Islamic legal understanding and its effect on avoiding polarizations among Muslims

Abstract

The realization of inter-Muslim unity was a proclaimed goal from the beginning of the Divine Revelation. Further, it would remain a lofty ideal, but difficult to achieve in all subsequent historical periods. The physical presence of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) among his companions, and his strong spiritual connection with him, made them lower their voices when near his voice. He amazingly installed the spirit of mutual patience, precisely in those who were previously unparalleled in conflict and hostility. As long as he lived among them, he avoided any possibility that their individual voices and dissenting opinions would evolve to any conflict or to any cracking or dissension among them.

After his death, would arise the need for a powerful mechanism that would guarantee the preservation of the unity and fraternal compactness of the Muslims, which they enjoyed for more than two decades. Undoubtedly the consensus of the elite of scholars and their unanimity on fundamental issues was the lifeline. As a legal basis, he would keep alive the hopes for preserving that aspired unity.