Unity Is Strength -Professor Saheed Timehin -

Professor Saheed Olurotimi Timehin presented a paper entitled Unity Is Strength: Lessons from Islamic History as a Guide to Contemporary Global Challenges Facing the Muslim Ummah and Implications for National Peace in Nigeria at the Jalsa Salana (Annual Conference) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria, at the Jamiah Ahmadiyya, Ilaro, Ogun State Nigeria, on Saturday, 20th December 2025

The presentation discusses the importance of unity among the Muslim Ummah and its implications for addressing contemporary global challenges, particularly in the context of national peace in Nigeria.

Unity as a Prerequisite for Peace

Unity is essential for achieving global peace and stability amidst contemporary challenges.

Unity is recognized as a prerequisite for peace, stability, and development.
Global challenges include climate change, social inequalities, violent conflicts, and health crises.
The interconnectedness of the world means all are affected by these issues.
Calls for global peace have been emphasized by religious leaders, including the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at.

National Identity and Its Impact on Conflicts

National identity often fuels conflicts and challenges in contemporary society.

National identity is a cultural construction influenced by historical strife and wars.
Issues of nationhood contribute to conflicts, with individuals often prioritizing national allegiance.
Islam promotes a global family perspective, emphasizing equality among all people.
Racial and national arrogance have historically led to major conflicts, including the World Wars.

The Concept of Unity in Islam

JALSA SALAN DELEGATES — **Jalsa Salana Delegates**

Islamic teachings emphasize unity as a divine obligation for societal strength.

Unity in Islam is rooted in the concept of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah).
The Qur’an commands believers to hold firmly to the “rope of Allah” to avoid division.
Historical experiences show that disunity has weakened Muslim societies and led to external manipulation.
Unity is linked to strength, while disunity leads to societal weakness.

Brotherhood and Social Solidarity in the Sunnah

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (saw) reinforce the importance of unity and social solidarity.

The Prophet used metaphors to illustrate the interdependence of believers as a single body.
The Constitution of Madinah established a cohesive community among diverse groups.
Ethical conduct and social justice were key to achieving unity in Madinah.
The Qur’an warns against division and emphasizes the importance of collective strength.

Contemporary Challenges Facing the Muslim Ummah

The Muslim Ummah faces both external and internal challenges that threaten unity and peace.

External challenges include ideological attacks, Islamophobia, and geopolitical pressures.
Internal challenges consist of ignorance, disunity, and moral corruption within Muslim societies.
The legacy of colonialism and injustices has contributed to contemporary conflicts.
Cultural infiltration and moral erosion through global media further complicate the situation.

Suggested Solutions for Global and Internal Challenges

A multi-faceted approach is necessary to address the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah.

Reclaiming the narrative of Islam through modern media and scholarship is essential.
Strengthening global Islamic diplomacy and economic empowerment among Muslim nations is crucial.
Reviving authentic Islamic education and promoting unity through ethical disagreement are key internal solutions.
Encouraging intellectual renewal and building programs that strengthen faith and identity are vital for progress.

Implications for National Peace in Nigeria

The principles of unity and justice are essential for achieving sustainable peace in Nigeria.

Justice must be the foundation of unity to address deep-seated grievances in Nigeria.
Leadership challenges require appointing morally upright individuals to drive national peace initiatives.
The Qur’an and Sunnah establish unity as a divine mandate, essential for overcoming contemporary challenges.
Nigeria’s stability reflects the need for addressing injustices and governance failures.

Historical Perspectives on Nigeria

This section provides a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s history through various scholarly works.

Falola and Heaton (2008) present a detailed account of Nigeria’s historical development.
The book covers significant events, cultural dynamics, and socio-political changes in Nigeria.
It serves as a foundational text for understanding Nigeria’s complex past.

Constitutional Developments in History

This topic discusses the origins and significance of the first written constitution.

Hamidullah (1985) claims it to be the first written constitution in the world.
The work highlights the historical context and implications of this constitutional development.

International Politics and Nation-States

This section explores the relationship between nation-states and global politics.

Herz (1976) examines the crises faced by nation-states in the 20th century.
The essays provide insights into international relations and the evolving nature of statehood.

Islamic Civilization and Its Ventures

This topic delves into the historical evolution of Islamic societies.

Hodgson (1974) discusses the development of Islamic civilization across three volumes.
The work emphasizes the cultural, religious, and political aspects of Islam’s expansion.

Quranic Exegesis and Interpretation

This section focuses on the interpretations of the Quran by notable scholars.

Ibn Kathir (2000) provides a significant tafsir (exegesis) of the Quran, emphasizing its theological insights.
The tafsir is a critical resource for understanding Islamic teachings and principles.

Civil Society in Islamic Context

This topic addresses the role of civil society within Islamic frameworks.

Kamali (2010) explores the interplay between civil society and Islam.
The work discusses how Islamic principles can inform civil engagement and social structures.

Authoritarianism and Development in Islam

This section examines the relationship between Islam, authoritarian governance, and socio-economic development.

Kuru (2019) argues that authoritarianism in Islamic contexts can hinder development.
The book analyses case studies to illustrate the impact of governance on societal progress.

Historical Overview of Islamic Societies

This topic provides a broad historical account of Islamic societies.

Lapidus (2014) offers a comprehensive history of Islamic societies in its third edition.
The work covers various regions and periods, highlighting the diversity within Islamic civilization.

Migration and Religion

This section discusses the intersection of migration and religious identity.

Levitt (2007) argues that religion plays a crucial role in the lives of migrants.
The book emphasizes the need for understanding religious dynamics in the context of globalization.

Nationalism and Modernity

This topic explores the concept of nationalism and its evolution.

Greenfeld (1992) presents five pathways to modernity through the lens of nationalism.
The work examines how nationalism shapes identities and political landscapes.

Islamic Texts and Authenticity

This section focuses on the authenticity of Islamic texts and their interpretations.

Muslim (2007) presents a collection of authentic hadiths, crucial for Islamic jurisprudence.
The work serves as a key reference for scholars and practitioners of Islam.

Shia Revival in Contemporary Context

This topic discusses the resurgence of Shia Islam in modern times.

Nasr (2006) analyses the factors contributing to the Shia revival.
The book highlights the socio-political implications of this resurgence in various regions.

Tafsir Literature and Its Significance

This section examines the contributions of tafsir literature to Islamic scholarship.

Qummi (2018) and Tabarsi (1997) provide important interpretations of the Quran.
Their works are essential for understanding the theological and historical context of Islamic texts.

The Quran: A Central Religious Text

This topic emphasizes the significance of the Quran in Islamic faith.

The Saheeh International Translation (1997) offers an accessible version of the Quran.
The Quran serves as the primary source of guidance for Muslims worldwide.

Historical Context of Racial Unity

This section discusses the importance of racial unity for social progress.

Thomas (1993) argues that racial unity is imperative for achieving social advancement.
The work emphasizes the need for collective action across racial lines.

Islamic Scholarship and Interpretation

This topic highlights the contributions of various scholars to Islamic thought.

Zamakhshari (2017) provides a critical tafsir that is widely referenced in Islamic studies.
The work emphasizes the importance of scholarly interpretation in understanding the Quran.

Nigeria at 65: A Journey of Struggle, Resilience and Promise