Collective Healing for the World: How Islam Encourages Community & Togetherness

Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Islam is a religion that emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness. From the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the practices of daily life, Islam encourages all of humanity to embrace community for the collective healing of the world.

Here are just 10 examples in which Islam promotes the value of community:

1. Ummah: In Islam, the concept of Ummah refers to the global community of believers. This concept emphasizes the idea that all Muslims are part of one family, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. All humans on earth are actually related back to the first human Adam. This sense of unity and belonging is seen as essential for the collective well-being of the Muslim community.
   

2. Social justice: Islam teaches that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and that it is the responsibility of Muslims to work towards social justice and fairness for all. This includes working to alleviate poverty, promote education, healthcare, and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.
   

3. Charity: In Islam, charitable giving is seen as an important way to help others and create a more just and equitable society. Wealthy Muslims are encouraged to donate a portion of their wealth to those in need, and many Islamic organizations and charities work to provide assistance to those in need around the world. We are all brothers & sisters so one of us suffering is our extended family of the world in need. We need to help when we can with what we have to give.
   

4. Community service: In Islam, serving one's community is seen as a way to fulfill one's religious obligations and to create positive change in the world. Muslims are encouraged to volunteer their time and resources to help those in need and to work towards the betterment of the community of God.
   

5. Strong Relationships: Islam emphasizes the importance of strong, healthy relationships and encourages its followers to build and maintain strong bonds with others. This includes not only family and friends, but also neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers. We should regularly check in with loved ones in our life & keep this sense of togetherness alive. We are supposed to strive towards keeping our relationships strong.
   

6. Forgiveness and compassion: Islam teaches us that forgiveness and compassion are essential for healing and growth, both on an individual and collective level. Muslims are encouraged to seek out and grant forgiveness, and to show compassion towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
   

7. Prayer and spiritual practice: In Islam, prayer and other spiritual practices are seen as a way to connect with God and to find inner peace and strength. By engaging in these practices together as a community, Muslims can find support and encouragement in their own spiritual journey. The brotherhood/sisterhood grows strong for the sake of being close to Allah.
   

8. Education: Islam places a strong emphasis on the importance of education, and many Islamic schools and universities around the world work to provide access to quality education for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. By investing in education, Muslims can help to create a more informed and enlightened world. During the Golden Age of Islam, a young Muslim woman, Fatima Al-Fahri, established the first University in history called University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fes, Morocco, in 859 AD.
   

9. Community gatherings: In Islam, community gatherings are seen as a way to come together and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. From weekly Friday prayers to annual Eid festivals and celebrations, community gathers for worship & living in God-consciousness foster and strengthen togetherness.
   

10. Diversity and respect: Islam teaches that all people are created equal and deserve respect, regardless of their beliefs, ethnicity, or background. By embracing diversity and showing respect for others, Muslims can create a more inclusive and harmonious Universe.

Islam encourages all believers of the world to embrace in collective healing through living within a strong spiritual community. By building strong relationships, working towards social justice, and engaging in spiritual practices together, Muslims & all believers of God can create a more just and compassionate world for all.

“O humankind! Surely We have created you from a single (pair of) male and female, and made you into tribes and families so that you may know one another (and so build mutuality and co-operative relationships, not so that you may take pride in your differences of race or social rank, and breed enmities). Surely the noblest, most honorable of you in God’s sight is the one best in piety, righteousness, and reverence for God. Surely God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” Quran (49:13)