At the time of the prophet peace be upon him, there was a war between Muslims and Jews ( Banu Quraythah). The prophet instructed his companions to go and fight the enemy and he told them " Do not pray until you get to Banu Quraythah". On their way and when it was asr time, a dispute occurred between the companions. One group understood the prophet's order metaphorically .They thought the prophet meant 'hurry up'. So some of the companions prayed at asr time while the others prayed after asr time when they got to Banu Quraythah.
When the companions met the prophet peace be upon him again , they told him about what happened, and asked him which view was correct. Of course one of the two views must have been right but the prophet peace be upon him said " Whoever performs ijtihad ( interpretation) and errs will receive one reward. Whoever performs ijtihad and arrives at the correct answer gets double the reward."
This is a great example from the greatest prophet of how people can stay united even when they have different opinions.
In Islam, Muslims can have differences as long as these differences are not on definite matters. For instance, there is no difference of opinion on not performing prayer or not drinking alcohol. But differences on indefinite matters , those subject to ijtihad ( interpretation) , must be tolerated and respected.
This is a great example from the greatest prophet of how people can stay united even when they have different opinions.
In Islam, Muslims can have differences as long as these differences are not on definite matters. For instance, there is no difference of opinion on not performing prayer or not drinking alcohol. But differences on indefinite matters , those subject to ijtihad ( interpretation) , must be tolerated and respected.
Unfortunately, Muslims today divide themselves over matters of ijtihad. What I see on websites, forums, blogs is shameful. Muslims labeling, insulting, name-calling each other for their differences of opinion.
Such Muslims are ignorant about their Islamic history. Stories of the prophets and companions of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him are filled with great examples of people with highly civilized behavior. What stops Muslims from following these examples?
And oh you might find the same Muslims who offend and insult others for their different opinions express their wishes and hopes for Muslims to be united :)
2 comments:
Very true indeed!
may Allah guide us all.
You're right, we should not allow disputes as such to separate us, but then again some would say they're important while others might see them as unimportant.
By the way, both of the companion groups were told that they were right by the Prophet peace be upon him, if I recall correctly....the first group followed the Prophet's order strictly, the second group also followed his order in praying the prayer in its time.
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