New Delhi

Amidst rising tensions between Iran, the United States, Israel, and the Gulf nations, a question arises: If Muslims constitute a single Ummah, why do differences and conflicts arise among Islamic countries?

This significant question is about politics, ideology and religion. Generally, common people tend to believe that the Ummah represents a unity that can never be fractured; yet, in the real world, it’s different.

Such questions were answered in detail by Islamic scholar Abdul Majeed Azhari in a Awaz-the Voice special podcast Deen aur Duniya while speaking with the host Saquib Saleem.

Abdul Majeed Azhari explained the concept of  Ummah as a broad and flexible framework. According to him, the Ummah constitutes not merely a religious identity, but also a social and collective reality.

The term Ummah appears in the Quran on various occasions, and in each instance, its meaning shifts according to the specific context. At times, it denotes a religious group; at others, it is employed to signify a social or political entity.

The early Islamic state of Medina serves as the quintessential example of this, wherein Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexisted as integral components of a shared political system. This clearly demonstrates that the concept of Ummah is not confined solely to religious unity, but is can also representing a tangible social structure.

Referring to the Ummat-e-Muslimah (the Muslim Community), the term encompasses all Muslims who subscribe to a faith. This bond is fundamentally spiritual in nature, serving to unite hearts and foster a sense of brotherhood among believers.

Abdul Majeed Azhari, Islamic Scholar

However, Azhari clarifies that this bond does not necessitate political unification. Muslims residing in diverse nations across the globe remain subject to their respective national systems, constitutions, and political frameworks.

Consequently, viewing the Ummat-e-Muslimah as a global political system constitutes a misconception; rather, it is more accurate to understand it as a moral and spiritual community.

According to Azhari, the Kalma represents an ideological and spiritual bond that knows no geographical limits. Whether an individual resides in India, Iran, or any other nation, their faith is grounded in a single foundation. This foundation fosters an intrinsic connection among Muslims.

 However, he also highlights that human beings are inextricably linked to a material reality; they belong to a specific country, a distinct society, and a particular civilisation. Consequently, attempting to make the Kalma the sole bedrock of a political system is simply not feasible in the real world.

The discussion clearly underscores the point that geographical boundaries are not antithetical to Islam, but rather constitute a natural necessity for human society. From the polity established in Medina to the various eras of the Caliphates, geographical boundaries have been a constant presence throughout history.

These boundaries are indispensable for maintaining order, ensuring security, and sustaining the stability of collective life.

According to Azhari, the real issue lies not with the boundaries themselves, but rather with the system established within them. If the system is founded upon justice, these boundaries play a constructive role; conversely, if injustice prevails, those very boundaries become the source of conflict and problems.

Azhari reiterated that the true spirit of Islam is justice. According to the teachings of the Quran, the best Ummah is one that promotes good and forbids evil. This implies that the concept of the Ummah does not endorse any form of injustice or oppression.

Even if a Muslim is the one perpetrating an injustice, supporting him is not appropriate; rather, a good Muslim would check and correct him.

This concept, Azhari said, elevates the concept of the Ummah to a high moral pedestal.

The conversation also shed light on the temperament of the Muslims of the subcontinent—specifically, those of India.

According to Azhari, the people of this region possess a distinct emotional and humanitarian character. They respond not merely on religious grounds, but on humanitarian grounds as well. Consequently, whenever injustice occurs in any part of the world, the people here raise their voices against it, regardless of the religion or caste to which the affected individuals belong.

The existence of diverse schools of thought within the Ummah is a reality that cannot be overlooked. Ideological differences exist among Sunnis, Shias, Barelvis, Salafis, and other sects; yet, despite these differences, a fundamental shared faith unites them.

According to Azhari, these differences do not undermine the concept of the *Ummah*; rather, they serve to create a broader sphere that encompasses people holding a variety of perspectives.

Referring to Iqbal, a poet who wrote Sare jahan se aachha and later supported the creation of Pakistan, Azhari said he did not out rightly condemn geographical boundaries; instead, he clarified that faith and spirituality are not confined to any single region.

READ MORE: Col Sofiya Qureshi redefined the role of women in Military

According to Azhari, the supreme value is humanity—a principle that transcends all differences. While religion, nation, and state hold their own significance, when the issue at hand concerns justice versus injustice, humanity must take precedence. This is the very principle that draws people of diverse faiths and cultures closer to one another.