UNITY AND DISUNITY

“Disunity is detestable because it is detrimental to Deen. However, if it is beneficial for the Deen, it will not be detestable even if it is detrimental to the dunya (worldly life). Thus, there is the disunity which Nabi Ibraaheem (alayhis salaam) had adopted, and which Allah Ta’ala glowingly describes:

“Verily, for you in Ibraaheem and those with him is a beautiful character when they said to their people: ‘Verily, we are free from you and from the (idols) which you worship besides Allah. We reject you. Animosity and hatred have become apparent between us and you forever, until you believe in the One Allah.” (Aayat 4, Mumtahinah)

Can anyone label this disunity as detestable? Regarding a detestable unity, Nabi Ibraaheem (alayhis salaam) said:

“Verily, you have taken besides Allah idols (for worship) because of mutual love in this worldly life, then on the Day of Qiyaamah you will mutually reject one another, and some of you will curse others (among you). And your destination will be the Fire.”
(Aayat 25, Ankabut)

The kuffaar opponents of Ibraaheem (alayhis salaam) enjoyed perfect unity. But their unity is not commendable. On the contrary, Ibraaheem (alayhis salaam) eradicated the very foundation of this unity. This unity (of the kuffaar) was based on falsehood. Therefore, understand well that unity is commendable only if it is beneficial for the Deen, and disunity will be detestable only if it is harmful for the Deen. When disunity is beneficial for the Deen, then at such a time, disunity will be the objective.”

(Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi)