Turfat ul Ain

It was Imam Khomeini’s foresight helped bridge the gap of five days between the two dates believed to be the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). According to Sunni Islamic narrations, the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal is recognized as the birth date of Prophet Muhammad(SAW). On the other hand, Shia Muslims based on the narrations from the Ahlul Bayt (The Prophet’s pure progeny); the auspicious birthday of the Holy Prophet (SAW) was on 17th of Rabi-al-Awwal.

In order to bridge this difference and use it as an opportunity to unite the ranks of Muslims, the founder of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Imam Khomeini (RA) designated the period of Milad-un-Nabi celebrations from 12th to the 17th of Rabi al-Awwal as the Islamic Unity Week.

This dynamic concept aims to bring all Muslim schools of thought on the common platform of Islamic unity.

Since its inception, the Islamic Unity Week has been marked annually, not only in Iran, but also throughout the world, and has played an important role in bringing the various Islamic Schools of Thought on a single platform, since Allah is One, and Muslims believe in the single Qur’an and bow towards the same focal point, that is the Holy Ka’ba, five times a day during daily prayers. However, some denominations including Wahhabism/Salafism, Deobandism and the Ahmadiyya disapprove its commemoration, considering it an unnecessary religious innovation (bid’ah or bidat).

Need for Islamic Unity Week:

The holy Qur’an calls on Muslims to hold fast to the Rope of God and do not indulge in discord. (3:103)

The need for Muslims to keep united is clearly underscored in this verse. Not only has the Islamic Unity Week ensured that all Muslims come together to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) over a period of a whole week together, it has also provided a shield against those who seek to exploit their own interests by dividing and segregating Muslims into different sects. Sunni and Shia Muslims have resisted such efforts by coming together in these celebrations.

Furthermore, globally, Muslims are able to forget their differences as they acknowledge the common Prophet (PBUH) and express their love and affection for him in various manners. This allows many misconceptions to be removed as all Muslims are followers of the same Prophet (PBUH). A thorough analysis of what has been achieved over the years is a testament to the foresight of Imam Khomeini.

Unity formula:

While departing the world, the Prophet bequeathed to Muslims the formula of unity, as stressed by firm adherence to the Saqalayn or two invaluable things he was leaving behind. He said in explicit words to hold fast to the Book of God, that is the holy Qur’an, and to his progeny the Ahl al-Bayt, in order not to go astray since these two never separate from each other even when they return to him on the Day of Judgement at the Fountain of Kowsar. Thus, the Qur’anic term, the Rope of God, is reference to these inseparable things, which we Muslims should firmly hold in order to build sound and healthy societies.

What if there is no Unity?

Without the least doubt, the archenemies of Islamic unity are the US, certain West European regimes, and the illegal Zionist entity called Israel. These evil powers consider Islamic unity detrimental to their vested interests, and always raise discords so as to weaken Muslims. In view of these facts, it is the duty of Muslims to be vigilant and not indulge in trivial issues. As the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has emphasized, there are no major differences amongst the Sunnis and Shi’ites, and it is not permitted to insult the sentiments of each other.

Here we should heed the advice of Imam Ali (AS), the gist of whose saying is that: refrain from discord and do not separate from each other, for those who drift away fall prey to the Satan, in the same manner that sheep which stray from the flock are devoured by wolves.

It is now time for world Muslims, to set aside trivial differences and hold fast to the ethereal teachings of the holy Qur’an.

If Muslims fail to knit ranks, they will easily fall victim to their enemies who are ever intent to sow seeds of discord among the believers. So what better occasion to promote Islamic solidarity and awareness than the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Let’s get united, and why not rejoice, it not innovation (or bidat) it is the auspicious occasion of Rahmatalil Aalameen.

Source: iuvmpress