1-
There is no denying that Muslim nations are currently disunited. However, this
is a stage in the history of Muslim nations and this stage, which
all nations have experienced in the course of their history, is not permanent
by any means. The nations of Europe have been able to overcome the factors that
led to the contention and disunity of Europe
which resulted in two world wars during this century.
The Muslim nations will similarly be able to overcome their problems and differences and create a system of fruitful cooperation for the welfare of all Muslim communities. Many continuous attempts have been made and are still being made in this respect, although their effectiveness is limited, such as in the Islamic conference Organization which includes all Muslim states. Nevertheless it is possible to promote the performance of this and other Islamic organizations in order to achieve an advanced stage in the cooperation of the various Islamic states. Islamic principles and teachings concerning unity, cooperation, affinity and solidarity are the greatest guarantee of the success of all these endeavours in the future.
The Muslim nations will similarly be able to overcome their problems and differences and create a system of fruitful cooperation for the welfare of all Muslim communities. Many continuous attempts have been made and are still being made in this respect, although their effectiveness is limited, such as in the Islamic conference Organization which includes all Muslim states. Nevertheless it is possible to promote the performance of this and other Islamic organizations in order to achieve an advanced stage in the cooperation of the various Islamic states. Islamic principles and teachings concerning unity, cooperation, affinity and solidarity are the greatest guarantee of the success of all these endeavours in the future.
2-
The main sources of Islam, namely the Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet,
call for unity, cooperation, compassion and sympathy for others and warn us against
disunity and disputes. This is clearly expressed in the following Quranic
verses:” And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which God (stretches out for
you) and be not divided among yourselves.”(3/103) Also: “And obey God and His
Apostle; and fall into no disputes lest you lose heart and your power
depart.”(8/46)
Islam
calls for sympathy for others and alleviating the pain of others and compares a
nation to a human body, and the prophet Muhammad said that one part of the body
suffered any pain or illness, the rest of the body would respond in sympathy by
falling into a fever and being unable to sleep. Islam considers all Muslims to
be brothers:“ The Believers are but a single Brotherhood .” (49/10).When the
prophet emigrated from Mecca
to Al Madina, he joined the Emigrants and the inhabitants of Al Madina, Al
Ansaar into one brotherhood and they became sincere affectionate brothers who
shared their hopes and their sorrows as they listened together to the verses of
the Quran. The verses of the Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet present us
with innumerable examples of their cooperation, affection and unity.
3- Many external factors, outside the boundaries of the contemporary Muslim
nations have led to dispute and disunity between them. These factors originated
during the era when the Muslim nations were dominated by the colonization
enforced by the western world. Even after the occupation by these countries
came to an end, numerous problems arose such as the problems of the borders
between the various states. The policy adopted by the foreign power was based
on the principle of “Disunite and dominate" and this created ethnic
factions among the natives of the colonies .Furthermore, the foreign ruler
exploited the country which led to its poverty and backwardness, the results of
which still exist. In fact most of the Islamic nations, that were once
colonies, are still suffering from the aftermath of colonization and foreign
rule and the problems that have their roots firmly planted in the earth.
4- Muslims in the countries that had been colonized concentrated upon the
problems created by foreign rule and neglected to follow the principles of
Islam which advocate unity and cooperation. Nevertheless Islamic nations still
yearn to unite their efforts to achieve the welfare of all Islamic nations. Any
Muslim in any Islamic state feels for and sympathizes with any other Muslim who
is exposed to any form of injustice or suffering wherever he may be for he is
part of the large Islamic nation. This will lead to the establishing of a
solid foundation which will encourage attempts to reinstate unity, coordination
and cooperation between the Islamic states . United efforts in the field of
culture, economy, politics and security and the exchange of expertise and of
all that benefits the Muslim world may help these nations to be more efficient
and effective in playing a positive and constructive role in establishing the
principles of peace and security all over the world.