Make peace with your brothers (DW# 910)
Apr 16, 2021
We are exploring verses from Chapter 49 of the Holy Quran, Sura Hujarat which emphasize social relationships.
In verse 10, the Quran says: The believers are indeed brethren, therefore make peace between your brethren.
Scholars explain that this is among the most important verses in the Quran for understanding the structure of the Muslim community (ummah), regarding its’ unity. The Holy Prophet (saw) is reported to have said: "The believers are like a single structure, each part supporting the other."
In Islamic spirituality, the bond between believers is more than that of companions or friends. It is a spiritual kinship which transcends race and ethnicity. It rises above cultural differences and geographical locations.
Of course, we might have differences between ourselves and the bond of belief demands that we do not turn these differences into conflict, and that we coexist peacefully and also facilitate peace amongst those who are in conflict. It suggests that like a family thrives when family members do not hold grudges or harbour resentment, similarly the Muslim Ummah will thrive when we follow the command of treating believers as brothers/sisters in faith.
The goal of the Muslim community is the same: to perfect ourselves and journey towards His pleasure. Harmony between fellow believers makes this journey so much sweeter. It fosters companionship and alleviates loneliness. The sense of community and oneness with other believers who share Monotheistic values can be a powerful support in life.
Some prophetic narrations that emphasise this bond:
- A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not oppress him, does not humiliate him, and does not leave him to face hardships alone. Holy Prophet (saw)
- The similitude of two believers is like two hands, one washes the other. Holy Prophet (saw)
- Believers are brothers. Like one body, when one part hurts the whole body is in pain. And their souls are from one soul. Imam Ja‘far al-Sādiq (as)
Let this verse remind us that we are connected by faith to believers across the globe. Let us allow ourselves to feel their pain and let us wish for them what we wish for ourselves. Let us actively work towards managing differences and promoting understanding so that we can live in peaceful brotherhood/sisterhood.
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