Islam has encouraged brotherly attitude and community connections among the Muslim Ummah in so many instances in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah peace be upon him. Such brotherly behavior and the consequential spirit of unity that would bound Muslims may have such life-altering experience beyond anybody’s expectations unless you try and apply it. Let me list you some examples here; Allah, the Almighty says in the Quran: “The believers are brothers”- (Quran 49:10) And in another instance, Allah, the Almighty says; “Humble to the believers, fierce to the unbelievers.”- (Quran 5:54) And in a noble Hadith, Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said; “Do not hate one another nor envy one another nor act in a hostile way towards one another nor cut one another off. Be slaves of Allah, brothers. It is not lawful for a Muslim to cut himself off from his brother for more than three days.” [Agreed upon] Also Hurayrah may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said; “The gates of the Garden are opened on Mondays and Thursdays and every slave who does not associate anything with Allah is forgiven except the man between whom and his brother there is rancor. It is said, ‘Wait until these two make it up! Wait until these two make it up!'” [related by Imam Muslim] Rancor, negative feelings and disunity among Muslims is a dreadful spirit that hampers any effort to move forward with any development. It is capable of hampering one’s own spirit and eagerness to progress and deal with others towards fulfillment. Unite and set your differences aside. This is the only way for you and the entire Muslim Ummah to progress, develop and regain our faded glory. Refrain form animosity and be one spirit. Wassalaam, Maha Youssuf maha@muslimtribune.org   Posted on: October 1, 2012