A Call to Integrate!
“Integration — whether among Muslims themselves, Muslims living in non-Muslim communities, or non-Muslims living in majority Muslim societies — follows one philosophy and one rule of coexistence: a balanced human harmony built on mutual respect, rights, and responsibilities.”
Islamophobia is on the rise — from headscarf and face-veil bans in Europe, to racial attacks and anti-Muslim slurs in the West, to discrimination against Muslims displaying Islamic identity, such as the beard or hijab. Nothing restrains it except a sincere, collective will to integrate.
Yet integration is also lacking within Muslim communities themselves. Division has weakened the Ummah — now split into factions, sub-factions, and camps. This fragmentation paralyzes progress and erodes brotherhood.
A Prophetic Model of Integration
Integration, whether within Muslims or with non-Muslims, is rooted in one universal principle: respect, shared responsibility, and peaceful coexistence — guided by Shari’ah rules.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified integration between the Meccan emigrants (Muhājirīn) and the Helpers of Madinah (Ansār).
Ibn ʿAbbās said: “When the emigrants came to the Prophet ﷺ in Medina, the emigrant would inherit the Ansari due to the bond of brotherhood established by the Prophet… When the verse ‘And to everyone We have appointed heirs’ (Qur’an 4:33) was revealed, it cancelled the inheritance aspect but kept cooperation, support, and mutual counsel intact.”
This shows integration based on sincere companionship, mutual help, and shared destiny.
Additionally, the historic Covenant of Madinah established harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims, showing 1500 years ago how coexistence and justice could be achieved.
Where Do We Stand Today?
Consider how far we’ve drifted from our legacy of unity and moral leadership. Recent political upheavals in the Muslim world have cost nations lives, wealth, and time. Yet one truth remains:
Without integration, division grows — within nations and between nations — weakening all.
This applies to:
- Muslim communities internally,
- Muslim nations with each other,
- Muslims and non-Muslims globally.
A Call to Integrate — Sincerely and Urgently
We must accept differences and invest in commonalities. Whether Muslim-to-Muslim or Muslim-to-non-Muslim, the path is the same:
- Unite where we agree.
- Respect where we differ.
- Build where we stand.
In the modern age, “peace” is nurtured by hearts and minds — understanding, cooperation, and sincere goodwill.
United, we live in peace. Divided, we all suffer.
Maha Youssuf
Chief Editor, Muslim Tribune
& the Editorial Team
