Tawhid (monotheism) and unity are fundamental principles in our noble religion. This Ummah is united by one religion that calls to the oneness of Allah, dedicating worship solely to Him. Allah the Almighty says, “Indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.” (Al-Anbiya: 92)
To solidify this concept of a single Ummah, there must be a distinguished relationship that preserves the entity of this Ummah, contributes to its unity, and supports its bonds. The result will be a compassionate, cohesive Islamic society whose members cooperate in righteousness and piety.
This relationship transcends interests, surpasses ethnicity, and is broader than geography.
It is the bond of faith that unites the Ummah, regardless of their races and regions, making them, as Allah desires, the best nation brought forth for mankind. Allah says, “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.” (Al-Imran: 110)
To examine the foundations of this relationship and understand its manifestations, we delve deeply into this noble ayah. Allah the Almighty says, “The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” (Al-Hujurat: 10)
Islam has created a new concept and a term of utmost elegance and beauty to express the profound and significant bond among the members of this Ummah: the term “faith brotherhood.” It chose the word “brotherhood” with all its connotations of closeness, harmony, and support, and connected this brotherhood with faith, which is the core unifying element of this believing society.
In this ayah, the Quran uses the method of exclusivity to emphasize the depth, extension, and breadth of this brotherhood. This expression has profound and renewed meanings, confirming the sacredness of this relationship due to its connection with faith and its continuous link to the divine messages. It is a relationship for Allah, by Allah, and to Allah, like a lofty palm tree that yields its fruits at all times by the permission of its Lord. We see its fruits in the form of affection and harmony, kindness and cooperation, support and backing.
Among the most prominent manifestations of this brotherhood, is highlighted in the phrase of this ayah, “so make settlement between your brothers.” Undoubtedly, there is a specific reason for the revelation of this ayah, which can be found in the books of Quranic tafsir. However, the abundant meanings of this ayah transcend time and place, expanding from theory to practice, from awareness to action, and from words to deeds. This underscores the Muslim's duty towards their fellow Muslims, compelling them to be bridge-builders among believers. They must strive for rectification and reconciliation, close gaps, mend faults, restore relationships, and prevent discord and conspiracies. They must counter waves of ignorant tribalism, guide their brothers back to their senses, remind them not to leave openings for Shaitan, not to heed every deceitful hypocrite, and to respond to the call of the Merciful, which commands them to hold firmly to His strong rope and clear light.
The end of the ayah calls upon believers to adhere to a great command: piety. Allah says, “And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” This piety, whose meaning springs from obedience to Allah the Almighty and is realized by following His commands and avoiding His prohibitions, reflects multiple connotations, the most prominent of which are:
- Dealings are an integral part of our noble religion, and we worship Allah through them. Thus, this brotherly relationship in the shadow of faith is an act of worship and obedience to Allah the Almighty.
- A believer is keen to achieve piety in his dealings with his brothers in response to Allah's command. Therefore, he works to purify this relationship from all that may taint or smear its purity, such as bad morals or deviant behavior.
- The fruit of this faith brotherhood, which manifested piety in behavior and means, is significant and precious. The evidence is in the unique conclusion of the ayah: “that you may receive mercy.” Hence, the assured hope, by Allah's will, is that the reward of this faith-based brotherhood is Allah's mercy, which will envelop the Muslim Ummah in this world and bring happiness to its individuals and groups in the Hereafter.
This noble ayah, which we contemplate, is the central link in Surat Al-Hujurat. This Surah opens with the call to believers: “O you who have believed, do not put [yourselves] before Allah and His Messenger but fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Al-Hujurat: 1) This call urges adherence to Allah's methodology and following His Prophet (peace be upon him). The Surah focuses on ethical and behavioral aspects, and the ayah we discuss, along with other ayahs in the Surah, forms a harmonious picture affirming the integral connection between faith and brotherhood, between religion and morals, and between the strong bond with Allah the Almighty and good dealings with His servants.
For the faith brotherhood to become a lived reality, it must be purified from all that might spoil its tranquility and clarity. Therefore, immediately following the discussion of faith brotherhood, came ayahs that forbid immoral behaviors that can cause a breach in this noble relationship. The ayahs forbid mockery, sarcasm, name-calling, ill thoughts, and backbiting, among other lowly morals that can cause discord and sow strife within the community. Allah the Almighty says, “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. Nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers. O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” (Al-Hujurat: 11-12)
These were reflections inspired by a noble ayah that we sorely need to understand and strive to realize its meanings to reap its wonderful fruits, especially since our Ummah today is going through a difficult period of division, betrayal, plotting, and aggression.
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