Lack Of Unity Among Muslims — A Geopolitical And Intellectual Crisis. What Can Be Done?

By Dr. Basheer Ahmed, New Age Islam 4 September 2025 Introduction: The Ideal of Unity The concept of a single Muslim Ummah represents a profound ideal: a global community transcending national, racial, and class divisions, united solely by faith. This concept lies at the heart of Islam’s vision for humanity. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) transformed this ideal into a stunning reality. He took the fiercely tribal and perpetually warring society of seventh-century Arabia into a single nation bound by faith, justice, and brotherhood. This unity was the bedrock upon which one of history’s most astonishing periods of conquest and civilization was built, whose contributions in science, philosophy, governance, and ethics shaped the world for centuries. Upon migrating to Madinah, the Prophet’s first act was to establish a pact of brotherhood between the Muhajir (emigrants from Mecca) and the Ansar (helpers from Madinah), replacing tribal loyalty with bonds of faith. This practical unity enabled the political, social, and economic prosperity of the first Islamic state. Furthermore, the Constitution of Madinah demonstrated that this unity could extend beyond Muslims, creating a framework of cooperation and mutual protection for the city's diverse ethnic and religious groups. As historian Michael H. Hart noted in The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, Prophet Muhammad’s unparalleled success in uniting warring tribes into a cohesive nation explains his lasting influence on both religious and secular history. Although divisions emerged soon after the Prophet’s passing, the spiritual momentum he left behind sustained Islamic civilization for centuries. Today, that unity is a distant memory. Muslims are fragmented, both ideologically and politically, a rise in extremism, and a debilitating lack of scientific and intellectual progress, leaving the Ummah vulnerable to external manipulation and internal decay. This article explores the internal and external factors that led to this fragmentation and argues that reclaiming the Quranic mandate of unity is not merely a spiritual aspiration but a geopolitical necessity for survival and dignity in the modern world, and practical steps toward rebuilding Muslim solidarity in the modern era. The Historical Roots of Division: Internal Fractures Tragically, the seeds of division were sown immediately after the passing of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in 632 CE. The community was confronted with the critical question of succession. This debate crystallized into two primary viewpoints: one held that leadership should be chosen through consultation (Shura), leading to support for Abu Bakr (RA) as the first Caliph. The other believed leadership was a divine designation within the Prophet’s family, specifically his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). What began as a political dispute gradually evolved into a theological and sectarian divide between Sunni and Shia Islam. While both groups agree on the core tenets of Islam—monotheism, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage—their conceptions of religious authority diverged. Shia Islam holds that God provides ongoing guidance through a line of Imams and, subsequently, senior scholars (ayatollahs). Sunni Islam, comprising four major schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali), bases authority on the Quran and the traditions (Sunnah) of the Prophet, with scholars playing a less centralized interpretive role. This theological divergence has been exploited and hardened over centuries. Hard-line Sunni extremists often label Shias as heretics, while Shia extremists retaliate by branding their Sunni opponents as Takfiris (apostates). Europe faced similar sectarian strife during the 16th century, marked by brutal religious wars. Eventually, European nations took decisive steps to end the bloodshed, paving the way for the Renaissance and scientific advancement. In contrast, the Muslim world remained mired in disunity, making it vulnerable to the next great calamity: colonialism The Quranic Imperative for Unity In stark contrast to this history of division, the Quran repeatedly and emphatically commands unity. It should be regarded as a religious obligation central to the survival and identity of the Ummah. Key verses illuminate this principle: "Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects - you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything." This verse clearly distances the Prophet from those who create divisions based on personal desire and innovation. 6:159): Muhammad Asad interprets this verse as a warning against sectarianism driven by personal desires and innovations, which fragment humanity into hostile factions. "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you – when you were enemies, and He brought your hearts together, and you became, by His favour, brothers." 