The Goals of Islam and the Reasons for Lack of Unity Among Muslims

Islam, one of the world's major religions, has a clear purpose as outlined in its fundamental teachings and practices. The core objectives of Islam are as follows:

The Primary Goals of Islam

The primary goal of Islam is to foster a recognition of the unique sovereignty of one God, Allah. This recognition is not only about acknowledging the existence of Allah but also understanding and reflecting on His unique attributes and His presence in the world. The religion aims to encourage humanity to consider these attributes in their daily lives, promoting a deeper spiritual and philosophical understanding.

The secondary goal is to embrace the teachings and achievements of the Prophets and Messengers sent by God, with a particular emphasis on Prophet Muhammad as the final Messenger. By studying the lives and messages of these figures, Muslims are encouraged to find practical examples of how to live a righteous life, while also recognizing the unique contributions of all these prophets in guiding humanity.

The Lack of Unity Among Muslims

Despite the clear objectives of Islam, there remains a significant lack of unity among Muslims around the globe. This diversity and division can be attributed to several factors:

Human Nature and Selfishness

Humanity is marked by inherent selfishness and a tendency to divide. These traits often lead to conflict and the dissolution of cohesive communities. This inner struggle between self-interest and the pursuit of peace and harmony is a challenge that Muslims, like all humans, must contend with daily.

The struggle to live a centered and peaceful life is daunting. The divisions among Muslims often arise from differing interpretations and applications of Islamic teachings, which can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings.

External Influences

External factors, such as Western influence, oil money, and geopolitical events, have played significant roles in exacerbating divisions among Muslims. For instance, the collapse of the Ottoman Empire during World War I and the subsequent division of territories among powers like Britain and France have left a legacy of political and cultural divides. The U.S. invasions of the Middle East in recent decades have further contributed to the instability and division of the region.

Internal Cultural and Political Factors

Internal cultural and political factors within the Islamic community also contribute to the lack of unity. Certain sects and political movements, such as Wahhabism, have their own interpretations and practices that can lead to further divisions. The diversity within Islam, including Sufism, Shiaism, and Sunni Islam, each with its unique traditions and teachings, can also create distinctions and disagreements.

Furthermore, corruption within the Islamic community and the influence of external economic and political forces can further complicate the issue. These factors can lead to a fragmented understanding of Islamic teachings and principles, making it challenging to find common ground and work towards unity.

Conclusion

While the goals of Islam remain clear and inspiring, the challenges of human nature, external influences, and internal cultural and political factors continue to impede the attainment of unity among Muslims. It is a multifaceted issue that requires not only religious understanding but also a deep engagement with social, political, and economic realities.

Ultimately, the path towards unity among Muslims lies in a collective effort to address these complex issues and to foster a culture of understanding, respect, and cooperation. Only through such efforts can the unity envisioned by the teachings of Islam be truly realized.