UNITY DESPITE DIFFERENCES

During the time when a war was ongoing between Ali and Mu‘awiyah, the Byzantine Emperor, based in Constantinople, considered launching an attack on the Muslim world. He thought, “The Muslims are currently engaged in internal conflict. If I strike now, I may be able to reclaim Syria, Egypt, and other regions.”

When Mu‘awiyah learned of this plan, he immediately sent a letter to the Byzantine Emperor, which included the following declaration:

“By God, if you do not stop and return to your land, my cousin and I will unite against you. We will drive you out of all your territories and tighten the earth upon you as far as it stretches.” (Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya, Vol. 11, p. 400)

History records that after receiving this letter, the Byzantine Emperor lost his nerve. He stopped preparing his troops and realized that declaring war on the Muslims would only bring greater destruction upon himself.

This is the way of those who are truly alive in spirit. They may have internal disagreements, but when it comes to larger shared interests, they put aside their differences and unite. Their disagreements have limits, and once those limits are reached, the division disappears.

A person of integrity does not support injustice, even if it involves a close friend. Nor do they stoop to dishonourable behaviour, even toward an enemy. Even amid personal disputes, they remain united on collective matters. Personal bitterness never clouds their sense of Islamic or human brotherhood. Such individuals, though they may have disputes, still acknowledge the qualities of others. Even when hurt, they honour their obligations. A person of conscience never acts dishonourably—they may oppose, but never resort to baseless accusations. A person of integrity can be an opponent, but never petty.