چکیده:
This is the first part to a series of articles that will outline the stance of
the Shia Imams with respect to Muslim unity. The article begins by
defining the meaning of ‗Muslim unity‘ and goes on to enumerate the
characteristics of such unity, especially as found in the Quran and the
Sunnah. It then outlines some practical methods of creating unity and
preventing division, by giving examples from the sÐrah of the Prophet
(Ò). The next part will continue by touching on the advent of exaggeration
(ghulÙw) and the forging, infiltration, and distortion of traditions.
The section will conclude by referencing the main topic of the
series by noting that the Ahl al-Bayt stuck firm to the foundations of
seeking unity. The common qualities of these spiritual authorities in
their theological, political, legal, and social debates was their compassion
and moral uprightness, as their goal was always guidance towards
the ultimate truth.
خلاصه ماشینی:
The desired and effective form of Islamic unity is one that gives importance to the benefits and goals of the proximity of religious beliefs and which stem from people who have many commonalities despite their denominational differences.
It is interesting that, while the QurÞÁn is emphasizing social compassion and the decrease of social separation and argumentation, it orders Muslims to refrain from heated intellectual debates with the People of the Scripture; it states to leave the discovery of truth to Allah and the Day of Judgment.
1 While giving attention to the importance of unity and brotherhood and the grave emphasis of the QurÞÁn prohibiting Muslims from heated debates, division, dividing into parties, and following different paths, 2 the bases of differences and division can be traced back to certain ethical-moral vices such as: distrust, backbiting, seeking faults, spying on believers, accusation, defamation, abusive language, ridicule, egocentrism, arrogance, hatred, and the severance of family ties.
’ (6:153) (View the image of this page) Of those who split up their religion and became sects: each faction exulting in what it possessed (30:32) Allah, in the QurÞÁn, considers division to be in opposition to the prophetic lifestyle and the Sunnah.
Methods of creating unity and preventing division According to what was said, it can be claimed that the general spirit of the social teachings of Islam is as follows: the prohibition of war, of enmity, of dissension, of the formation of parties, of breaking up the society of believers, of racism, and of the mistrust of individuals and groups.