About One Ummah
(Click Here for Site Guide)
The word Ummah comes from the Arabic amma
which means "to go, betake, repair, go to see," Imama "to lead the
way, lead by one's example (esp. in prayer)," umuma "to be or
become a mother, to nationalize, etc." Also derived from this root is
Umm which means "mother, source, origin, basis, foundation, original,
original version (of a book), the gist, essence of…"
Thus the word Ummah means "nation, people, generation,
community."
The Qur'an uses this word in a number of ways, but it is primarily used
to describe groups of people from past and future. In the case of the
past, Allah says in the Qur'an:
To every ummah (was sent) a Messenger: when their Messenger
comes (before them), the matter will be judged between them with
justice, and they will not be wronged. (10:47)
Mankind was but one ummah, but differed (later). Had it not
been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, their differences
would have been settled between them. (10:19)
Mankind was one single ummah. And Allah sent Messengers
with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth,
to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People
of the Book after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among
themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace guided
the Believers to the Truth, concerning what wherein they differed. For
Allah guides whom He will to a path that is straight. (2:213)
We can see from these ayats (verses, clear proofs) that Allah, The Most
High, makes commentaries in the Qur'an about past ummahs stating
that Messengers were sent to all of them, yet they still chose to split
into sects through nothing more than "selfish contumacy."
There are other places in the Qur'an where Allah speaks specifically
about this Ummah (meaning the ummah of Muhammad, upon whom
be peace). Allah has given this Ummah a special, honored position
to be inheritors of the earth, and with that position comes
responsibility.
Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced. That you
might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over
yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which you were used, only to
test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their
heels (from the Faith). Indeed it was (a change) momentous, except to
those guided by Allah. And never would Allah make your faith of no
effect, for Allah is to all people most surely full of Kindness, Most
Merciful. (2:143)
This ayat discusses the change in qibla (direction of prayer) from
Jerusalem to the sacred mosque in Makkah. This change was a test of faith
for the
Ummah among the many tests they were given. The true faithful among
them would stay united throughout the tests. Also, the message given to
this Ummah puts us in a position to be witnesses over the issues
that caused divisions among past ummahs.
If Allah so willed, He could make you all one Ummah: but He
leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but you
shall certainly be called to account for all your actions. (16:93)
So, in this ayat, Allah tells us that there will be people who will
inevitably stray and choose not to unite. Clearly, however, those who
choose not to unite are going against the command of Allah, glorified and
exalted.
And verily this Ummah of yours is One Ummah
and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other).
(23:52)
The above evidence is cited only to show that One Ummah
is not a mere title or catch phrase for this web site. It is rather a
light shining in the darkness of disunity amidst the confusion of an
Ummah
without leadership. It is, after all, extracted from the very words
of Allah: "ummatan wahidah."
One Ummah.
One Ummah Network is an educational web site that is designed to
liberate Muslims from the shackles of nationalism, racism, sectarianism,
and any other ideology that contrasts with the universality of Islam.
We believe that the only way to achieve this goal is through education
of the tolerant and encompassing nature of Islam.
Much of the suffering, fighting, confusion, and dissension that exists
in the Muslim Ummah (nation, community) is the result of our ignorance
about Islam and about each other.
Our goal is to shed light on the truth that is Islam, shared by over
1.2 billion people in the world so that the veils of darkness may be
lifted from our eyes, the stifling covers may be pulled from our ears, and
the silencing muzzles may be removed from our mouths. Then, we will be
witnesses over the nations as Allah and His Messenger (saaws) are
witnesses over us.
Site Guide
Announcements
- This section will keep you up to date on most of the things going on
with OneUmmah.
Al-Islam- Beliefs & Practices
- This is a basic web site specifically for people new to Islam.
Although it is for non-Muslims and new Muslims, there is plenty of
information on this site that will benefit even the
"knowledgeable" Muslim.
The Rope of Allah - A book consisting
of a collection of articles relating to Muslim unity and the concept of tawhid (oneness) in Islam.
The Holy Qur'an Online
- We have an easy-to-use online English translation with Arabic
text of the Qur'an
available for use. There is also a search utility on the
page. We also have links to other translations and sites where
you can get your own Qur'an.
One
Ummah Network Islamic Library - Libraries are the foundations of
societies. Through libraries, a civilization's history,
knowledge, and culture are preserved. One Ummah is the process
of constructing an online library that will serve as a resource for
Muslims around the world, insha'Allah.
World Muslim
Writers Society And Foundation - This is a new association
for Muslim writers. Have you articles, poems, etc seen by a
Muslim audience. Discuss new methods of expression through
media. Voice your opinion on a controversial issue.
Whatever it is you want to write, we have the place for you to make it
seen.
Muslim Message Discussion Forum and Online Community
- "What is that thing called that you do in prayer?"
"How much do I give for Zakat?" "Muslims need to
quit being so closed-minded." Whatever your question
is. Whatever your opinion is. Whatever statement you have
that needs to be discussed, Muslim Message is the
place.
Islam FAQ -
A basic guide to Islam is necessary for anyone new to the religion and
also to some seasoned veterans. Regardless of one's level of
knowledge, there are always more questions to be asked. The
Islam FAQ is a collection of frequently asked questions about Islam
and our attempt to answer them.
