The educational method for Muslims often creates a sectarian-oriented personality, not a religiously oriented one. A Sunni is raised with sectarian sensitivities from childhood. An imposed educational system makes them view other Muslims negatively. They relate to them with tension. This is due to sectarian complications from a history filled with fanaticism. The same applies to a Shiite Muslim.
This sectarian focus has pushed Muslims away from Islam's main themes, objectives, and moral values. They have become distant from Islam's worldly movement. This movement addresses non-Muslims objectively and rationally. It bases its arguments on proof and evidence. It also addresses Muslim issues and disputes with dialogue and consolidation.
This reality has caused psychological and mental baggage and practical problems. We constantly see old historical controversies revived among sects. A person might find they can accept someone from another religion, but cannot accept a fellow Muslim from a different sect.
We see this in certain factions. They consider Muslims of another sect to be unbelievers. They believe it is permissible to shed their blood and steal their money. They even forbid marrying them. In their ignorant view, non-Muslims from the People of the Book have more rights. Muslims of different sects are seen as having no rights at all.
These factions have strayed from the Islamic path. They do not follow the Quranic method. The Quran calls for dialogue and discussion to resolve issues with other Muslims.
"And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy." Surah Al-Isra' (17:53)
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided." Surah An-Nahl (16:125)
"And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend." Surah Fussilat (41:34)
The verse "Say, 'Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth?' Say, 'Allah . And indeed, we or you are either upon guidance or in clear error.'" Surah Saba' (34:24) shows the superior Quranic method. It is humane and objective. The Quran suggests that intellectual disputes should be settled without prejudice. Dialogue should be between minds, leaving no room for sectarianism.
The Quran has a clear view on aggression and false accusations. It rejects methods that lead to hostility and violent reactions from a stubborn sense of righteousness.
This is evident when Muslims insult each other's respected figures. Some take their judgment to an extreme. Extreme positions find expression through offense, which leads to more offense. Violence breeds more violence.
Even on grave issues like atheism, the Quran rejects insulting methods. "And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah , lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do." Surah Al-An'am (6:108)
Verbal abuse is not the way to reject polytheism. To build deep convictions, we must rely on proof. Offensive stands only complicate matters and do not lead to solutions.
Imam Ali (a.s.) discussed this from an Islamic point of view. Even in severe conflicts like war, a true Muslim must keep a high moral standard. In the Suffeen war, Imam Ali (a.s.) heard his army cursing the army of Sham. He said, "I dislike you starting to abuse them, but if you describe their deeds and recount their situations, that would be a better mode of speaking and a more convincing way of arguing. Instead of abusing them you should say, 'Oh Allah! Save our blood and their blood, produce reconciliation between us and them, and lead them out of their misguidance so that he who is ignorant of the truth may know it, and he who inclines towards rebellion and revolt may turn away from it.'"
This is the Islamic way. It sees disputes among Muslims as an external factor. Muslims should remain conscious of a higher obligation: Islamic solidarity.
Our new direction should be toward a future resolution. This would restore Muslim unity based on righteousness and an objective look at differences. This would resolve the situation and establish a new beginning where parties find excuses for each other.
I believe an Islamic personality should be based on total dedication to Islam's Shari'ah, creed, movement, method, and major goals. Finding common ground is the first step for Muslims to overcome minor differences. It helps eliminate factionalism, blind fanaticism, and sectarian obsession. We ask Muslims to free their minds and open their hearts to their fellow Muslims. They can then live the true meaning of Islamic brotherhood with calm and rational minds, following God's code and His Messenger's teachings.