The Unity of Muslims — Page 32
32 Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad their Creator. On the other, it binds humans to each other akin to how Greeks, when in combat, would tie themselves together, ensuring a collective fate. Similarly, Islam connects one individual to another. Hence, it becomes clear that ittihād entails establishing harmony according to the circumstances and individuals, while progress involves nurturing distinctions within those same parameters. Without deviating from known theories and experiences, progress remains an elusive goal. Thus, progressing without individuality presents challenges, just as maintaining peace without unity poses difficulties. The Quran accepts both these realities as evident in the words of God Almighty addressing the Muslims: 16 َ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ مَعَ الصّٰبِرِیۡن وَتَذۡہَبَ رِیۡحُکُمۡ وَاصۡبِرُو ۡا فَتَفۡشَلُوۡا تَنَازَعُوۡا اللّٰہَ وَرَسُوۡلَہٗ وَلَا وَاَطِیۡعُوا That is, [And obey Allah and His Messenger] and dispute not with one another. Falling into strife will diminish your power and cause you to suffer defeat from the enemy. Always stand united and offer mutual support. وَاصْبِرُوا Since you will encounter many challenges in maintaining unity, it is imperative to cultivate patience. As you progress towards a collective 16 And obey Allah and His Messenger and dispute not with one another, lest you falter and your power depart from you. And be steadfast; surely, Allah is with those who are steadfast ( Sūrah Al-Anf ā l , 8:47). [Publishers]