Ummah Issues
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COURSE OVERVIEW
The concept of Ummah in the Qur’an is unique. What unites Muslims as an Ummah, all on one path, is their belief that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah (SWT), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the final messenger and the belief on the Day of Judgement. And thus, what guides them are the Qur’an and Sunnah.
وَإِنَّ هَـٰذِهِۦٓ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ وَأَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمْ فَٱتَّقُونِ
“For indeed, this community (ummah) of yours is one community (ummah) and I am your Lord, so be mindful of Me.” (Qur’an 23:52)
— Fadel Soliman, Bridges’ Translation
In this verse, Allah (SWT) gives ownership of the Ummah to the believers, to carry the responsibility of the message of Islam and to care for and support one another.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) further grounded this fact in a narrative that is simple, effective, and powerful. Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever“. (Sahih Muslim)
As brothers/sisters of one Ummah, our hearts are connected by our common beliefs and purpose. Our concept of Ummah is a universal one that extends from our family, community, and country, to the entire Muslim Ummah. If our brothers and sisters are suffering anywhere in the world, we have a responsibility to relieve them of their suffering.
Thriving in the Path of Allah (SWT) requires us to thrive not only as individuals but as a collective Ummah. The sessions within this stream will focus on the concept of the Ummah, our responsibility toward the Ummah, and how we can thrive in the Path of Allah (SWT) collectively and cohesively as an Ummah.