Holding Firm to the Rope of God: A Qur’anic Call to Muslim Unity

Introduction

On 8 Jumada al-Thani, we commemorate the passing of Sayyid ‘Abd al-Husayn Sharaf al-Din al-‘Amili, a distinguished scholar whose life was devoted to strengthening unity and understanding among the various schools of thought within Islam. In honour of his legacy and his tireless efforts towards Islamic rapprochement, this week’s “Ayah of the Week” reflects on a powerful Qur’anic command that calls Muslims to unity, solidarity, and shared purpose:

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا

“And hold firmly, all together, to the rope of Allah, and do not be divided.” (Surah Āl ‘Imrān, 3:103)

Educational messages of the ayah for teens and youth

• Let Faith – not Bad Influences – Guide Your Friendships

Your unity and friendships should be based on shared faith and goodness, not on wrongdoing or negative behaviour. Choose to stand close to those whose faith strengthens your own.

Practical Challenge: Look at your circle of friends and identify one person whose faith and character inspire you – spend more time with them this week.

• Prioritise Unity Over Division

Unity strengthens the Muslim community, while division weakens hearts, friendships, and collective purpose.

Practical Challenge: Reach out this week to someone you have disagreed with and rebuild a small bridge of goodwill.

• Celebrate Shared Muslim Identity

Whatever your background, ethnicity, or school of thought, your connection to Allah unites you with millions of believers worldwide.

Practical Challenge: Write down three things you share with Muslims from different cultures.

• Resist Online Hate and Sectarian Content

Social media often amplifies conflict; following the “rope of Allah” means not letting divisive messages shape your mind.

Practical Challenge: Unfollow one page or account that promotes anger, mockery, or sectarianism.

• Value Differences as a Mercy

Diversity within the Ummah is a sign of richness, not a threat. Learning from one another strengthens your character and knowledge.

Practical Challenge: Ask one friend from a different culture or school of thought to share something from their tradition with you.

• Ask Allah to Bless You with Righteous and Faithful Companions

True unity with good, God-centred people is a gift from Allah; make it part of your regular prayers to be surrounded by those who elevate your faith and character.

Practical Challenge: Add one simple line to your daily prayers this week: “O Allah, grant me friends who bring me closer to You.”

Educational messages of the ayah for parents

• Build a Home of Unity and Respect

Children learn unity first from the tone, relationships, and atmosphere of their own home.

Practical Challenge: Hold a short family meeting this week to discuss the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflict.

• Model Respect in Disagreements

Even when parents differ, speaking calmly teaches children how unity survives disagreement.

Practical Challenge: In your next disagreement, consciously lower your voice and show composure.

• Guard Against Sectarian Influences at Home

Protect your children from voices – online or offline – that distort religion into hatred or suspicion.

Practical Challenge: Review a social media account that stirs division among Muslims together with your children and teach them why they should avoid such content.

Educational messages of the ayah for imams and religious leaders

• Promote Cross-Community Cooperation

Your leadership can bridge mosques, schools, and organisations across different traditions.

Practical Challenge: Arrange one joint programme with another mosque, even from a different school of thought.

• Highlight the Danger of Division in Today’s World

Muslims globally face increasing social, political, and identity challenges; disunity only deepens these struggles.

Practical Challenge: Provide practical guidance on how community members can respond to divisive issues with maturity and wisdom.

• Nurture a Culture of Mutual Respect and Knowledge

Encourage curiosity, dialogue, and learning across traditions to replace suspicion with understanding.

Practical Challenge: Invite a scholar from a different school of thought to address the community in a spirit of brotherhood.