The Muslim Ummah
Our Lord says in the Holy Qur’an:
“And verily this Ummah of yours is one Ummah and I am your Lord and Cherisher, therefore fear Me and no other.” (Qur’an 23:52)
The term ‘Ummah’ means community. We should be very grateful to Allah that we are a part of the Muslim Ummah, as Allah describes this Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the Holy Qur’an that by saying:
“You are the best community (Ummah) raised up for (the benefit of) humanity; enjoying what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in God.” (Qur’an 3:110)
As a part of this Ummah, we should not forget the way we should live our lives and the way we should behave. Our Lord describes this Ummah as the best, so we should not forget this.
Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Thus have we made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over the nations, and the Apostle a witness over yourselves.” (Qur’an 2:143)
This is extremely important for us to understand because there are many times when we do not realise that our thoughts or actions are unbalanced. This imbalance may stem from our heedlessness towards other people’s feelings, or in the way that we are careless about our health.
We must remember that the concept of balance in Islam is crucial for every aspect of our lives. It will allow us to find peace and contentment and become closer to our Lord.
As part of this Ummah, we are also required to have Taqwa (piety, God consciousness). We read in the Holy Qur’an:
“O you who believe! Fear God as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam.” (Qur’an 2:102)
Therefore, we should remember that Allah is always aware of what we do. This should help us to better ourselves as believers and bring us closer to our Lord.
When we are about to do something wrong, we will remember that our Lord is watching us, so we will abstain from the bad deed. In the same way, when we are doing a good deed, we will be content knowing that our Lord is aware of it and will reward us for it.
As an Ummah, we must remember that it is our duty to treat everyone as we would want to be treated – regardless of their religion. We should show our kindness and be polite. Allah will reward us for being selfless and for taking care of those around us. We read in the Holy Qur’an:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the site of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. and God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Qur’an 49:13)