Reflection No. 74 on Q 49:10 – Brothers in Faith

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ

The believers are indeed brethren, therefore make peace between your brethren.
Sura al-Hujurat, verse 10

Faith is a powerful unifying factor. It overcomes boundaries of race and background, of geographical locations and cultural differences. Faith speaks to the heart, and the bond between believers can be felt across many so called barriers.

The stronger the faith is, the greater the bond with those who share the same faith. When you love Allah, you also love those who love Him. This is automatic, almost involuntary. You cannot help but feel close to one who is on the same journey as you and is aiming for the same destination.

Islam calls believers brothers, not just friends. They are like one family, and should look out for one another just as blood related siblings would. They have rights on one another, and work together for a common goal. Believers have been likened to two hands, one washing the other. The process of washing is easier, smoother, more pleasant, than one hand doing it by itself.

Although we might have differences between ourselves, the bond of belief demands that we make peace and overcome those differences. That we don’t hold grudges, or harbor resentment. Harmony between brethren in belief makes the journey towards God so much sweeter. It allows for companionship, and alleviates loneliness. The sense of community and oneness with other believers is a powerful support in life.

Recite this verse to remind yourself that you are connected through the strong ties of faith to believers across the globe. Thus you feel their pain, and are concerned for them. You want for them what you want for yourself. Use it to remind yourself that no matter what the faults of your community, you still share a bond with them. You cannot cut ties with them. Instead, understand them and work with them to overcome the differences. Make peace with them, and that peace will radiate all around you, including you also in the serenity it creates.