Najmuddin A Farooqi
HUMAN society has always been a collection of diverse ideas, beliefs and intellectual trends. Differences of opinion are a natural reality of life, but civilised nations are recognised by their ability to preserve dignity, tolerance and mutual respect despite disagreements. Unfortunately, within the Muslim Ummah, there still exists a group that continues to revive the political disputes of early Islamic history with hatred and prejudice. Such people consider the use of abusive and insulting language against their opponents to be an essential part of their belief system, even though Islam has consistently taught morality, respect for humanity and purity of speech.
This issue has become even more alarming in the age of mass communication and social media. Although such groups are small in number, they have become highly effective in spreading their poisonous ideas among young and impressionable minds through organised propaganda. They often present divisive and hateful narratives in emotionally appealing and persuasive language, making them attractive to vulnerable audiences. History teaches us that even a small amount of poison can affect the entire body. In the same way, a few hateful words are enough to damage social harmony and weaken the bonds of brotherhood within society.
Islam, however, has always emphasised unity, patience and tolerance. From Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon to the teachings of scholars throughout Islamic history, Muslims have continuously been reminded of the importance of brotherhood, moderation and piety. The recent Sermon of Arafat delivered at Masjid Al Nimrah by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Hudhaifi, Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, echoed the same timeless message. He reminded Muslims that they must never abandon patience during times of hardship and trial, because Allah has promised immense reward for those who remain steadfast. His words carry deep significance in the modern world, where the Muslim Ummah faces numerous internal and external challenges.
The Sermon of Arafat placed special emphasis on piety, unity, tolerance and mutual respect. Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi reminded the believers that true honour lies in taqwa (piety) and that Muslims must remain steadfast in the worship and obedience of Allah under all circumstances. The Holy Qur’an teaches that when the verses of Allah are recited before sincere believers, their hearts become soft and humble. Compassion, patience, forgiveness and humility are the true characteristics of a believer, not hatred, abusive language or the tendency to declare others outside the fold of Islam.
Today, Muslims must learn lessons from history instead of turning historical disagreements into tools of hatred and division. The younger generation needs an environment where they are taught morality, knowledge, tolerance and respect for humanity. If hatred is planted in the minds of youth, the Ummah can never achieve stability, progress, or intellectual growth. In this era of social media, the responsibility of parents, teachers, scholars and intellectuals has become even greater. They must guide young minds toward wisdom, balance and constructive thinking.
Islam is a religion of love, peace and brotherhood. It came to unite humanity, not divide it. If Muslims truly seek the welfare and strength of the Ummah, they must reject hateful attitudes and embrace patience, piety, unity and tolerance as essential principles of life. This is the true message of the Sermon of Arafat and it remains the foundation of a successful and harmonious Islamic society.
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Najmuddin A Farooqi is a Lucknow-based journalist and writer. His areas of interest are social, economic, education and health. The views expressed here are the author’s own and Clarion India does not necessarily subscribe to them.