3:103): This powerful verse reminds Muslims that their very brotherhood is a divine gift, and that division is a rejection of that favour. "The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy." (49:10) Unity is framed as a fraternal bond, and its maintenance is a direct path to divine mercy. Islamic unity is not merely political but spiritual and moral. Sectarianism contradicts the very essence of Islam, which envisions the Ummah as one body—if one part suffers, the whole feels the pain. Yet today, Muslims often identify more with sectarian or national loyalties than with the collective interests of the Ummah. It has created fertile ground for extremist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram, who exploit these divisions to justify violence against both non-Muslims and Muslims who disagree with their nihilistic ideology. The Geopolitics of Fragmentation: External Exploitation Muslim nations today face immense challenges, but their greatest weakness is not a lack of resources; it is a lack of unity. This disunity ensures dependency and subservience to external powers. The colonial strategy to prevent Muslim unity was explicit. British Lord Curzon, upon the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1924, reportedly declared: "We must ensure that Muslims will never arise again in unity, whether it be intellectual or cultural unity." This chilling statement encapsulates a long-standing geopolitical strategy: to fracture the Muslim world and suppress any revival of its civilizational legacy. Colonial powers understood that a united Muslim world could threaten their global dominance. Therefore, they pursued “divide and rule” strategies—fomenting sectarian rivalries, drawing arbitrary borders, and exploiting economic resources while suppressing independence movements. This strategy was implemented through the colonial partition of the Ottoman territories into weak, semi-independent states bound by allegiance to European patrons. This system of indirect control was seamlessly inherited by the United States after World War II, maintained through a network of military bases and political alliances. By the late 19th century, most Muslim lands had fallen under European control. This was not merely a military defeat but also a civilizational setback. While Europe industrialized and modernized, many Muslim rulers clung to outdated systems, neglecting science, education, and economic reform. Modern Geopolitics: The Role of Israel and Western Powers The creation of Israel in 1948, equipped with advanced technology and unwavering Western support further fractured the Muslim world. Supported militarily and financially by Western powers, Israel became a strategic outpost ensuring continued Western influence in the Middle East. to monitor and divide the region This vision was echoed by former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2002, who stated that a fragmented Middle East composed of smaller, pliable states served the long-term interests of both the U.S. and Israel. Western powers maintain this leverage through economic coercion, military aid, and political manipulation. Nations that attempt to chart an independent course—Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran—face punitive measures, destabilization, or outright destruction. The 2003 invasion of Iraq, orchestrated by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair, was based on false claims of weapons of mass destruction and is widely condemned as a war crime. Similar policies continued under President Trump, particularly targeting Iran. European and American leaders have openly acknowledged Israel’s role as a proxy force. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly stated, “Israel is doing our dirty work,” justifying military support that enables aggressive actions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted that autocratic rulers in the Muslim world often serve Western interests, relying on foreign protection while acting against their own people. The subsequent policy of empowering one sect (Shia) over another (Sunni) plunged the country into a bloody sectarian war, directly leading to the birth of ISIS—a tragic case of external intervention exploiting internal divisions. This "divide and rule" tactic is a recurring theme. The Syrian civil war saw Sunni-majority nations back the opposition while Iran and Hezbollah supported the Alawite-led government. The conflict in Yemen has been turned into a sectarian proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, mirroring the broader Sunni-Shia competition for regional dominance that is often fuelled by external arms sales and political support. The result is that Muslims are killing each other en masse, while their collective power erodes. The Failure of Collective Institutions and Leadership In this environment, institutions designed for Muslim unity have proven ineffective. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with its 57 member states, has been paralyzed by political disagreements and sectarian divides, unable to achieve meaningful economic or political integration. Similarly, regional bodies like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) focus primarily on their own internal security and concerns, rather than broader regional development. Wealthy Gulf states invest vast capital in international markets and luxury projects while failing to provide sufficient assistance to war-torn and impoverished Muslim nations like Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Palestine, and Somalia. Intellectual and Spiritual Decline Beyond politics, intellectual stagnation has also undermined Muslim unity. During Islam’s Golden Age (8th–13th centuries), cities like Baghdad, Cordoba, and Cairo flourished as centres of learning where scholars of diverse schools engaged in Munāẓarāt (open debate). Philosophy, science, and theology thrived in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom. Today, such pluralism is rare. Sectarian rigidity stifles creativity and mutual respect. Many Muslim societies suppress dissent, restrict academic freedom, and silence journalists and scholars—undermining the very spirit of inquiry that once defined Islamic civilization. Even public protest against atrocities, such as those in Gaza, is often banned for fear it could inspire demands for accountable governance. This subservience limits their ability to respond when other Muslim nations are attacked, leading to contradictory and weak stances in international forums like the UN. A Path Forward: Reclaiming Our Unified Destiny Sectarianism