Tuesday

Sensing Muslim Unity

The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Fast when they fast, and break your fast when they break their fast, and sacrifice the day they sacrifice." 

Imaam at-Tirmidhee rahimahullah said: "Some of the People of Knowledge explained this hadeeth by saying: Its meaning is to fast and break the fast along with the jamaa`ah and the majority of people."

Thus, in this blessed month we can sense an increased feeling of unity and of being a single Ummah due to our fasting and breaking our fast collectively. We also feel an increased awareness about the state of affairs of the Muslims and of the hardships that they endure, because: "During the fast, a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers and sisters feel, who are forced to go without food and drink for many many days. Indeed, the unity of the Muslims and their aiding and assisting one another, is one of the great fundamentals upon which the Religion of Islaam is built, as Allaah the Most High said: "And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided." [Soorah Aal `Imraan 3:103]. Allaah – the Most High – also said: "The Believers – men and women – and friends and protectors of one another." [Soorah al-Tawbah 9:44]

Islaam lays great importance in bringing hearts together and encouraging ijtima` (collectiveness). This is not only reflected in the month of Ramadaan, but also in the other acts of worship as well.Thus, Ramadaan is a time to increase our sense of unity and brotherhood, and our commitment to Allah and His Religion.

Lesson learnt: We must examine ourselves during the Ramadaan and ask: What is my role – and each of us has a role – in helping this precious Ummah to regain its honour, and return to the Ummah its comprehensive unity and strength, and victory that has been promised to it? Likewise, we should reflect upon our character and actions and ask: Are they aiding the process of unity and brotherhood, or are they a harm and a hindrance to it?

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