THE world’s 1.9 billion Muslims are united in their belief of God and the Prophet Muhammad — that, and the fact that they are bound together by religious obligations and practices. Despite this congruency in belief, the ummah is far from united. With widely differing views on other aspects of their faith, alliances and policies, unity has become somewhat of an anomaly.
Disunity reigns among Muslim nations, so the perception goes. And a 2012 worldwide survey by the Pew Research Centre’s Forum on Religion and Public Life seems to affirm this. Most notable is the sectarian conflict between Muslim communities of different schools of thoughts. From Islamophobia and terrorism to extremism and militantism — such terms have often been associated with Islam that it is no wonder Muslims are regarded with fear and suspicion.
For many Muslims and Islamic scholars and preachers around the world, the unity of the ummah is paramount. They never tire from preaching on the subject. A united Muslim world is essential for world peace, prosperity and security, it has been said repeatedly. There have been instances that Muslims have stood united for a cause — freeing the Palestinians from an oppressive regime, for instance, or calling for an end to the persecution of the Rohingya and the alleged ethnic cleansing of the Uighur community in China.
There is no better time than now for Muslim nations to band together to fight social ills plaguing the world. The ongoing Kuala Lumpur Summit offers just a stage. With the attendance of more than 50 countries and 450 participants, it is a sign that Muslims can unite, despite the differences. It’s a platform for Muslim leaders to share their ideas and vision on how to solve the world’s problems. 2020 is just 12 days away — just the time to establish resolutions for the new year.
This Leader believes that more forums the likes of KL Summit should be held in other Muslim countries so that Muslims can engage more with each other, learn about cultures and get to know their counterparts better. Malaysia has set the tone — the more one meets, the better. Another small step forward to unity for the Muslim ummah.
Focus on the good and acknowledge the differences. It is not about rivalling or replacing major conferences, such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation or the International Islamic Relief Organisation, but an opportunity for Muslims to get closer to each other — over time it may even remove the suspicion and doubts. Imagine the spin-offs — from travel to business opportunities.
“Tak kenal maka tak cinta,” said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to delegates at the welcoming dinner of the summit on Wednesday night, meaning one will not love if he does not know. Precisely, we are all different. In the quest for unity and peace, we cannot blind ourselves.
English author T.H. White once said that the destiny of man is to unite and not divide — let’s make that the new year’s resolution for the ummah.