By Abdullahi Isah Wasagu
Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the guidance of his esteemed honour Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky has over the weekend wrapped up a 5-day unity week convention held in the city of Abuja, Federal Capital territory.
As it had been widely known that, Unity Week programs been organized by mostly followers of Ahlul Bayt across the globe was initiated by Late Ruhullah Imam Khomeini(Q.S) couple of years after the successfulness of Islamic revolution in Iran. It is taking place in the glorious month of Rabi’ul Auwal from 12th – 17th of the Month following the differences in the chain of transmitters of the birth date of the Holy Prophet(S).
As a legacy left by Late Imam Khomeini, it was emulated by leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky to curb the existing misunderstanding and to strengthen the mutual relations among Muslims in our immediate environment.
Muslim Unity (Ittihad) is a term that refers to establishing good and peaceful relations among the various Islamic denominations. The primary objective of Muslim Unity or Islamic Unity is to unite all Muslims around the world. Although some divisions such as Sunni/Shia exist among Muslims, according to the proponents of Muslim Unity, these divisions are negligible and Muslims from different countries should forge closer ties with each other. With all the differences, Muslims were united and very faithful to their religion.
It is worth significance for one to know that, Muslims were the superpower of the world. Muslims were the leaders in setting up the standards for the rest of the world.
It’s become cliche to say that, Muslims have reduced the religion Islam to rituals and forgotten other important tenets. While it is crucial to practice the main pillars of Islam, for instance, we cannot ignore other basic aspects of the faith that emphasized brotherhood.
LEARN TOLERANCE TOWARDS OTHER POINTS OF VIEW :
Isn’t it interesting that, we can attend classes at college or speak with colleagues from work and discuss issues while being willing to disagree with them? But the minute some of us step into a mosque or Muslim community function, all that tolerance seems to go out the window.
Islam is very broad and wide, contrary to popular belief, and you can find a range of scholarly views on many different issues as diverse. If our scholars from the past and present have shown such tolerance towards differing views on various issues, who are we, the average Muslim, who do not have that level of knowledge, to express intolerance for another point of view? The difference of opinion, which Messenger of Allah, Mohammed (SAWW) called "Ikhtilafu Ummati Rahmah" meaning "The intellectual difference of opinion in my Ummah is a blessing."
LEARN TO CRITICISE WITHOUT HURTING :
The way some Muslims criticize each other, you’d think they were talking to an Islam-basher instead of a fellow brother or sister. This type of ignorant behavior is a sure way to create anger, hurt and dissension. We must learn the Adab (etiquette) of criticism, whether it is towards individual Muslims or our leaders. Knowing and implementing this will not only help solve problems in a practical manner, but it will also lead to a greater sense of brotherhood and sisterhood in our various community.
If you feel that your criticism of someone in the past was rude or hurtful, please go back and apologize to them. Before you do that, pray for that brother or sister, since Messenger of Allah, Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has said that Dua increases love between people.
To be continued:
By Abdullahi Isah Wasagu
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