There is only one Islam and one Ummah

I am no Muslim jurist nor a Muslim historian but it does not take a jurist or a historian to try to make sense of what is happening to Muslims in the 21st Century. The political, social and economic issues of key Muslim countries are always in the spotlight in the global media, often misunderstood or easily misinterpreted. Yet as a collective voice for response, there is no real integration by Muslims. In fact, it appears that Muslims are divided by Sunni v. Shia, or by national/ political identity.

Didn't Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) show us the way of improving communal ties when the Prophet (PBUH) improved relations between the Ansar and Muhajirin prior to the Golden Days of Islam?

Now, we find ourselves centuries away from that age and its prosperity, with Muslims divided between Sunnis and Shias. Why? This 'division' did not occur during the time of the Prophet (PBUH). It occurred during or upon the selection of the succession of the Caliphate as to whom would lead the Muslim Ummah at that time. Why have Muslims forgotten the fundamental message that the Prophet (PBUH) preached, whose role was simply to perfect the morals of humankind? No Muslim should be forget this simple yet powerful message.

Yet, here Muslims are divided not only over Sunnis and Sects, but also divided over nationalities and politics. Have we forgotten the message of the Prophet (PBUH) and taken form over substance, pretending to be Muslims or not acting in the true capacity of a Muslim?

I hope this becomes food for thought. Muslims need to go back to the true intention of Islam as a religion or set of beliefs. As the Prophet (PBUH) said, 'Actions are but judged by intentions...'.

Let our actions be guided by our humble intentions and let that intention be the message that the Prophet (PBUH) declared, that is simply to perfect morals in attaining justice and fairness.

Wassalam.