How to unite the Ummah

[arshad1988]

The Islamic civilization used to flourish for centuries. We have lost the influence we used to have in the world, in my opinion due to picking at all our differences instead of focusing on our similarities. What ideas do you all have that would give some impetus and unite the ummah. The Prophet(pbuh) introduced 1 ummah. Although we may all have our differences, I still feel that we can unite all fractions of our faith by focusing on our similarities. Any thoughts?

[AsadALLAH]

You talking about Ismaili's or all Muslims in general?

[kmaherali]

Below is an excerpt of a news article about MHI's visit to Syria wherein he addressed the issue of pluralism in the Umma.

“It is thus clearly evident,” said the Aga Khan, “that peace in the decades ahead can only be achieved when the pluralist nature of human society is understood, valued, and built upon, to construct a better future. In Islam, the pluralism of human society is well recognised, and the ethics of its multiple interpretations require that this diversity be accorded respect.”

The Aga Khan reminded his audience that “the shahada (the Muslim profession of faith), La-illaha-Illallah-Muhammadur-Rasullilah – binds a thousand million people who, over the centuries, have come to live in different cultures, speak different languages, live in different political contexts, and who differentiate in some interpretations of their faith.”

“The plurality of the Muslim world” he stressed, “is not just an irreversible historical fact, but it is a strength for which we must be grateful, and a strength that must be continuously harnessed to the building of the future within the ethics of Islam.”

“Any differences must be resolved through tolerance, through understanding, through compassion, through dialogue, through forgiveness, through generosity, all of which represent the ethics of Islam.”

Noting with “deep happiness and admiration that here in Syria the principles of tolerance, brotherhood, and mutual support amongst communities are already well established,” the Aga Khan said, “perhaps more could be done, in particular, by greater and strengthened collaboration in identifying and analysing social and economic challenges that lie ahead, and in determining how best to anticipate and respond to them.”

http://www.amaana.org/agakhan/syria2.htm

There is also a thread on Pluralism in Islamic Ummah in this section.

[From_Alamut]

There is an interested interview of our Beloved Kudavan with this journalis Gunter Knabe on Youtube.
He shows the pluralistic side of Islam..............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iSo86Pb ... re=related

[From_Alamut]

There is another very interest interview of our Beloved Kudavan on CBC NEWS WORLD -cbc.ca - Mansbridge One on One - In year 2006............It is divided into 3 part on Youtube...... It must be WATCH by everyone.......

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO9fRDp59wI

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf1VyRFa ... re=related

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkFpH5rblZU&NR=1