UNITY DESPITE DIVERSITY
Towards National Integration
TO call people to God in today’s world is to represent God. Those who perform this service are destined to be the best rewarded in the life Hereafter, for no other task in this world is of such magnitude. But, for the call to be effective, there should be unity amongst the callers. Now, there have always been differences between human beings. Even when people are united, it does not mean that there are no differences at all. In fact, unity results from integration, not without differences but despite differences.
The Companions of the Prophet evinced an exemplary unity that enabled them to bring about a great revolution throughout the world. However, their unity was not of the sort that recognized no differences. There were, indeed, considerable differences among them, both on religious and worldly matters. But, in spite of all such personal differences, they were united on the central cause of presenting Islam.
“Unity in diversity,” the watchword of national integration, implies in practice the greatest sacrifice a human being can make. This sacrifice requires the vast generosity that induces the individual to tolerate a loss for the good of his fellow beings.
“Unity in diversity,” the watchword of national integration, implies in practice the greatest sacrifice a human being can make. This sacrifice requires the vast generosity that induces the individual to tolerate a loss for the good of his fellow beings. It calls for the courage to recognize the excellence of others, despite personal differences. It demands that one be selfless enough to bow to men of higher qualities and capabilities, and that one be exalted enough in character to submit to the opinion of others. Voluntary self-sacrifice goes hand in hand with good-heartedness. It means offering the best seat to another, standing aside while others forge ahead, and remaining in obscurity so that others may stand in the limelight. Such individual sacrifice is the bedrock of collective unity.
The most frequent reason for the differences between the members of any given society is the lack of a great common purpose. The moment a great goal emerges before them, they will themselves withdraw from petty disputes and will thus achieve the greatness of an overarching unity.