Dr. Md. Shahjahan Kabir: The first father of human being is Hazrat Adam (A): and the first mother is Bibi Hawa (A). That is why all the people of the world are brothers to each other. Born from the same parents, people have been divided into different castes, religions, sects, communities and tribes in different parts of the world. About this, Allah SWT says in the 13th verse of Surah Al-Hujurat of the Holy Qur’an:
O people! I created you from a male and a female and divided you into different nations and tribes; So that you can get to know each other.’
In the Holy Qur’an and Hadith, after Iman, believers are most strongly urged to remain united. About this, Allah Ta’ala says in verse 103 of Surah Al-Imran:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah1 and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so you—by His grace—became brothers. And you were at the brink of a fiery pit and He saved you from it. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you, so that you may be ˹rightly˺ guided.”
In the 105th verse of Surah Al-Imran, Allah SWT added:
“Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty.”
During the Jahili period, there was always conflict between Arabs and non-Arabs. Islam instilled a sense of brotherhood among them and united them. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said in his Farewell Hajj speech, ‘Arabs have no superiority over non-Arabs and non-Arabs have no superiority over Arabs.’
Islam binds all Muslims in a bond of unity and brotherhood and extends the hand of mutual harmony and love among them. Therefore, united in the bond of brotherhood, one Muslim cannot cause any kind of suffering to another Muslim and cannot do injustice-torture or oppression-torture.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He will not torture him nor hand him over to the enemy. And whoever comes forward in need of one of his brothers, Allah comes forward in his need.’ (Bukhari and Muslim)
We must remember that all believers are one nation. In Islam, the mutual relationship of believers is brotherhood. The basis of this relationship is one of the pillars of Islam, Tawheed. Whoever recognizes Tawheed, will be bound by the bonds of brotherhood. Regarding maintaining this brotherhood and unity, Allah Ta’ala said in the 10th verse of Surah Huzrat – “Surely the believers are brothers to each other.”
Allah Ta’ala also says in the 96th verse of Surah Maryam – ‘Those who believe and do righteous deeds, the Most Merciful will create mutual unity and harmony for them.’
The word unity means unity. For example, if two countries or two parties unite or reach a peaceful settlement, then there will be no more unrest. All these alliances will play an effective role in building them as a nation united in peace treaty.
In fact, the sign of brotherhood is that one person will show kindness, affection and sympathy to another person. They will be happy at each other’s happiness and sad at each other’s sorrow.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘You will see the believers as one body in their mutual kindness, mutual love and mutual sympathy. When any part of the body feels pain, then the whole body is affected by sleeplessness and fever.’ (Bukhari and Muslim)
Therefore, mankind should be compassionate towards each other irrespective of caste-religion-caste-group-opinion. One group or clan should not misbehave with another group or clan. One community will not show superiority over another community. For peaceful co-existence with everyone, harmony should be established.
In order to get rid of the conflict-violence, conflict-vigraha, violence, murder, looting, jealousy-hatred and philanthropy that is going on in the society, everyone must be bound by the bond of unity and brotherhood of humanity.
The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “You should live unitedly, do not live separated from the association, because if you are separated, you will be attracted by the evil incitement of the devil and will go astray.” (Abu Dawud)
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The believers are like a wall to the other believers, one part of which strengthens the other part.” Then he inserted the finger of one hand into the finger of the other hand.’ (Bukhari)
Narrated in another hadith – Rasulullah (SAW) said, “Even if three people are in a desert, it is not permissible not to make one of them amir.” (Ahmad Al Musnad)
Narrated in another hadith, on the authority of Hazrat Ibn Umar (R.A.), Rasulullah (S.A.W.) said, “The person who dies separated from the congregation will die the death of ignorance.” (Muslim)
Narrated by Hazrat Umar Ibn al-Khattab (R.A.), Rasulullah (S.A.W.) said, “Whoever wants to live in the best part of Paradise and be happy, let him hold on to the rope of Allah in unison.” (Tirmidhi)
May Allah Almighty grant the Muslim Ummah to maintain unity and brotherhood, Aameen.
