The Unity of the Ummah: A Call to Transcend Sectarian Division
As I ponder the state of our beloved Ummah, I am reminded of the profound wisdom of the Quran, specifically Surah 3, verse 103:
"And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves." (Quran 3:103)
This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and cohesion within our community. As a Sunni Muslim, I am deeply troubled by the divisions that exist between our brothers and sisters of the Shia tradition. The sectarianism that plagues our Ummah is a scourge that must be eradicated if we are to fulfill our divine mandate as a unified and compassionate community.
As an avid reader and seeker of knowledge, I have delved deeply into the ideologies of both Sunni and Shia traditions. Regrettably, I have discovered errors in the Shia ideology that are irreconcilable with the fundamental principles of our faith. Conversely, I have found that many Sunni scholars are weak in their interpretation of Hadith, failing to apply the Prophetic traditions in a manner that is consistent with the Quran and the Sunnah.
This lamentable state of affairs is a direct result of the failure of our scholars to engage in meaningful dialogue and to seek consensus on matters of the Deen. Instead, we have allowed the voices of division and discord to dominate the discourse, sowing the seeds of strife and sectarianism.
But I say to you, dear brothers and sisters, that we must not be swayed by the whims of those who claim to be scholars but are, in reality, donkeys in disguise. We must return to the Quran and the Sunnah, and engage in a process of introspection and self-reflection, using the Johari Window as a framework for understanding ourselves and our place within the Ummah.
The Johari Window, a concept developed by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham, is a powerful tool for understanding the dynamics of human communication and relationships. It consists of four quadrants: the open quadrant, the blind quadrant, the hidden quadrant, and the unknown quadrant.
As we apply the Johari Window to our own lives and to the state of our Ummah, we begin to see the areas where we are open and transparent, where we are blind to our own flaws and weaknesses, where we hide behind masks of deception and hypocrisy, and where we are unknown to ourselves and to others.
By acknowledging and confronting these quadrants, we can begin to break down the barriers that divide us and build bridges of understanding and compassion. We can create a culture of openness, transparency, and accountability, where our scholars and leaders are truly servants of the people, rather than self-serving elites.
So let us join hands, dear brothers and sisters, and pledge to work towards a future where our Ummah is united, strong, and compassionate. A future where we can look to the North, South, East, and West, and see a community that is one, undivided, and unbroken.
For as the Quran reminds us, "Indeed, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me." (Quran 21:92)
Let us heed this call, dear friends, and strive to create a world where our differences are celebrated, our diversity is cherished, and our unity is the hallmark of our faith.
Whalid Safodien
The Feather Pen
