12 Damaging Effects of Sectarianism in Islam

“And surely this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher, therefore fear Me and no other. But people have broken their religion into sects, each group rejoicing in that which is with them. But leave them in their confused ignorance for a time.” [Qur’an, 23:52-54]

Sectarianism is one of the worst issue still exist among Muslim society until today. It has a long history behind, but sectarianism passed down through generation that make it lasts this long. It cause disunity among Muslims and in the end threatening the unity of Islam. Sectarianism cause conflict within Muslims which make them weaker to face the enemies from the outside.

Sectarianism is clearly against the message Islam try to spread through Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) about unity. Many Islamic countries in Middle East Such as Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, and Libya are among where sectarianism goes into a very bad extreme, causing unresolved conflicts and war, end up sacrificing both the country and the society.

The damaging effects of sectarianism in Islam is so severe that it has to be avoided and prevented in any ways. Here are all the effects of sectarianism in Islam:

1. Disunity in the Society

Sectarianism causing disunity within the society to grow, and it gets no better by the day. Disunity is the root of many problems and disunity among within the society may cause disunity in the bigger part such as in religion and in country. Also read: How to Prevent Envy in Islam

The Prophet has stated in a Hadith,

“No community differed after (the demise of) their Prophet except that the people of their falsehood gained mastery over the people of their truth.”

2. Disunity in Islam

Islam is a religion that aimed for peace in everyday life and shouting the unity for Muslims. Islam is one and not to be divided by anything.

“As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you (Muhammad) have no part of them in the least. Their affair is with Allah; He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.” [Qur’an, 6:159]

3. Disunity in Countries

A disunited country indicated by war that break in within. It usually started with the disunity in the society level that spread widely across the nation, and it somehow unresolved. As the conflict growth, it finally reaches the country level. Also read: Importance of Brotherhood in Islam

4. Grow Dispute and Hatred Toward Each Other

For Islam to be a solid religion, Muslims should live in peace and unity. Thus, sectarianism that divided Muslim is not something to be kept.

“Surely, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher, therefore serve me and no other. But they broke their religion into sects among them; yet they will all return to Us.” [Qur’an, 21:92-93]

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5. Causing the War to Happen Easily

As mentioned above, sectarianism caused dispute and hatred to grow easily within the society and once it gets bigger, it threaten the unity of a country. The worst thing could happen is war within the nation. Islam is one, so there should’t be any division in it. Also read: Dangers of Hedonism in Islam

“And surely this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher, therefore fear Me and no other. But people have broken their religion into sects, each group rejoicing in that which is with them. But leave them in their confused ignorance for a time.” [Qur’an, 23:52-54]

6. Keeping Away Peace from Life

Living in peace is something that everyone in the world wish for. However, it almost impossible if the society is threatened by sectarianism. Instead of peace, war may break at anytime, causing people to stay alert and uneasy.

“The believers are but a single Brotherhood. So make peace and reconciliation between your two contending brothers, and observe your duty to Allah, that you may receive mercy.” [Qur’an, 49:10-11]

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7. Disregarding Allah’s Command

Allah SWT hates war. Unless to fight the kufr and evil, war between Muslims is a big sins and loss for Islam itself. Allah SWT has clearly command us to live in peace, not the other way. Also read: Sign Your Tawbah Accepted

“Turn back in repentance to Him, and fear Him. Establish regular prayers, and be not among those who ascribe partners to Allah – those who split up their religion, and become mere sects, each party rejoicing in that which is with itself!” [Qur’an, 30:31-32]

8. Causing Violence Between Muslim

War and violence are extremely close whenever sectarianism is around. It damaging the society, creating an unhealthy environment to live in for everyone.

9. Damaging the Economic Aspect

Sectarianism cause a domino effect in every layer of society’s life. After taking the peace, next would be the economic aspect to be damaged by it. Also read: Purpose of Islamic Economy in Life

10. Causing Disharmony in Politics

Sectarianism can be used for wrong political interest. Some parties purposely causing dispute and war for their own advantages.

11. Creating Lack of Tolerance in the Society

Social life would be severely damaged by sectarianism in every aspect. It also diminished the tolerance in the society, causing them to live in hatred every other day. Also read: Importance of Relations in Islam

12. It Lasts for a Long Time

The major example of how sectarianism has rooted in the society is the one happen in Pakistan. In the Middle East Islamic country, sectarianism between Sunni and Shia has lasted for at least three decades. It causes many internal conflict, wars, and violence between Muslims, makes it almost impossible to live in peace.

The damaging effects of sectarianism in Islam is far from good. We must remember that the real enemy comes within, not those who is attacking us from the outside.