Muslim unity is one thing that scares some non-Muslims. The concept of a world-wide ummah rallying together is sometimes misrepresented as a global conspiracy of terror. It's not nearly that complicated.
We sometimes call each other brother and sister. We know that if one of us is in trouble, others will come running to help. Even if they don't know this. Our family once had a car accident in another city. The hospital chaplain called the Islamic center, and another family came forward to take care of our basic needs.
Most of us do hope for a khalifah. We've had some in the past, but none recently. The khalifah is a leader and advisor who keeps us together, not a warlord calling out the troops.
Unity is a central tenet of Islam. We are united in prayer, all Muslims facing a common direction and praying in a common language. We are united in our basic belief of the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad. And we are united globally in our observance of Ramadan. Each country, each area, adds its own cultural flavor to the month, but we all fast together for a common cause.
Unity isn't something to be feared. It's something to be desired.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment