بسم
الله الرحمن الرحيم
الحمد لله رب العالمين الرحمن الرحيم، ملك يوم الدين. إياك نعبد و إياك نستعين. اهدنا الصراط المستقيم، صراط الذين أنعمت عليهم غير المغضوب عليهم ولا الضالين
All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the 'Âlamîn (all that exists). The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help. Guide us to the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray.
(Al-Qur'an 1:1-7)
We have many differences, most of which we ignore, but there are few which are deep enough to cause division. These are things significant to at least one of the differing groups. What color one wears, for example, may not cause division, however if one were to differ over what traffic light colors mean, then sure it will cause division as it is significant to other party.
Consider parable of a novice trader of gold who bought from different suppliers but soon realized that some of them were selling different metals coated with gold. Committed to quality that he was, he decided not to buy from them. As time passed by he began to take note of subtle differences in the shades and volume over weight of gold from other suppliers. He wondered if all of them were really gold? Or if any of them was gold? He asked each supplier if their gold was pure, and response was of course in the affirmative. He asked fellow traders about the situation, and got various responses which could be summed up into two - "all are gold" and "not all are gold". The trader, like before, had good reasons to believe that not all were gold, but this time it was much more difficult to identify pure gold from the adulterated ones. It was to take much effort on his part and learning, before he could ascertain purity of gold and identify impure gold. When he did succeed in his efforts, he tried sharing this knowledge with fellow traders so that they may benefit from it and warned against the deceptive suppliers. But contrary to his expectations, he was rebuked, labeled dissenter and fool, who was obsessed with purity of gold. Those who sold fake gold threw arguments and cast doubts to discredit him, deceive the ignorant and save their face. When the argument escalated, some said "we will only buy from where our fathers bought", others perplexed with situation said "we will not buy any gold". In the midst of confusion a group called out - "all of it is gold, don't create division, let's be united". This was the sweetest words for those who were looking for a way out of the debate rather than finding truth. The few who knew worth of pure gold, listened carefully to each side of the argument and persisted in their struggle to find the truth.
Similar to this is the differences that we have about our Creator, next life and our objectives in this life. Some follow only that which their forefathers have been following and are not interested in anything beyond it. And there are those who, vexed with differing opinions, gave up on finding truth and turned away from their Creator. Then there are those who turned a blind eye to the situation, claiming that all beliefs are correct and are different paths to the same goal. Same is true in the case of differing sects that appear within the religion. "All are correct" - however sweet that may sound, the bitter reality is that it is a blatant lie, apparent to any onlooker. People who claim this are perhaps most ignorant or least interested in finding the truth. On the other end of spectrum are those for whom the subject is of utmost importance, and that their success in this life and next depends on it.
Allah discusses the division that occurs in mankind in many passages and gives key insights to one looking for safety from this trial. Two of them are below and some benefits drawn from it are mentioned after it.
كان الناس أمة واحدة فبعث الله النبين مبشرين و منذرين و أنزل معهم الكتاب ليحكم بين الناس في ما اختلفوا فيه. وما اختلف فيه إلا الذين أُوتواه من بعد ما جاءتهم البينات بغيا بينهم، فهدى الله الذين آمنوا لما اخلفوا فيه من الحق بإذنه. والله يهدي من يشاء إلى صرات مستقيم. أم حسبتم أن تدخلوا الجنة ولما يأتكم مثل الذين خلوا من قبلكم؟
We have many differences, most of which we ignore, but there are few which are deep enough to cause division. These are things significant to at least one of the differing groups. What color one wears, for example, may not cause division, however if one were to differ over what traffic light colors mean, then sure it will cause division as it is significant to other party.
Consider parable of a novice trader of gold who bought from different suppliers but soon realized that some of them were selling different metals coated with gold. Committed to quality that he was, he decided not to buy from them. As time passed by he began to take note of subtle differences in the shades and volume over weight of gold from other suppliers. He wondered if all of them were really gold? Or if any of them was gold? He asked each supplier if their gold was pure, and response was of course in the affirmative. He asked fellow traders about the situation, and got various responses which could be summed up into two - "all are gold" and "not all are gold". The trader, like before, had good reasons to believe that not all were gold, but this time it was much more difficult to identify pure gold from the adulterated ones. It was to take much effort on his part and learning, before he could ascertain purity of gold and identify impure gold. When he did succeed in his efforts, he tried sharing this knowledge with fellow traders so that they may benefit from it and warned against the deceptive suppliers. But contrary to his expectations, he was rebuked, labeled dissenter and fool, who was obsessed with purity of gold. Those who sold fake gold threw arguments and cast doubts to discredit him, deceive the ignorant and save their face. When the argument escalated, some said "we will only buy from where our fathers bought", others perplexed with situation said "we will not buy any gold". In the midst of confusion a group called out - "all of it is gold, don't create division, let's be united". This was the sweetest words for those who were looking for a way out of the debate rather than finding truth. The few who knew worth of pure gold, listened carefully to each side of the argument and persisted in their struggle to find the truth.
