“Unity Was Central to Prophet Muhammad’s Mission”, Lebanese scholar

Sheikh Ahmad al-Qattan, head of the Lebanese “Qawluna wal-Amal” association and a lecturer at Lebanese University and the Islamic University, made the remarks on the anniversary of the Prophet’s passing while discussing his approach to relations with non-Muslims.

Al-Qattan said Islamic ethics toward non-Muslims are rooted in the principle that humanity shares a common origin. He cited the Quranic verse: “O mankind, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you” (Quran 49:13).

He added that Islamic teachings call for people to be treated either as fellow believers or, in the words attributed to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, as “your equal in creation.” Muslims, he said, should therefore interact with non-Muslims in a manner that reflects Islamic values and the Prophet’s moral example.

According to Al-Qattan, this principle extends to Christians and Jews, with Muslims expected to uphold good character and avoid conduct that could contribute to a distorted image of Islam.

He also pointed to an episode from the Prophet’s life before his prophethood as an example of his role in preventing conflict and fostering unity. When the Quraysh tribes disagreed over who should place the Black Stone during the rebuilding of the Kaaba, they agreed to accept as arbitrator the first person to enter the area. When Muhammad arrived, they accepted his judgment.

Al-Qattan said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) proposed that representatives of each tribe hold a corner of a cloth, with the Black Stone placed in its center. They collectively lifted it, after which Muhammad placed the stone in its position. In this way, he said, a potentially violent dispute was resolved without bloodshed.

The scholar said the Prophet continued this approach after the beginning of his prophetic mission, seeking to heal divisions and strengthen bonds among different groups.

“The Messenger of God was always seeking to repair divisions and unite the people,” Al-Qattan said, emphasizing that the Prophet’s mission was rooted in seeking the welfare of all.