Differences of Opinion and Social Unity
Differences of opinion among scholars, if they are held with a pure intention of seeking the truth, will not lead to long-lasting divisions. However, when personal preferences, selfish desires, and self-serving motives prevail, they create divisions within society.
The Companions (Sahabah) who grew up in the Prophet’s company held differences of opinion. Among the Successors (Tabi’een) and the Imams who came later, differences of opinion also existed. But their hearts were found to be pure. They found justification in one another’s opinions. They were accommodating.
Breadth of knowledge cultivates tolerance; goodwill produces patience; true faith (Iman) protects the unity of the Ummah. Therefore, we must avoid views and approaches that lead to division.
Allah says: “Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects — you are not with them in anything. Their affair is only with Allah; then He will inform them about what they used to do.”
(Al-An’am: 159)
Therefore, we must focus on purifying our intention, seeking the truth, approaching differences of opinion with dignity, and protecting the unity of the Muslim community.
The Muslim Community is Like a Building
Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “A believer to another believer is like a building, one part of which strengthens the other.” Saying this, the Prophet (PBUH) interlaced his fingers together.
(Source: Bukhari)
It is natural for many schools of thought to emerge in understanding Islam. This is history itself. Scholars viewed this as a mercy. This is the broad nature of Islam.
Therefore, Iman (faith) must be the bridge that connects us. The suffering of a fellow believer with a different perspective should cause us pain as well. Their well-being should bring us joy.
Sadaqa
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seven (people) will be shaded by Allah by His Shade on the Day of Resurrection when there will be no shade except His Shade.” And of them will be “a man who gives in charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.”
