Despite being 1.8 billion in number, equivalent to roughly a quarter of the world’s population, the Muslim ummah finds itself entangled in a web of disunity. This division spans political, economic, and religious dimensions, unveiling a tapestry of discord.
Amidst internal political and religious disunity, external forces exploit the vulnerabilities of Muslims; not only targeting the faith of Islam, its revered Prophet Muhammadsa, and the Holy Quran, but also subjecting Muslims to persecution. The disunity has far-reaching consequences, manifesting, for example, in the plight and suffering of Palestinians, the implementation of draconian laws targeting Muslims such as those observed in France, and distressing actions that aim to hurt the sentiments of Muslims, as exhibited by incidents like the latest Quran burning in Sweden.
Muslims often express complaints about how others are treating them, yet rarely do they reflect on the consequences that result from their own lack of unity. The challenges faced by Muslims today are directly linked to this disunity, highlighting the pressing need for leadership that unites.
Recently, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the Fifth Successor of the Promised Messiahas,spoke yet again on the consequences of Muslim disunity. Addressing the suffering of Palestinians, he said:
“We should pray for the Palestinians. May Allah create ease and relief for those oppressed people. May He grant them leaders who fulfil their rights, guide them properly, and free them from the injustices being perpetrated against them. The cruelties they are facing have reached extreme levels, but no one is there to protect or guide them. If only the Muslims of the world would unite, they would be freed from these trials and tribulations.” (“Global Muslim Leader says Disunity of Muslims is Allowing for the Oppression of Muslims and the Targeting of Islam”, pressahmadiyya.org, 7 July 2023)
He also strongly condemned the latest Quran burning in Sweden and linked it to the disunity of Muslims:
“In Sweden and other countries, people have been given completely free rein to say whatever they wish (against Islam) in the name of freedom of expression. Under this pretext, they are cruelly toying with the sentiments of Muslims through vengeful acts that cause deep distress to Muslims. Their actions are cruel and abhorrent, whereby they defile the Holy Quran or use vulgar words about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In this regard, Muslim governments are also to blame for the dire situation that Muslims find themselves in because it is their disunity which has allowed the anti-Islam powers to act in these vile ways. If the Muslims have taken a stand or reacted (to the Quran burning), it will only be a temporary reaction that will have no lasting impact. Therefore, we must pray fervently for the Muslim leaders and the ummah. There is a dire need for prayers.” (Ibid.)
This self-reflection on the consequences of disunity that Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, has stressed on so many occasions must be at the forefront of every Muslim’s mind. When will the suffering of Muslims come to an end? How many nations will continue to exploit the disunity among Muslims? How many more instances of defamation against the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa will be tolerated due to this lack of unity?
The answers lie not in rebelling or causing chaos but rather in finding a leader who can unite the whole Muslim ummah.
The Muslim world does not need to look far to find this unity and leadership; it has been in plain sight for well over a century. However, Muslim clerics blind their followers from seeing it. The Ahmadiyya Khilafat has been uniting Muslims from every corner of the world, through which Ahmadi Muslims are guided spiritually, religiously, and intellectually. They have a beacon of light to follow – a light that Allah Himself has ignited.
The Ahmadiyya Khilafat is a direct manifestation of the following saying of Prophet Muhammadsa that Sahih al-Bukhari has recorded:
تَلْزَمُ جَمَاعَةَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَإِمَامَهُمْ
“Hold fast to the Jamaat of Muslims and their Imam.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-fitan, Hadith 7084)
Out of the whole Muslim ummah, the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat stands apart, united under a single spiritual leader. By steadfastly following the Khalifa of the time, Ahmadi Muslims flourish spiritually, religiously, and intellectually. Their remarkable unity serves as an inspiring spectacle for the entire Muslim ummah.
To catch a glimpse of this extraordinary unity and find direction, Muslims should tune into Jalsa Salana UK. This annual international gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, taking place at Hadeeqatul Mahdi, Alton, from 28-30 July 2023, showcases a glimpse into the true essence and promising future of Islam. It offers a window into a harmonious and purposeful path that all Muslims can embrace for their own betterment.