Skip to main content

Universal Brotherhood in Islam

 Title: Concept of Universal Brotherhood in Islam in the Light of Glorious Qur'an & Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Universal Brotherhood in Islam

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.

Concept of Universal Brotherhood in Islam

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

Most Read Blogs

Single National Curriculum (SNC): Its Pros & Cons

Single National Curriculum 2020  Background Pakistan is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural, and multi-ethnic country where around 74 different languages are spoken. Out of these 74 different languages, 66 languages are indigenous while the remaining 8 are non-indigenous. Urdu is the national language while English is the official language of Pakistan.  Similarly, Pakistan is the thick and second-largest Muslim-populated country in the world. Approximately 96.5% (≈210 million) people are Muslims, out of which around 85-90% are Sunni and the remaining are the Shia sect Muslims.  These two major sects are further subdivided into different groups on the basis of their particular schools of the so-called Islam ic law. On the other hand Pakistani nation is divided on the basis of political parties, ethnicity, sectarianism, culture, customs, traditions, rituals, socio-economics, and educational differences.  The current government has therefore developed and devised Single N...

School, Community, and Teacher (B.Ed Honours Course)

School, Community, & Teacher  (SCT) in the Context of Teacher Education (B.Ed Honours Course) Background The triad of school, community, and teacher (SCT) forms a critical intersection within the educational landscape, creating an integrated ecosystem essential for fostering a healthy and sustainable teaching and learning environment . In the realm of teacher education, the terms school, teacher, and community carry multifaceted meanings that vary depending on contextual factors. To fully comprehend the overarching goals and objectives of teacher education, it is imperative to explore the synergies and intersections inherent in this SCT framework. In this discussion, we will examine each component of the SCT triad in detail, while also considering related concepts that enrich our understanding of this complex interplay. By unpacking these terms, we aim to illuminate their significance and the ways in which they collectively contribute to a robust educational experience. The sch...

Dilema of Democracy & Political Leadership Crisis in Pakistan

Dilemma of Democracy & Political Leadership Crisis in Pakistan Overview Since mid 20th century,  Democracy is being considered the most accomplished process and a form of government where only people’s representatives have the right and authority to run the affairs of the state including forming certain constitutional rules and regulations.  Through democracy, people choose their representatives following a well-defined system of voting. The elected representatives then govern the affairs of the state on behalf of their people for a certain period of time (usually 4 to 5 years).  These representatives actually ensure the authority and rule of law for their people in the larger interests of any nation, state, or country. On the other hand, they are also held accountable and responsible for their actions and exercising of the powers within certain limitations as defined in the constitution or legislated through parliament.  Although Pakistan is a pure democratic...

AFGHANISTAN CRISES: WHERE DOES PAKISTAN STAND?

Afghanistan Crises and Pakistan  Background According to history, Afghanistan has remained a war zone and a plan to invade central and south Asia for a long time. All of the invaders' troops entered South Asia through Afghanistan, from the Aryans to the Mughals. Afghanistan was the target of two major invasions in recent history. The former Soviet Union (USSR) launched its first invasion in December 1979, which lasted until 1989 and culminated in the dissolution of the Soviet Union into a number of distinct states. However, a significant portion of the formal USSR's territory, now known as the Russian Federation, is still there. As a result of the so-called September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the United States of America (USA) and its NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies, including Great Britain, launched the second invasion in 2001. Al-Qaeda's leader, Usama Bin Ladin, was allegedly blamed for the 9/11 attacks and claims that Al-Qa...

SWOT Analysis within the Context of Education

 SWOT Analysis in Education for Curriculum Development, Classroom Management, and Planning Introduction   It was the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) which coined the term SWOT Analysis during the 1960s. Initially, the term was used for business management consultancy but later on, researchers and professionals started using it in different fields mainly for planning purposes. SWOT  analysis is a strategic planning tool or a framework which is used to identify and evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to an organization or a specific project including setting its standing operating procedures (SOPs).  It is widely used in business studies, politics, strategic military planning, think tanks, policy-making, international relations, socio-economic as well as socio-political dimensions, and education etc. Similarly, in the context of education, SWOT analysis provides a very comprehensive framework for assessing various aspects of educat...