Similar to this is the differences that we have about our Creator, next life and our objectives in this life. Some follow only that which their forefathers have been following and are not interested in anything beyond it. And there are those who, vexed with differing opinions, gave up on finding truth and turned away from their Creator. Then there are those who turned a blind eye to the situation, claiming that all beliefs are correct and are different paths to the same goal. Same is true in the case of differing sects that appear within the religion. "All are correct" - however sweet that may sound, the bitter reality is that it is a blatant lie, apparent to any onlooker. People who claim this are perhaps most ignorant or least interested in finding the truth. On the other end of spectrum are those for whom the subject is of utmost importance, and that their success in this life and next depends on it.
Allah discusses the division that occurs in mankind in many passages and gives key insights to one looking for safety from this trial. Two of them are below and some benefits drawn from it are mentioned after it.
كان الناس أمة واحدة فبعث الله النبين مبشرين و منذرين و أنزل معهم الكتاب ليحكم بين الناس في ما اختلفوا فيه. وما اختلف فيه إلا الذين أُوتواه من بعد ما جاءتهم البينات بغيا بينهم، فهدى الله الذين آمنوا لما اخلفوا فيه من الحق بإذنه. والله يهدي من يشاء إلى صرات مستقيم. أم حسبتم أن تدخلوا الجنة ولما يأتكم مثل الذين خلوا من قبلكم؟
Mankind was one nation; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and as warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over the Scripture except those who were given it - after the clear proofs came to them - out of jealous animosity among themselves(1). And Allah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they had differed, by His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path(9)(10). Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you?(2)
(Al-Qur'an 2:213)
تلك الرسل فضلنا بعضهم على بعض، منهم من كلم الله و رفع بعضهم درجات و آتينا عيسى ابن مريم البينات وأيدناه بروح القدس. و لو شاء الله ما اقتتل الذين من بعدهم من بعد ما جاءتهم البينات ولكن اختلفوا فمنهم من آمن ومنهم من كفر! ولو شاء الله ما اقتتلوا ولكنّ الله يفعل ما يريد. يا أيها الذين آمنوا أنفقوا مما رزقناكم من قبل أن يأتي يوم لا بيع فيه ولا خلة ولا شفاعة. والكافرون هم الظالمون. الله لآ إله إلا هوا الحي القيوم، لا تأخذه سنة ولا نوم له ما في السموات و ما في الأرض. من ذا الذي يشفع عنده إلا بإذنه. يعلم ما بين أيديهم وما خلفهم ولا يحيطون بشيء من علمه إلا بما شاء. وسع كرسيه السموات والأرض ولا يئوده حفظهما وهو العلي العظيم. لا إكراه في الدين قد تبين الرشد من الغي. فمن يكفر بالطاغوت و يُأمن بالله فقد استمسك بالعروة الوثقى لا انفصام لها والله سميع عليم. الله ولي الذين آمنوا يخرجهم من الظلمات إلى النور والذين كفروا أولياءهم الطاغوت يخرجونهم من النور إلى الظلمات. أولئك أصحاب النار هم فيها خالدون.
تلك الرسل فضلنا بعضهم على بعض، منهم من كلم الله و رفع بعضهم درجات و آتينا عيسى ابن مريم البينات وأيدناه بروح القدس. و لو شاء الله ما اقتتل الذين من بعدهم من بعد ما جاءتهم البينات ولكن اختلفوا فمنهم من آمن ومنهم من كفر! ولو شاء الله ما اقتتلوا ولكنّ الله يفعل ما يريد. يا أيها الذين آمنوا أنفقوا مما رزقناكم من قبل أن يأتي يوم لا بيع فيه ولا خلة ولا شفاعة. والكافرون هم الظالمون. الله لآ إله إلا هوا الحي القيوم، لا تأخذه سنة ولا نوم له ما في السموات و ما في الأرض. من ذا الذي يشفع عنده إلا بإذنه. يعلم ما بين أيديهم وما خلفهم ولا يحيطون بشيء من علمه إلا بما شاء. وسع كرسيه السموات والأرض ولا يئوده حفظهما وهو العلي العظيم. لا إكراه في الدين قد تبين الرشد من الغي. فمن يكفر بالطاغوت و يُأمن بالله فقد استمسك بالعروة الوثقى لا انفصام لها والله سميع عليم. الله ولي الذين آمنوا يخرجهم من الظلمات إلى النور والذين كفروا أولياءهم الطاغوت يخرجونهم من النور إلى الظلمات. أولئك أصحاب النار هم فيها خالدون.
