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JAMA’AH ( CONGREGATION –
TOGETHERNESS )
A story
is related of an old man who was lying on his death-bed expecting to die
soon.He had several sons, to whom he wanted to teach a lesson on the
benefit of unity and working together.
He
therefore once asked his sons each to bring one stick of wood from the
jungle.When all the sons brought the sticks, he asked them to tie them
all in a bunch with a string.Then he asked them to bend and break the
bunch but all efforts made together could not do so. He then asked them
to untie the bunch and then break every stick separately. When they
untied the bunch they could break the sticks very easily.
Thus the
old man before his death set a practicle example to his sons how
strength and prosperity of people depend upon their living together in
unity.
In sura
Aale-Imraan, verse no.102, Allah (SWT) commands us;
“And
hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches for you) and
be not divided (disunited) among yourselves”.
Imagine
a group of people struggling for safety in a stormy high seas. A strong
unbreakable rope were to come down to them from heaven. If all hold fast
to it together, their mutual support would add to their chance of
safety.
The Holy
Prophet (saw) has said;
“
Togetherness promotes goodness and seperation
causes misery”
“ Support of Allah is with the group (those
living together)”
“ Eat together and do not separate because
surely the Blessings (of Allah) lies in togetherness”.
Islam
has not only preached but has also laid down rules and practices which
help to promote unity and togetherness. For example, the Jama’h
(congregational) prayers, the Hajj, Ziyaraat, charities of Khums & Zakat
etc are meant to foster togetherness.Eating together is also aimed at
reducing the differences between the rich and the poor, the high and the
low.
The Holy
Prophet (saw) did not only preached but also set an example of working
together for common good of all. On a journey once in the arabian
desert, accompanied by his companions, he stopped at a place to prepare
and enjoy a meal. Having offloaded their luggage they decided to cook a
dish of meat. So one undertook to bring and slaughter a sheep, another
offered to skin and clean it, while a third offered to roast it. The
Holy Prophet (saw) offered his services of going out in the woods and
collect some firewood. The companions objected saying that he should
rest while they would do everything. The Holy Prophet (saw) said’
“I
know you can render all the necessary jobs but Allah does not like His
servants among a group of people to place himself on a higher position
and enjoy a distinction over others”.
HOW
TO PRACTICE TOGETHERNESS;
-
Whenever in a group of family members, friends or society members, be
concerned about the welfare and convinience of thers.
-
Endeavour to play your part and co-operate with them.
- Share
with them whatever blessing of wealth, knowledge and comfort you may
have. Avoid selfishness.
Man by
nature is created to live and meet others socially, to delight from
company of others, to share and enjoy in company of his fellow human
beings. He is like a passenger in a bus travelling together with others.
As such
in togetherness and mutual co-operation lies the good and prosperity of
all. This creates bond of friendship and helpfulness to one another in
times of need. It gives rise to strength and power to face an enemy.
Released by:
Mulla Mujaheedali Sheriff
mulla@almahdi.org.uk |