The Concept Of The Ummah In Islam

1. The Concept Of The Ummah In Islam There is a famous Hadeeth concerning the unity of the Muslims, in which the community of the believers is compared to the human body. The Prophet (PBUH) pointed out that any issue affecting a part of the body transforms it as a whole. If one is suffering a fever, his entire body will experience aches, fatigue, and weakness. This analogy emphasizes how Muslims should always be together in every state. One’s joy is another’s joy, and one’s sorrow is another’s sorrow. It is unbecoming of a Muslim to disregard the state of his fellow Muslims. Indeed, if a Muslim is oppressed or wronged, one should not turn a blind eye and undermine his predicament. Conversely, one must appreciate another’s success and share his joy, rather than harboring jealousy and resentment. Hence, it is of importance for every member of the Ummah to be unselfish and caring. Unity is a core component of the Muslim nation. “The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever” (Sahih Muslim). Prophet Muhammad said to his companions, “Does it please you that you will be one-fourth of the people of Paradise?” They answered, “God is Great.” He added, “Does it please you that you will be one- third of the people of Paradise.” They answered, “God is Great!” He said, “I hope that you will be half of the people of Paradise” (Bukhari and Muslim). The Prophet PBUH was also known to cry “My Ummah, my Ummah” in his duas (Saheeh Muslim). This indicated how strongly he cared about the state of the believers, especially concerning the Afterlife.

2. The significance of the Ummah All believers are included in the Ummah, according to Islamic belief. One of the primary facts about the Ummah is that we are united purely by our faith in Tawheed (Allah’s oneness). It is what distinguishes between those within our nation and those who disbelieve. Our physical distance and variation in appearance from fellow Muslims are of no relevance. Observing unity as an Ummah is key to the overall strength and well being of the Muslims. As long as believers are all on the same page, they remain a force to be reckoned with. If the massive community of well over a billion believers is unified, any threats facing Islam can be nullified. If we fail to support fellow Muslims, abandoning our brothers and sisters in Islam, we are severely weakened. It is due to this vulnerability and division that the disbelievers can get the upper hand. As Muslims, we cannot ignore the suffering of our co-religionists, or oppose them, for the sake of worldly gain. “And verily, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord and Cherisher, therefore fear Me and no other.” (Quran 23:52) Characteristics of the Ummah Islam personifies monotheism in its purest form. Believers on the right path follow the Quran and Sunnah, and the way of the pious predecessors, without deviating. These are the people who comprise the Ummah. “A group of people amongst my followers will remain obedient to Allah’s orders, and they will not be harmed by anyone who will not help them or who will oppose them, till Allah’s Order (the Last Day) comes upon them while they are still on the right path” (Sahih Al-Bukhari). “And, moreover, this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous” (Quran, 6:153). A striking characteristic of the Ummah the basis of nationalism, ethnicity, or even support of a football club. The Ummah stands out from other communities, by virtue of its noble cause for uniting people. It is a testament to the supremely inclusive, unprejudiced nature of Islam. is its unparalleled diversity. People in the modern era unite on

3. Everyone in the Ummah is equal, except by piety The unification of Muslims is especially evident during Hajj. Muslims from all walks of life, undivided by race, status, and nationality, circumambulate (Tawaf) Al-Kabah, dressed in identical clothing. There is no differentiation between these pilgrims. All are united by a common goal, which is the quest to attain Allah’s pleasure through their performance of a religious obligation. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “O people, verily your Lord is One and your father is one. Verily there is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab or of a non-Arab over an Arab, or of a red man over a black man, or of a black man over a red man, except in terms of taqwa. Have I conveyed the message?” (Musnad Ahmed). “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” (Quran, 49:13). conclusion there is no place for racism in Islam, and nobody can be considered superior based on race. Furthermore, there is no discrimination based on gender. Meanwhile, the rich and the poor stand shoulder to shoulder in prayer, without any privilege granted to the wealthy. Indeed, we’re all equal, according to Allah, and one is only superior to another by virtue of piety. As an Ummah, it is our responsibility to incorporate Islam’s pristine values into our lives.