The Islamic Unity Week | ||||
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12th of Rabi al-Awwal marks the start of the Islamic Unity Week (12 to 17 Rabi al-Awwal) initiated in 1979 by the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, the late Imam Khomeini (RA), following the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, in order to promote unity among Muslims and bring Muslims of all denominations on a common platform on this auspicious occasion. The birth anniversary of God Almighty’s Last and Greatest Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is an occasion of joy. It is an event to celebrate in order to promote the dynamism of fraternity and brotherhood transcending the superficial divisions of ethnicity, lineage, social status, language, skin color, geography, and nationality, by focusing on the immaculate personality of the Prophet of Peace, who bequeathed to humanity practical precedents that ensure harmony and development; if followed diligently. He was born in the monotheistic Hashemite clan that adhered to the path of his illustrious ancestor Prophet Ibrahim the Iconoclast and was entrusted with the universal mission of Islam to unite people. Foretold by all Prophets of the past, he excellently accomplished his mission, and during the 23 years that he discharged his duties, he transformed fratricidal tribes into the fraternal Ummah that soon became the torchbearer of science and civilization. Unlike the numerous sects and castes that Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and other creeds are divided into watertight compartments, Muslims, whatever their jurisprudential affiliations, follow the same fundamental tenets of Islam. For instance, they believe in the One and Only God as the Creator of the universe, face the same focal point (the Holy Ka’ba in Mecca) for the daily ritual prayers; recite the same single Qur’an as the Revealed Word of God (as opposed to the different versions of the Christian Gospels); fast in the blessed month of Ramadhan; perform Hajj in the same days of Zilhijjah; and unanimously regard Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the Seal of all Divine Messengers. So, where are the points of difference about which the enemies of Islam brag about, in order to sow seeds of discord amongst Muslims? Only the devilish elements who masquerade as Muslims, but whose hearts are devoid of faith, bite the Zionist-Imperialist bait and turn into Takfiris to terrorize and slaughter innocent Muslims. Now we understand why these deviated elements consider the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as “bid’ah” or innovation because they are fearful that Islamic unity will sound the death knell for their creators in the West. Thus, in view of these facts, the existing difference of opinion about the birthdate of the Prophet is not a matter of fundamental dissimilarity. It could be a scribal error in those days when paper was not yet available and the Arabic numerals had not yet been standardized. Another explanation in this regard is the chain of authorities of transmitters of hadith. For example, based on certain narrations by the Sahaba of the Prophet believe that he was born on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, while the Shi’ites, for their part, by referring to the narrations received from the Ahl al-Bayt, consider the 17th of the same month as the auspicious day the “Mercy unto the creation” was born. The Holy Qur’an says: “Hold fast, all together, to Allah’s cord and do not be divided; and remember Allah’s blessing upon you when you were enemies, then He brought your hearts together, so you became brothers with His blessing.” The need for Muslims to keep united is clearly underscored in this verse. Not only has the Islamic Unity Week ensured that all Muslims come together to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) over the period of a whole week together, but it has also provided a shield against those who seek to exploit their own interests by dividing and segregating Muslims into different sects. Sunni and Shia Muslims have resisted such efforts by coming together in these celebrations. Keeping this in view there is no doubt that there ought not to be any dispute amongst Muslims regarding the Prophet of Peace and his universal message. As Muslims of various denominations join together these days to celebrate the birthday of God’s Greatest Creation – no matter if the heretical Takfiris seethe in anger and threaten to kill Shi’a Muslims – we indeed feel indebted to the foresight of the Father of the Islamic Revolution for taking the commendable step 43 years ago and declaring Islamic Unity Week to span these two dates of Rabi al-Awwal, so that the plots of the enemies of Islam, especially the Americans and the Zionists, and their agents – and terrorist groups – could be nipped in the bud. According to the holy Prophet (PBUH), a true Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands others are safe. A true Muslim should not oppress anyone, since oppression is a grave and unforgivable sin. Trampling the rights of others disrupts the psychological health of persons and is the most important factor for discord and separation. The Seal of Prophets made it clear that Muslims should regard themselves as brethren of the same community, and anyone who is not concerned about the affairs of fellow Muslims is not a true Muslim. It means, a Muslim should not betray another Muslim, let alone slander or kill him. As per the practice and behavior of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), a Muslim ought to be the mirror of his Muslim brother. | ||||
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