Social Media Literacy and Educational Approaches in the 21st Century Teaching & Learning Context: B.Ed Honours Course Content

Social Media Literacy & Modes of Education in 21st Century (B.Ed Honours) Course Content Introduction The term social media refers to the digital interaction among different social groups. One of the most integral aspects of human life in the 21st century is social media, and it has significantly transformed how individuals communicate, interact, and gain information. Social media has opened the door to new opportunities for learning and information sharing including diverse challenges for teachers and learners in the process of teaching and learning.  In less advanced countries like Pakistan, teachers are still reluctant to use social media platforms while teaching because they lack certain skills to use different social media platforms effectively. As a result of it, such teachers rely on outdated traditional methods of teaching. On the other hand, many students believe that the purpose of social media use is just for entertainment and informal interaction with digital friend...

BOOKS ARE THE BEST OF ALL THE FRIENDS!

Books are the Best of all the Friends  Overview: Francis Bacon rightly said that “some books are tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”. In his quote, Bacon emphasized that there are very few books only to be read out as wholly because they draw our attention with diligence and develop curiosity as we go on reading them further and further. Actually, books are the food for our brains and thoughts. They provide us knowledge, and deep information and develop creativity along with critical thinking skills.  Books lead us towards a world of fantasy and imagination and pose various logical and rational questions and intend to seek our reflection. According to Charles W. Eliot, “books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers”. Books are best friends and they are always ready to talk to us and share their information and experiences with us. Books are mi...

We'll Meet Again: A Poem by Raja Bahar Khan Soomro

We Shall Meet Again (A Poem)   Introduction   We come across many bitter experiences in our lives. One of these bitter experiences is the separation from our loved ones. Though we don't want to be get separated but life brings such situations where we don't have any other options except separation. In this poem, I have reflected on my feelings and desires that a day will come when I'll meet again with my dearest darling. So, let's now read that when and how I'll meet with my love.                 We'll Meet Again When spring awakens in a tender bloom,   And cuckoos sing beneath the silver moon,   In midnight’s hush, where melodies cascade,   We’ll meet again, where dreams of love are made.   We’ll meet again by oceans’ endless shore,   Where mountains rise and eagle spirits soar.   In dawn’s soft glow, where shadows gently play,   Our hearts will dance in rain’s sweet,...

Different Educational Theories & Approaches Solved MCQs

Different Education al Theories, Approaches, & Perspectives Solved MCQs   1. Which level of Bloom's Taxonomy is associated with basic recall and recognition of facts?    a) Analysis    b) Evaluation    c) Comprehension    d) Synthesis 2. At which level of Bloom's Taxonomy do students demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge in new and unique situations?    a) Knowledge    b) Comprehension    c) Application    d) Synthesis 3. Which of the following is a key component of Bloom's Taxonomy and involves breaking down information into parts to explore understandings and relationships?    a) Synthesis    b) Analysis    c) Evaluation    d) Knowledge 4. Which level of Bloom's Taxonomy involves the creation of new ideas or concepts by combining information in innovative ways?    a) Knowledge    b) Comprehension    c) Application ...

KASHMIR ISSUE; WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?

Kashmir Issue and the Way Forward                                   Overview: Whether it was an inability and incapability of the Britishers or intentional negligence towards proper demarcation of territorial boundaries before leaving the Indian Sub-continent or even pressure on Lord Mount Batten built by the Congress party’s leadership particularly Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, however, it has left everlasting effects and consequences in terms of loss of innocent human lives, violence, hatred, military escalations, and socio-economic tensions in the fate of the people of South Asia since 1947 to till date.  One of the greatest territorial issues and tensions which I am going to highlight through this article blog is the Kashmir issue which has been remaining the bone of contention between Pakistan and India.  The United Kingdom, currently known as England (Great Britain) which is one of th...