Those messengers - some of them We have favored above others. Among them were those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave Jesus, the Son of Mary, clear proofs, and We supported him with the Pure Spirit (Angel Gabriel). If Allah had willed, those [generations] succeeding them would not have fought each other after the clear proofs had come to them. But they differed, and some of them believed and some of them disbelieved(1). And if Allah had willed, they would not have fought each other, but Allah does what He intends(3). O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession(4). And the disbelievers - they are the wrongdoers(5). Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great(6). There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong(7). So whoever disbelieves in Taghut (false deities and callers to falsehood) and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it(8). And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness-es(2) into the light(10). And those who disbelieve - their allies are Taghut. They take them out of the light into darkness-es(9). Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.
(Al-Qur'an 2:253-257)
The numbers marked in above passages, indicate where below benefits can be derived from.
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ إِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلاَ يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ وَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ
O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, pardon me among those You have pardoned, turn to me in friendship among those on whom You have turned in friendship, and bless me in what You have bestowed, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For verily You decree and none can influence You; and he is not humiliated whom You have befriended. Blessed are You, O Lord, and Exalted*. (Sunan An-Nasaa'i 1745)
The numbers marked in above passages, indicate where below benefits can be derived from.
- Acknowledge that the problem does exist, while some may be genuine differences, others are not. Some people like to feign ignorance of the problem, and when one do not acknowledge it one do not work to resolve it.
- There has been division in the past and it will continue in the future.
- Allah has allowed division to occur and made it a trial for believers. Had Allah willed He could force all mankind into unison just like rest of the creation.
- Worry about yourselves first, stay focused on the last day and work towards it. One cannot make all the differences go away, but what one can do is to find out truth and follow it, working towards the ultimate goal and then help others who are interested. As Allah told the Prophet (ﷺ):
فذكر إنما أنت مذكر لست عليهم بمصيطر
So remind, for you are only a reminder and not a controller over them. (Al-Qur'an 88:21,22) - Disbelievers are cause of division, who desire only life of this world and are content with it.
فأعرض عمن تولى عن ذكرنا ولم يُرد إلا الحياة الدنيا. ذلك مبلغهم من العلم. إن ربك هوا أعلم بمن ضل عن سبيله وهو أعلم بمن اهتدى.
Therefore withdraw from him who turns away from Our Reminder (this Qur'an) and desires nothing but the life of this world. That is what they could reach of knowledge. Verily, your Lord it is He Who knows best him who goes astray from His Path, and He knows best him who receives guidance.
(Al-Qur'an 53:28,29) - Know for sure, that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is the living unlike the dead whom people invoke and He did not relegate His dominion to anyone; He is not tired nor does He sleep. None shares in His authority, nor can anyone dare to intercede for you without His explicit permission, as many erroneously imagine. Those who invoke pious dead, prophets, angels and other creation beside Him are surely in plain error.
- Allah did not force you but has made the truth is clear from falsehood.
- One who leaves worshiping false deities, abandons callers to falsehood, believes in Allah and worships Him alone then he has held a strong handhold which does not break. With this starts the journey on a straight path.
- Allah is friend of believers guiding them away from darkness-es into light; while those averted to truth will find callers of falsehood and devils as their friends, guiding towards darkness and hell-fire.
- Those who believe in Allah, worship Him alone and do good seeking nearness to Him, He will help them out of this confusion with His permission. Surely, He alone guides to truth, the Al-hearer, the Respond-er to invocations.
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ إِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلاَ يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ وَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ
O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, pardon me among those You have pardoned, turn to me in friendship among those on whom You have turned in friendship, and bless me in what You have bestowed, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For verily You decree and none can influence You; and he is not humiliated whom You have befriended. Blessed are You, O Lord, and Exalted*. (Sunan An-Nasaa'i 1745)
* Taught by Prophet (ﷺ)
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