Ahl al-Bayt's version for the unity of Muslims; From tolerance to dealing with division

Islamic unity in the Ahl al-Bayt school is not just a slogan; From paying trust and behaving well with other Muslims to mediating to end differences, the traditions of this school provide practical solutions to maintain the unity of the Islamic Ummah. Solutions that are based on four common axes, that is, monotheism, prophethood of the Prophet (PBUH), the Holy Qur'an, and a single Qibla, and consider avoiding insults, militancy, and divisiveness to be necessary for the solidarity of Muslims.

According to the Missionary Thought and Culture Base, the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) consider the unity of Muslims not only as a principle of faith, but also as a practical necessity to maintain the unity of the Islamic Ummah. Sharing in Monotheism, the prophethood of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Holy Qur'an and the single Qibla forms the foundations of this solidarity, and components such as tolerance with opponents, respecting the rights of other Muslims, correcting differences, avoiding arguments and paying attention to the commandments of piety, are considered as ways to protect this unity. Examining the Quranic and narrative teachings shows that the school of Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.), while emphasizing the preservation of religious identity, also emphasizes the necessity of peaceful coexistence and preventing disunity in the Islamic society.

Islamic unity in the eyes of the Qur'an and Ahl al-Bayt (AS)

The unity and cohesion of the Islamic Ummah is one of the basic teachings of the Holy Qur'an and the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them). In the narrative sources of Shia, this issue has a prominent position and on the one hand, it relies on the common belief bases of Muslims, and on the other hand, it calls them to observe the practical requirements of solidarity and avoid divisive behaviors.

Ahl al-Bayt (pbuh) by emphasizing the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), have always emphasized on preserving the religious ties of Muslims and preventing the spread of differences. From this point of view, Islamic unity is not just a moral recommendation, but a social and religious responsibility that manifests itself in individual behavior, relations between religions, and facing differences within the Islamic society.

In this framework, the foundations and components of unity can be examined in two parts: first, the common beliefs that form the foundation of Muslim solidarity and second, the practical solutions that help to maintain this solidarity and reduce the areas of disagreement.

Islamic unity means the solidarity of Muslims based on common beliefs and practices, along with mutual respect and cooperation in common issues. This concept is considered to be one of the main axes of approximation of Islamic religions; By explaining that unity does not mean eliminating religious differences or equating all viewpoints, rather it emphasizes the possibility of coexistence, cooperation and maintaining fraternal bonds alongside religious and jurisprudential differences.

In the view of Shia, the need to preserve the unity of Muslims has a deep connection with the moral teachings of Islam and the orders of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) regarding good behavior towards other Muslims. Based on this, differences in some religious perceptions and views should not lead to breaking social relations, violating the rights of others, or weakening the unity of the Islamic Ummah. (1)

In the statements of the leader of the martyr, Imam Khamenei, Islamic unity has also been considered in two axes: the cooperation of Islamic religions against the enemies of Islam and the effort to bring closer views and increase understanding between religions. (2)

1. monotheism; The most fundamental common point of Muslims

Belief in one God is the main basis of unity in Islam and the common axis of the Muslim belief system. In verse 64 of Surah Al-Imran, the Holy Quran introduces the call to worship the One God and avoid polytheism as a basis for dialogue with the People of the Book:

"Say, O People of the Book, exalted be He, to a word, even between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, nor associate anything with Him..."

According to this verse, the invitation to monotheism can be the starting point of understanding and dialogue between the followers of religions. This sharing is more important among Muslims; Because Shiites and Sunnis share the principle of believing in one God and accepting two testimonies, that is, "There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". This commonality is the basis of their belonging to the Islamic Ummah and the formation of fraternal bonds between them. (3 and 4)

Imam Ali (a.s.) also introduced divine religion as the axis of Muslim brotherhood and said:

"And you are not brothers in the religion of God, and there is no difference between you except the badness of the houses and bad consciences"

It means: you are brothers according to God's religion, and what separates you is the contamination of the insides and wrongness of intentions. (5)

This statement shows that the religious bond of Muslims should prevail over individual differences and obscurities. Therefore, religious differences should not marginalize the common principle of Islamic brotherhood.

