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2:213 UNITY & DIFFERENCES
2:213 “ The people (in the beginning) were (all united) on the single religion (of Islam); (but when the differences developed amongst them), (Almighty) Allah sent (His) Prophets giving happy news as well as warnings, and sent down (also) with them the Book with truth so as to give their judgement between the people on matters in which they differed. And in this, only those people (particularly the religious scholars) who were given the Book, created differences (which were not based on good intention, but) because of prejudicial feelings amongst themselves, in spite of the fact that the clear Signs (Verses, Books) came to them. But (Almighty) Allah guided the believers with His Decision on matters of truth in which others (i.e. religious scholars) differed. And Allah guides those whom He pleases to the straight path.”
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The Holy Prophet
warned:
“Do not differ with one another, since it was because of the differences
that the previous nations were destroyed.”
(Bukhari: 2279, Muslim-mishkat:144)
Al-Quran warns:
a) “Obey Allah & His messenger (Muhammad-peace be upon him) and
don’t quarrel (differ), otherwise you will be weakened and your
reputation of strength will blow off…..” (8:46)
b) “Say (Holy Prophet): He has all the power to send punishment to you
from above and from under your feet and divide you into different
groups, and thus force you to taste the terror of others…..”(6:65)
c) “And hold fast together the string of Allah (i.e. Al-Quran) and don’t split
up yourselves…” (3:103)
d) “Indeed, those who divided their religion into groups, you (Holy Prophet) have absolutely no concern with them….”(6:159)
In the next Verse 2:214, the believers have been given the signal to keep them ready to face difficulties in the way of Islam with courage & strength.
