Kuwaiti Scholar Stresses Role of Media in Enhancing Muslim Unity
Abdullah Ahmad Sifr Abol, who is also a Quran reciters and a religious activits, told IQNA in an interview that there are some media outlets that work to uphold unity but some other act differently and foment discord in the Muslim Ummah.
“In the face of these actions by enemies and ill-wishers, we must be vigilant,” he said, adding that the best way to foil such attempts is using the same means, that is, media.
Abol added that the cyberspace should also be used as a means to enhance Islamic accord and proximity.
Efforts can be made to bring Muslims closer together by holding webinar, cultural activities and scholarly events in the virtual space, he stated.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Kuwaiti scholar said maintaining and strengthening Islamic unity is a divine commandment.
God says in verse 10 of Surah Al Imran “And hold fast to the Bond of Allah, together, and do not scatter. Remember the Favor of Allah bestowed upon you when you were enemies, and how He united your hearts, so that by His Favor you became brothers,” Abol said, stressing that unity is a way of thanking God for the blessing of fraternity.
He also cited verse a03 of the same Surah “Do not follow the example of those who became divided and differed with one another after clear proofs had come to them. For those, there is a great punishment,” to stress the need for Muslims to avoid discord and disputes.
Asked about the components of Islamic unity, he said the main issue is accepting one another and maintaining accord and cooperation despite having some differences.
He said Muslims should focus on what unites them, such as God, the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Holy Quran, daily prayers, Hajj and fasting.
The scholar noted that concepts that encourage and boost Islamic unity should be taught to kids since early childhood and should be emphasized in school and at home.
Asked about the challenges in the path of unity, he said one of the main challenges is extremism and radicalism.
He said enemies also pose challenges to realization of Islamic unity by hatching plots and fomenting discord.
Muslims must remain vigilant against such moves and foil the adversaries’ attempts by concentrating on uniting factors, he went on to say.
