Together in Faith: Imam Ali’s Call for Unity

Introduction

Muslims across the world celebrate the birth of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him); Ahl al-Sunnah traditionally observe it on 12 Rabiʿ al-Awwal and Shia on 17 Rabiʿ al-Awwal, with the days between known as “Unity Week”. To mark this occasion, we turn to the wisdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who reminds us of the vital importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah:

امام علی (ع): فَإِنَّ يَدَ اَللَّهِ على اَلْجَمَاعَةِ وَ إِيَّاكُمْ وَ اَلْفُرْقَةَ فَإِنَّ اَلشَّاذَّ مِنَ اَلنَّاسِ لِلشَّيْطَانِ كَمَا أَنَّ اَلشَّاذَّةَ مِنَ اَلْغَنَمِ لِلذِّئْبِ. (بحارالأنوار، ج ۳۳، ص ۳۷۲)

Imam Ali (AS): “Indeed, the Hand of Allah is with the community. Beware of division, for the isolated one among people is for Satan just as the stray sheep is for the wolf.” (Bihār al-Anwār, vol. 33, p. 372)

Educational messages of the hadith for teenagers and youth

• Avoid Divisive Content

Stay away from social media posts that distance you from your Muslim brothers and sisters.

Practical Challenge: Unfollow or mute at least one account that promotes division.

• Focus on Common Ground

Emphasise your shared values with other Muslims rather than your differences.

Practical Challenge: In a conversation, mention one positive value you share with Muslims of another background.

• Recognise Enemy Plots

Any message that drives you away from fellow Muslims should be seen as a scheme of your enemies.

Practical Challenge: Each week, identify one misleading online post and discuss with a friend why it may be harmful.

• See Differences as Opportunities to Reflect

Treat differences among Islamic schools as a chance for thought, not a reason for separation.

Practical Challenge: Read a short article or watch a lecture about another Islamic school and write down one lesson you learnt.

• Building Collective Identity

A shared identity as Muslims brings confidence and stability.

Practical Challenge: Learn one new aspect of Islamic heritage each week and share it with peers.

• Active Participation

Being part of the Muslim community strengthens faith and character.

Practical Challenge: Volunteer once a month in a mosque or local charity.

Educational messages of the hadith for parents

• The Family as a Core Unit

Remember that the family is the smallest yet most important social unit; preserve unity within it.

Practical Challenge: Organise one family meal each week where everyone shares something positive about another family member.

• Teach Through Stories

Share stories with your children about how people become vulnerable when isolated, and encourage them to value unity and togetherness.

Practical Challenge: Tell one story this week (from Islamic history or daily life) that shows the danger of isolation and the blessing of unity.

• Role Modelling Unity

Children imitate their parents’ attitudes towards others.

Practical Challenge: Speak positively about other Muslim groups in front of your children.

• Teaching Tolerance

Raising children with respect for diversity nurtures harmony.

Practical Challenge: Introduce your children to Muslims from different cultures through community events.

• Guarding Against Family Isolation

Families cut off from the community weaken spiritually.

Practical Challenge: Ensure regular participation in Friday prayers or community programmes.

• Encouraging Collective Worship

Worship together at home enhances family unity.

Practical Challenge: Pray at least one daily prayer together as a family.

Educational messages of the hadith for imams and religious leaders

• Promoting Brotherhood

Leaders must emphasise unity in sermons and teachings.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one Friday khutbah monthly to the theme of Muslim solidarity.

• Avoiding Sectarian Language

Words have the power to unite or divide; use language that fosters respect and harmony with other Muslim communities.

Practical Challenge: Revise sermons to exclude terms that alienate specific groups.

• Providing a Safe Space

The mosque should be a place of welcome, not division.

Practical Challenge: Organise open Q&A sessions where all Muslims feel respected.