15th December 2010)
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