One
of the secrets of the believers' success is the warm brotherhood and
solidarity among them. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of unity: [Truly, Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array as
if they were a solid cemented structure]
(As-Saff 61:4).
Any
statement or behavior that may damage this close brotherhood would be
an adverse act against religion itself. Allah warns the believers
against this threat in the Qur'an: [Obey Allah and His Messenger;
and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and your power depart;
and be patient and persevering: for Allah is with those who patiently
persevere]
(Al-Anfal 8:46).
Hence,
the sincere believers must be extremely cautious of entering into such
disputes, avoiding words or manners that may hurt their brothers or
sisters. Moreover, believers should behave in a way that increases
affection and confidence among themselves. In the Qur'an, we have the
clear decree: [Say to My servants that they should only say those
things that are best: for Satan sows dissensions among them: Satan is
to man an avowed enemy]
(Al-Israa' 17:53).
Believers
should behave and talk in the most modest and humble way even if they
do not have the same opinion as their brother or sister on some issue.
Sharing ideas should remain on the basis of "consultation"
and not "debate." If a contention is observed among between
other believers, then what one should do is indicated in the verse: [The
believers are but a single Brotherhood. So make peace and
reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah,
so that you may receive His Mercy]
(Al-Hujurat 49:10).