Abdullah Fadaaq Al-Watan newspaper Our world is replete with turbulence that threatens to erode our unity. Therefore I find it imperative today to call for a unified stand against the elements of disparity and disunity. Stopping the devious mechanism of traitors who are waiting for an opportunity to disunite us is an important priority. I was fortunate to visit Abu Dhabi, a beautiful city, recently. I was also lucky to attend the 10th session of Al-Burda Award giving ceremony. This ceremony is held every year during the celebrations of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A contest is held on this occasion to honor people who wrote the best poetry and came up with the best artwork in praise of the Prophet (pbuh). The steady success of Al-Burda Award would not have been possible without the overall development achieved by the United Arab Emirates in all fields since the country was united by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. The country's success continues during the reign of his successor Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed and the rulers of other emirates. The award made me remember a verse in a famous poem written by Imam Al-Busairi in which he asked people to express in words the virtues of the Prophet (pbuh). It is not possible to cover all the virtues and the good deeds of the Prophet (pbuh). These everlasting deeds include his Hadiths (sayings). One of these Hadiths has strongly warned Muslims against disunity. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever wants the prosperity of Heavens should not disassociate himself from the community." Caliph Omar warned Muslims against splitting themselves into factions saying this was against the teachings of Islam. The Caliph realized that splitting into splinter groups or sects would harm Muslims by consolidating the pagan beliefs of tribalism and partisanship in their minds. I am talking in general to warn against the adverse effects of disunity over Islamic issues. We should cooperate to block the path of those who plant the seeds of disunity, separation and dissension. It is our top priority to protect our society against fanatics. We should not join hands secretly with Satan. The Qur'an says in Surat Al-Anfal (verse 46): "And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs."
