The word
Ummahcomes from the Arabic
amma which means "to go, betake, repair, go to see,"
Imama "to lead the way, lead by one's example (esp. in prayer),"
umuma "to be or become a mother, to nationalize, etc." Also derived from this root is
Umm which means "mother, source, origin, basis, foundation, original, original version (of a book), the gist, essence of…" Thus the word
Ummah means "nation, people, generation, community."
The Qur'an uses this word in a number of ways, but it is primarily used to describe groups of people from past and future. In the case of the past, Allah says in the Qur'an:
To every ummah (was sent) a Messenger: when their Messenger comes (before them), the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged. (10:47)
Mankind was but one ummah, but differed (later). Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, their differences would have been settled between them. (10:19)
Mankind was one single ummah. And Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace guided the Believers to the Truth, concerning what wherein they differed. For Allah guides whom He will to a path that is straight. (2:213)
We can see from these ayats (verses, clear proofs) that Allah, The Most High, makes commentaries in the Qur'an about past
ummahs stating that Messengers were sent to all of them, yet they still chose to split into sects through nothing more than "selfish contumacy."
There are other places in the Qur'an where Allah speaks specifically about this
Ummah (meaning the
ummah of Muhammad, upon whom be peace). Allah has given this
Ummah a special, honored position to be inheritors of the earth, and with that position comes responsibility.
Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced. That you might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which you were used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the Faith). Indeed it was (a change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah make your faith of no effect, for Allah is to all people most surely full of Kindness, Most Merciful. (2:143)
This ayat discusses the change in qibla (direction of prayer) from Jerusalem to the sacred mosque in Makkah. This change was a test of faith for the
Ummah among the many tests they were given. The true faithful among them would stay united throughout the tests. Also, the message given to this
Ummah puts us in a position to be witnesses over the issues that caused divisions among past
ummahs.
If Allah so willed, He could make you all one Ummah: but He leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but you shall certainly be called to account for all your actions. (16:93)
So, in this ayat, Allah tells us that there will be people who will inevitably stray and choose not to unite. Clearly, however, those who choose not to unite are going against the command of Allah, glorified and exalted.
And verily this Ummah of yours is One Ummah and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other). (23:52)
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