The Concept Of The Ummah In Islam
There is a famous Hadeeth concerning the unity of the Muslims, in which the community of the believers is compared to the human body. The Prophet (PBUH) pointed out that any issue affecting a part of the body transforms it as a whole. If one is suffering a fever, his entire body will experience aches, fatigue, and weakness. This analogy emphasizes how Muslims should always be together in every state. Oneu2019s joy is anotheru2019s joy, and oneu2019s sorrow is anotheru2019s sorrow. It is unbecoming of a Muslim to disregard the state of his fellow Muslims. Indeed, if a Muslim is oppressed or wronged, one should not turn a blind eye and undermine his predicament. Conversely, one must appreciate anotheru2019s success and share his joy, rather than harboring jealousy and resentment. Hence, it is of importance for every member of the Ummah to be unselfish and caring. Unity is a core component of the Muslim nation. u201cThe similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and feveru201d (Sahih Muslim). Prophet Muhammad said to his companions, u201cDoes it please you that you will be one-fourth of the people of Paradise?u201d They answered, u201cGod is Great.u201d He added, u201cDoes it please you that you will be one-third of the people of Paradise.u201d They answered, u201cGod is Great!u201d He said, u201cI hope that you will be half of the people of Paradiseu201d (Bukhari and Muslim). The Prophet PBUH was also known to cry u201cMy Ummah, my Ummahu201d in his duas (Saheeh Muslim). This indicated how strongly he cared about the state of the believers, especially concerning the Afterlife.
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