Unity And Unity Of Purpose

We often express the desire for unity. We do so on many occasions. Presumably if we are able to define a unified AIM for ourselves (on this earth) and create awareness about it we will be able to bring about this much desired unity.

It will probably be a mistake to assume that having a unified aim will bring rigidity and will do away with the creativity and the variety that we do not want to sacrifice – and most deservedly so. It is in fact just the opposite that will happen which will in turn further strengthen the unity.

Please allow me to illustrate it with an example. If the tradition of Ijtihaad had continued, the four (and even more) Imams would have been looked at more as a blessing and not the opposite of that – as is the case today. Why? Because there would have been many more – in every time and age - explaining the relevance of our faith and its applicability in the ever changing situations. In the absence of many such eminent persons the few which emerged were idolized. It led to rigidity, intolerance and disunity.

What will bring about this much desired unity and unity of purpose? A very clear articulation of the VISION and mobilization of public opinion for it. The bigger concerns will leave less room for smaller issues (which cause disunity) and will result in more productive efforts. Again I may be hugely mistaken.