and populism continue to distract from collective progress. When Muslims label each other as infidels, internal decay overshadows any external threat. The solution does not require abandoning one’s sect or school of thought; it requires a return to the classical Islamic spirit of intellectual freedom and mutual respect. Sectarianism and populism continue to divide the Ummah, distracting from collective progress. When ideological differences lead to accusations of disbelief, internal decay overshadows external threats. The spirit of tribalism—Jahiliyyah—remains entrenched, with Muslims divided into sects such as Sunni, Shia, Barelvi, Deobandi, Ahmadi, and Ismaili, each claiming exclusive legitimacy. Yet Islamic values, rooted in the Qur’an and the Prophet’s teachings, offer a framework for overcoming these divides. Principles of mutual respect, inter-sectarian dialogue, and intellectual openness can foster harmony and empower Muslim nations to resist exploitation and reclaim autonomy. During the classical Islamic age, a humanistic spirit flourished in centres like Baghdad, Isfahan, Cairo, Cordoba, Turkey, and Bukhara. These hubs welcomed diverse schools of thought—Sunni, Shia, Ismaili, Mutazilite, Asharite—and encouraged Munāẓarāt (open debate) in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom. This pluralism enriched Islamic civilization and demonstrated that unity does not require uniformity. Today, it is unrealistic to expect Muslims to abandon their sects or ʿAqīdah. However, it is essential to recognize that all groups are sincere in their pursuit of truth. No sect has the right to claim exclusive access to salvation. Only Allah knows the Absolute Truth and will judge accordingly on the Day of Judgment. Mutual Respect and Toleration: Every Muslim and scholar can remain loyal to their sect while actively showing respect and dignity to those of other sects. We must internalize the Quranic decree: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you" (49:13). Only Allah knows the Absolute Truth, and it is His sole prerogative to judge on the Day of Judgment. This verse calls for mutual understanding and respect across differences. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) foresaw that his followers would divide into many groups, and he urged them to compete in doing good—not in arrogance or exclusion. Practical steps toward this goal include: Islam commands the unity of the Ummah, likening it to a single body where all members feel each other’s pain. To restore this unity: 1. Respect Across Sects: Muslims and scholars may remain loyal to their sects and schools of thought, but must show dignity, tolerance, and acceptance toward others. 2. Individual Transformation: Unity begins with personal reform. Every Muslim plays a role in building collective strength. 3. Inter-Sectarian Dialogue: Open conversations and mutual understanding can foster cooperation among Muslim nations. 4. Institutional Oversight: States must ensure religious freedom while monitoring institutions that promote hate, sectarianism, or extremism. 5. Strategic Alignment: A reconciliation and strategic alignment between pivotal nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran, based on a shared commitment to Quranic values and mutual interest, could dramatically alter the geopolitical landscape and pave the way for broader unity A Vision for the Future The path to a united Ummah lies in thoughtful reform—led by grassroots Muslims and scholars committed to moderation and cooperation. We must create a model of unity in action, one that addresses today’s challenges and inspires global respect. A Unified Security Pact: The most ambitious yet crucial step is the establishment of a mutual defence pact or federation among Muslim nations. If European nations can maintain their sovereignty while being part of NATO, why can Muslim nations not form a similar collective security agreement? This would eliminate the need for external security guarantees that compromise our autonomy and often pit us against each other. This concept may seem far-fetched today, but it is doable. It is a powerful ideal that can inspire a generation to overcome divisions. We must create a concrete model of unity—political, economic, and spiritual—that serves as a beacon for all Muslims worldwide Every Muslim must work toward this ideal—through education, dialogue, and civic engagement. The Quran Commands Us Not Merely To Pray For Deliverance, But To Act: "Verily, never will God change the condition of a people until they change it themselves" (13:11). Our current condition is one of division and weaknesses. It is upon us, through conscious effort, faith, and a return to our foundational principle of brotherhood, to change it to one of unity, strength, and dignity. Unity is not just a dream—it is a divine command, a historical necessity, and a moral obligation. It can restore hope, justice, and progress for over a billion Muslims worldwide. The time to act is now. Suggested References • Hart, Michael H. The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History. Citadel Press, 1978. • Watt, W. Montgomery. Muhammad at Medina. Oxford University Press, 1956. • Asad, Muhammad. The Message of the Qur'an. Dar al-Andalus, 1980. • Netanyahu, Benjamin. Speech at Concordia University, Montreal, 2002. • Qur’an translations: Sahih International, Yusuf Ali, and Muhammad Asad. ---- Dr. Basheer Ahmed is a former Professor of Psychiatry, UT, Southwestern Medical School Dallas, President Emeritus of Institute of Medieval and Post- Medieval Studies (IMPMS), and Chairman Emeritus of the Muslim Community Centre for Human Services. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/unity-muslims-geopolitical-intellectual-crisis/d/136715 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism