Unity of the Ummah: The Mahdi as a Unifier
Unity is one of the most cherished values in Islam, and this principle is especially emphasized in Islamic eschatology. The Mahdi, as described in the Quran and Prophetic traditions, is a divinely guided figure whose role is to bring justice, spiritual revival, and above all, unity to the Muslim Ummah. This unity is crucial to the Mahdi's mission, as he is expected to restore cohesion among Muslims and reinforce adherence to the Quran and Sunnah. Here, we examine the role of the Mahdi as a unifier and analyze how the claims of the "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" (ARPL) concerning Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem diverge from this traditional understanding.
A. The Quranic Basis for Unity as a Divine Command
The Quran's Emphasis on Collective Adherence
وَاعَتُصَمُوَ بَحِبَلِلَّهِ حَبَلِلَكُمُ جَمُيطُضَا وَلَا تَفَارُقُوا
"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided."
📔 Surah Al-Imran (3:103)This verse signifies the importance of collective adherence to the guidance provided by Allah, symbolized by the "rope of Allah," which encompasses the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Unity is not only encouraged but is seen as a necessary element of Islam, establishing a foundation for the Muslim Ummah to thrive...
Unity as Protection Against Fragmentation
وَلَا تَنِازِعُوا فِتَفشُلُوا وَتَذَهُبَلِلِّ وَصَبُرُوا؟ِ وألله معكم ألصابرُّ إنِذا الذَِّ ِِ
"Do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient."
📔 Surah Al-Anfal (8:46)B. The Mahdi's Role as a Unifying Figure in Prophetic Tradition
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the Mahdi as a leader who would unite the Muslim Ummah, bringing justice and reinforcing the principles of Islam...
Prophetic Traditions Emphasizing the Mahdi's Mission of Unity
سيكون في آخر الزمان خليفة من أمتي يفيض المال حتى لا يعده أحد، وتملأ الأرض عدلاً كما ملئت جوراً وظلماً.
"There will be a caliph in the last period of my Ummah who will freely give out wealth and will not count it. And the earth will be filled with justice and equality as it is filled with injustice and oppression."
📔 Sahih MuslimThe justice and equality brought by the Mahdi are expected to act as unifying forces, creating harmony and alignment among Muslims...
C. The Mahdi's Role in Overcoming Sectarian Divisions
Prophetic Warnings Against Sectarianism and the Emphasis on the Main Body of the Ummah
سيفترق أمتي إلى سبطونثلاثة سفت، كلها في النار إلاواحدمنها في النار إلا واحدمنها الجمعة لاويذ يحمون جماعاتها وومهمالتمتلاتهة وكتجسماداهوهمبالمفنتلسفنبه،يعمدنوً...
"My Ummah will split into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in the Hellfire except one, which is the main body (al-jama'ah)."
📔 Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith 4597This Hadith underscores the importance of remaining with the main body of the Ummah...
D. Conclusion: The Essential Role of the Mahdi in Unifying the Muslim Community
The concept of unity is woven into the fabric of Islam, as emphasized in both the Quran and the Prophetic teachings. The Mahdi, as a central figure in Islamic eschatology, is entrusted with restoring this unity by bringing Muslims back to the core teachings of the Quran and Sunnah...