Main Topic
The concept of unity versus disunity in Islam, clarifying that unity is not always praiseworthy nor is disunity always blameworthy when standing up for Haqq (Truth) against Baatil (Falsehood).
Key Lessons
- Unity is only praiseworthy when it is beneficial for the Deen, whereas disunity is necessary when it serves to uphold truth against falsehood.
- Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA) explained that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) broke the false unity of Makkah by bringing the Haqq of Islam, which even divided families for the sake of truth.
- The Quran is named 'Al-Furqan' (The Criterion/Separator) because it separates truth from falsehood rather than joining falsehood and truth together.
- Compromising religious principles for the sake of superficial unity leads to the erosion of Islamic boundaries and identity.
- Ulama who speak out against forbidden acts (e.g., free mixing, un-Islamic media, religious innovations) are fulfilling their sacred duty, not creating unjust division.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Surah Al-Anfal (8:29): "O you who believe, if you develop Taqwa (Allah-consciousness), He will grant you a Criterion (Furqan) and remove your sins."
- Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9): "And challenge those who transgress until they return to the command of Allah Ta'ala."
- Prophetic Dua: "Allahumma arinal-haqqa haqqan warzuqnat-tiba'ah, wa arinal-batila batilan warzuqnajtinaabah" (O Allah, show us truth as truth and grant us the ability to follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood and grant us the ability to abstain from it).
Practical Advice
- Recognize that Deen is sacred and cannot be altered or watered down for public appeal or compromise.
- Support scholars who uphold the truth rather than blaming both parties in a religious dispute.
- If a layperson lacks the requisite Islamic knowledge to judge a matter, it is best to remain silent rather than accuse scholars of creating disunity.
- Recite the Sunnah dua regularly asking Allah Ta'ala for discernment between truth and falsehood.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb