The Divide and Conquer Strategy: Tools to Weaken the Muslim Ummah

Sectarianism and nationalism are two of the greatest problems facing the Muslim Ummah today. Both have been used as tools to weaken the unity of Islam. Let me explain how these two are part of a bigger strategy designed to divide and conquer the Muslims.

The Divide and Conquer strategy

The Divide and Conquer strategy works in two main ways: one is through sectarianism and the other is through nationalism. Sectarianism divides Muslims based on religious sects, while nationalism divides them based on national boundaries and identities. This tactic is used to make it easier to control and weaken Muslims.

In Islam, both sectarianism and nationalism are of grave concern because they weaken the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Let me explain this in detail how it works. First, we will discuss sectarianism, and then we will look at how nationalism plays a role in dividing us.

Sectarianism

This issue of divisions among Muslims based on sects has existed for a long time, but in recent times, it has been cleverly used by external forces to further weaken the Muslim world. Islam teaches us to be united under the banner of La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah. This is our foundation. But those who want to see Islam weakened have learned that when Muslims are divided, they are easily controlled. So, they have used this tactic of “divide and conquer.”

These external powers fuel sectarian conflicts between Sunni and Shia, and between different schools of thought. They turn minor differences into major disputes, making Muslims fight amongst themselves. When we are busy fighting each other, we forget the real enemies of Islam, and our strength as an Ummah diminishes. This is not by accident – it is a deliberate strategy. As long as Muslims are divided, they are weak.

Nationalism

This is another tool that has been used to break the unity of the Ummah. Islam came to unite all Muslims as one body, regardless of race, language, or national borders. But after the fall of the Caliphate, the Muslim world was divided into small nations, each with its own flag, identity, and government. This concept of nationalism, where Muslims are taught to identify more with their nation than with Islam, has been deeply embedded in our minds. Muslims now say, “I am Pakistani,” “I am Egyptian,” “I am Turkish,” instead of proudly saying “I am Muslim!”

Forgetting the Brotherhood of Islam

Nationalism has made Muslims forget their common bond of brotherhood. Allah says in the Quran: “The believers are but a single brotherhood.” (Quran 49:10). This means that no matter where we come from, we are one Ummah. But today, these artificial national borders have been drawn, and we think that Muslims from other countries are different from us. This is another way to divide us.

Why External Agendas Fuel Divisions?

Both sectarianism and nationalism are tools being used by external agendas to keep Muslims divided and weak. When we are divided by sect or by nation, we cannot stand united against the real enemies of Islam.

But why do they employ these tactics?

The enemies of Islam desire our division and discord among the Muslims, as it allows them to continue exploiting us. They understand that if Muslims were to unite, the establishment of the Caliphate would become a reality, and their unjust systems would not endure.

Strength Through Unity: Rejecting Divisions in Islam

We must return to the teachings of Islam, which emphasize unity. Allah commands us in the Quran: “Hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah and do not be divided.” (Quran 3:103). We must put aside our sectarian differences, stop identifying ourselves based on nationality, and come together as one Ummah.

Only when we are united will we be able to resist the external powers that seek to destroy us from within. Sectarianism and nationalism have no place in Islam. Our only identity is Muslim, and our only goal should be to establish the unity of the Ummah under the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah. Let us wake up and reclaim our strength through unity.