Introduction:
Universal Brotherhood is a fundamental principle in Islam, emphasizing the unity of humanity regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Glorious Qur'an and exemplified in the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Actually, Islam clearly rejects all sorts of differences based on caste, colour, creed, ethnicity, wealth, riches, region, and country. For Muslims across the globe, there are no boundaries and barriers.
Whether Arabs, Turks, Africans, Indonesians, Bengalis, Europeans, Americans, Pakistanis, or Indian Muslims all are equal and have a strong connection of brotherhood among them as per the teachings of the Glorious Qur'an and Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is pertinent to mention here that the Glorious Qur'an clearly forbids any kind of division and groupings among Muslims on the basis of ethnic as well as sectarian differences. In Islam, there isn't any concept of Shia Muslims or Sunni Muslims.
There isn't even a single verse mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an that says anything about Shia Muslims or Sunni Muslims. Neither the Last Messenger of Islam Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ever mentioned anything about Shia Muslims or Sunni Muslims. Islam just talks about Muslims and suggests Islam as the true and only Deen for them.
This essay aims to explore the Quranic verses and the Last Sermon to elucidate the significance of universal brotherhood in Islam.
Qur'anic Verses on Universal Brotherhood:
1. Al-Hujurat (49:13): "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."
This verse highlights the equality of all human beings in the eyes of Allah. It emphasizes that diversity in human societies is a manifestation of Allah's wisdom, and the criteria for superiority lie in piety and righteousness, not in lineage or ethnicity.
2. Al-Ma'idah (5:8): "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted."
This verse underscores the importance of upholding justice and fairness, irrespective of one's personal inclinations or affiliations. It emphasizes the universal applicability of justice, transcending familial ties or socioeconomic status.
3. Al-Baqarah (2:177): "Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, despite love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves..."
This verse elucidates that true righteousness is not confined to outward rituals but is manifested in actions that benefit humanity. It emphasizes the importance of charity, compassion, and assistance to those in need, regardless of their background.
Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
During his farewell pilgrimage, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered his Last Sermon, which encapsulates the essence of Islam, including the principle of universal brotherhood. Some key points from the Last Sermon are:
1. Equality: The Prophet (SAW) emphasized the equality of all believers, stating, "All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action."
2. Brotherhood: He stressed the importance of mutual respect and compassion among believers, declaring, "You are all brothers. All men are equal in Islam. The believers are but a single brotherhood."
3. Rights and Responsibilities: The Prophet (SAW) highlighted the rights and responsibilities of individuals within the Muslim community, emphasizing principles of justice, kindness, and protection of rights.
Conclusion:
Universal brotherhood is a central tenet of Islam, as elucidated in the Qur'an and exemplified in the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). These sources emphasize the equality of all human beings who are the Muslims, the importance of justice and compassion, and the necessity of mutual respect and solidarity. The actual message behind the concept of the Universal Brotherhood is that Muslims across the globe are a single nation. There aren't any permanent boundaries and barriers for Muslims in the name of countries, states, and terrorists. By adhering to these principles, Muslims strive to create a harmonious and inclusive society where all individuals are valued and treated with dignity and respect.
Comments