2. Prophethood of the Holy Prophet (PBUH); The common axis of the Islamic Ummah

Belief in the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and acceptance of his position as the last prophet of God is one of the most important religious commonalities of Shiites and Sunnis. Muslims consider the Holy Quran to be the divine book of the Prophet (PBUH) and emphasize the necessity of paying attention to his teachings. From this point of view, the prophetic tradition can be a common basis for strengthening solidarity and resolving differences.

In the seventh verse of Surah Hashr, the Holy Quran invites Muslims to accept the instructions of the Prophet (PBUH) and avoid what he has forbidden:

"And what the Messenger commanded you, take it, and what I forbade you, so beware and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is severe in punishment."

Also, in verse 59 of Surah Nisa, the way to deal with differences is to return to God and the Prophet (PBUH):

"So if you dispute about something, let it be to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day, that is good and best." Taweela"

Based on this, referring to religious sources and paying attention to the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) is one of the important ways to manage disputes and prevent them from turning into corrosive conflicts. (6 and 7)

In the first sermon of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.) describes the state of the society before the mission with disunity, tribal grudges and differences, and considers the mission of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) to be a factor in changing this situation and creating a bond between people. (8)

3. Holy Quran; The common axis of guidance and solidarity

The Holy Quran has a pivotal position among Muslims and is considered their most important common source in the field of Islamic beliefs and legislation. Shias and Sunnis consider the Qur'an as the word of God and the holy book of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and refer to it in their religious arguments. This common position provides an important capacity for dialogue and strengthening Islamic unity.

In verse 103 of Surah Al-Imran, the Holy Qur'an calls upon Muslims to hold on to the divine thread and avoid scattering:

"And hold fast to the rope of God, and do not separate, and remember the favor of God upon you, when you were enemies, and there was a thousand between them. Your hearts are blessed with brotherhood..."

This verse introduces unity and empathy as a divine blessing and reminds Muslims that common religious ties can transform enmity and ambivalence into brotherhood. In some hadiths, "Hablullah" has been interpreted as the Holy Qur'an. (9 and 10)

From this point of view, adherence to the Qur'an does not only mean quoting the verses verbatim, but also includes paying attention to its moral and social messages, especially the call for solidarity, justice and avoiding division.

4. Single Qibla; A practical symbol of Muslim unity

The Kaaba and the single Qibla of Muslims are one of the obvious manifestations of Islamic unity. Muslims all over the world face the same Qiblah during prayer and circumambulate the House of God during the Hajj ceremony. This devotional sharing, regardless of religious differences, is a symbol of belonging to a community and having a common direction in worship.

Imam Ali (a.s.) describes the position of the Kaaba and says:

"Glorified and Exalted be He for Islam."

It means that Almighty God has made the Kaaba the sign and flag of Islam. (11)

In addition to the single Qiblah, congregational prayers, Friday prayers, Eid prayers and Hajj ceremonies also provide opportunities to strengthen social relations, increase mutual understanding and strengthen the solidarity of Muslims. Hajj, especially by bringing together Muslims from different lands, expands the field of communication and empathy between them.

Regarding the philosophy of Hajj, Imam Ali (a.s.) emphasizes on strengthening religion. (12) Therefore, the single Qiblah and common worship rituals can be considered as one of the most important practical manifestations of Islamic unity; Effects that have the capacity to strengthen brotherhood and unity of the nation. (13)

Narrative solutions to preserve Islamic unity

Along with the fundamentals of belief, the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbuh) emphasize a set of behaviors and practical methods that can prevent the escalation of differences and improve relations between Muslims. Obeying taqiyyah in prescribed conditions, tolerance with opponents, good association with other Muslims, correcting differences and avoiding arguments and divisions are among the most important of these components.