Sheikh Usama Kabaale, a member of Nujumul Huuda, has called on Muslims to unite under the banner of Islam despite differing opinions.
Speaking during a Darasa at Masjid Qadiim in Bugembe B Village, Mbale city industrial division, on Saturday, Sheikh Usama emphasized the importance of unity in Islam.
“After Tawhid, there is nothing that Islam emphasizes like Muslim unity,” he stated. “Many verses talk about Muslim unity. We can differ within Islam as taught by the Prophet as long as we are united.”
Sheikh Usama reminded attendees of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, highlighting that Muslims are one body: if one part suffers, the entire body feels the pain.
“It’s disappointing to see Muslims rejoicing at the misfortunes of their brothers. This is not the teaching of our Prophet. The companions of the Prophet had compassion for each other,” he said.
He noted that differences in opinions among Muslims stem from the teachings of earlier scholars, stressing that unity is more important than these differences. “If you have disagreements with any Muslims, kindly focus on Muslim unity,” he urged.
Sheikh Usama also called on Muslim clerics to be exemplary in their character, pointing out that many people embraced Islam during the Prophet’s time due to the good character of his companions.
“Islam is about being compassionate to all God’s creation. We know of a pious woman who entered hell for mistreating a cat and a prostitute who entered Jannah for giving water to a dog,” he said.
Sheikh Ashraf Bazanyanengo, another speaker, warned against declaring other believers non-Muslims.
“As long as someone has Shahadah—a testament of faith in Islam—he remains your Muslim brother. Unfortunately, some use the Hadith on disunity to exclude other Muslims. Our role as Ahlal Sunnah Wal-jamaa is to love all Muslims,” he said.
He added, “The Prophet warned us against allowing the devil to split us, but we have given space to the devil to divide us. Those causing division within Islam are Muslims. When Shias face problems, we should remember they are our brothers because of the Shahadah.” Other speakers included Sheikhs Juma Waiswa Kinyiri, Huud Ntunda, Ali Zikusooka and Ali Wambette.
The Darasa event attracted Muslims from all fifteen mosques in Bugema twale and its neighboring areas, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual understanding.