So, Is There a Way Back?
By Manal Mohamed Abuelazaem
Islam has always emphasized spreading love and brotherhood among Muslims and reconciling differences between them. It has forbidden the killing of a Muslim and made it one of the gravest major sins. Allah SWT says:
“And whoever kills a believer intentionally—his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally; and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment.” [1]
This indicates the value of human life and its elevated status, and the importance of preserving the soul which Allah SWT has honored and entrusted to human beings. Islam did not stop at prohibiting killing; it also forbade fighting among Muslims, making it a sin that leads to the Fire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“When two Muslims meet each other with their swords and one kills the other, both the killer and the one killed will be in the Fire.” It was said: “O Messenger of Allah, this is the killer—but what about the one who was killed?” He said: “He was eager to kill his companion.” [2]
Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “If two Muslims confront one another with wrongdoing and aggression, then this warning applies to them. However, if they meet due to a misunderstanding or for a legitimate reason—such as when those who uphold justice confront aggressors—then those who work to remove oppression are doing good, and the one who is killed among them is a martyr, and good is hoped for him.” [3]
Thus, the texts clearly show Islam’s concern for the unity of Muslims, reconciliation, and discouraging division and fragmentation. Despite this, we find Muslims fighting one another and not following these divine teachings. This is among the most severe trials that have afflicted them, weakening them and tearing apart their unity.
Allah SWT has warned us of this, saying:
“And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute, lest you lose courage and your strength depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [4]
He has made clear that disputes lead to failure and the loss of strength. Therefore, we are urged to reconcile, avoid hatred, envy, and turning away from one another. Allah SWT says:
“So fear Allah and reconcile what is between you and obey Allah and His Messenger, if you are believers.” [5]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not envy one another, do not artificially raise prices, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not undercut one another in trade. Be servants of Allah as brothers. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim: he does not wrong him, nor abandon him, nor belittle him. Piety is here”—and he pointed to his chest—“It is enough evil for a person to belittle his Muslim brother. Everything of a Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth, and his honor.” [6]
Therefore, it is fitting for us as a Muslim nation to remove hatred, leave behind the pursuit of worldly gains, and turn toward what is more important and lasting. This worldly life ends with death, but injustice toward a fellow Muslim or killing him does not end—it begins a painful punishment in the grave and the Hereafter, while what he fought for will vanish and come to an end.
Calamities have struck Muslims from every direction, and from their division they have gained nothing but fragmentation, weakness, poverty, and illness.
So, is there a way back?
Can we forget what has passed and begin again?
References
[1] An-Nisa 4:93.
[2] Reported by Al-Bukhari (31), Muslim (2888), An-Nasa’i (4121), and Ibn Hibban (2459).
[3] “Meaning of the hadith: When two Muslims meet with their swords,” Shaykh Ibn Baz website.
[4] Al-Anfal 8:46.
[5] Al-Anfal 8:1.
[6] Reported by Al-Bukhari (6064, abridged) and Muslim (2564, with slight variation).
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