The Enemy is One... and the Targets are Brothers

 Allah the Almighty says: {We will strengthen your arm through your brother} [Al-Qasas 28:35], and {And support me through him} [Taha 20:31].

On the authority of Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "The believer to the believer is like a solid building, each part supporting the other," and he interlaced his fingers. (Agreed upon).

On the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet (pbuh) said: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Agreed upon).

Our enemies divide roles among us, and the Arabs and Muslims have no choice in the face of this except one: adhering to Islam as a creed, legislation, code of conduct, and way of life. In it lies the guarantee of legitimate freedoms, the aspired security, and peace. Its fundamentals include unity, justice, virtues, power, strength, dignity, affection, and cooperation. The Arabs must rise to their responsibility as a nation chosen to carry the message of Islam and peace to all people. They must not leave a vacuum for the bearers of false slogans and terrorists who have no connection to Islam: {And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you are going to be questioned.} [Az-Zukhruf 43:44].

The matter is serious, not a joke. The nation is called upon to strive (strive in the way of Allah), exert effort, and combat extravagance and corruption. It is summoned to broad, comprehensive awareness to discern the truths of matters and recognize itself, connected through channels of trust, cooperation, affection, mutual bonding, and sincere advice at the level of peoples, groups, and governments. This is so it may become a single Arab nation whose message is Islam, whose framework is affection, whose starting point is cooperation, and whose goal is peace, shining with its light once more upon the world: {And that is not difficult for Allah} [Ibrahim 14:20]. {You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.} [Ali 'Imran 3:110].

The nation must avoid conflict, for it leads to the loss of strength and momentum, particularly conflicts between authorities and the opposition in all its forms. It is here that the foreigner penetrates to widen the rift, cause division, spew poisons, and execute objectives. Everyone must reject this and foil the opportunity for the foreigner; otherwise, they will become easy morsels for him to swallow effortlessly. Beware, beware of side issues, and let everyone resolve problems through understanding, stripped of personal motives, placing the general interest of the nation above all else: {And do not dispute and thus lose courage and [then] your strength would depart} [Al-Anfal 8:46].

I see that the Arab and Islamic nation, after prolonged suffering and struggle, has found itself under treatment, progressing upward toward virtues, embracing the causes of revival and recovery. Consequently, the enemies pounced on it once again to abort every movement of goodness for Arabs and Muslims, and to execute the second part of the horrific Zionist plot: creating security for the Jewish state in Palestine. Thus, they set fires of war ablaze in our Arab and Islamic region.

The result—praise and gratitude be to Allah—came contrary to what they desired; dazzling victories are achieved everywhere for Arabs and Muslims. The enemy is one, and the targets are brothers. Before long, the joy of final victory will be realized, by the permission of Allah the Almighty, for the Arabs and Muslims over their oppressive enemies.

{And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.} [Al-Ankabut 29:69].

Published in Issue No. 880 of Al-Mujtama Magazine, Tuesday, August 30, 1988