Muslim Community-UMMAH

The Muslim Sense of Community by Christine Huda Dodge

Together, the Muslims form an ummah, a community that transcends national boundaries. Muslims strongly believe they are family to one another, and there is a strong brotherhood and sisterhood among the faithful. The Qur'an encourages Muslims to unite in faith: “Verily this ummah of yours is a single ummah, and I am your Lord and Cherisher” (Qur'an 23:52).
Brotherhood of Believers

Muslims take their relationships with other Muslims very seriously. The brotherhood of Islam is a very deep concept based on faith, and it supersedes even strong blood and family relations. The Prophet Muhammad once told his followers that Muslims should be like one body; if one part of it falls ill, the rest of the body suffers along with it.
Human Equality

In a compelling verse, the Qur'an makes clear that people are equal in worth, and a person's wealth, color, or language does not make one better than another. “Oh mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know one another (not that you may despise one another). Verily, the most honored among you in the sight of God is the one who is the most righteous. And God is All-Knowing, All-Aware” (Qur'an 49:13).

Many of the first followers of Islam came from the lowest class of society: slaves, women, the poor, the ill, and the outcast. In Islam they came together as equals with wealthy merchants and societal leaders who also embraced the faith.

In Islam, piety is the only distinguishing characteristic of any importance. Muhammad once said: “Surely God does not look at your faces or your bodies, but looks at your hearts and your deeds.” Muslims are encouraged to look beyond outward appearances and recognize each person's intrinsic worth.
Diversity Is Beauty

Muslims consider the diversity of the world a sign of God's mercy and an opportunity to rise above racism and conceit. “And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and colors. Verily in that are signs for those who know” (Qur'an 30:22). Muslims feel strongly that since we are all created by God, we cannot say that one person is better than another, based on criteria that are not under our control.

During his life, Muhammad made several personal attempts to promote racial tolerance and respect among his followers. Shortly before his death, he gave a final sermon in which he advised his followers as follows: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Also a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person, except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim, and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.” This value has been practiced throughout Islamic history. Tolerance and equality among people have been central values that attract converts to the faith.

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