Why Don’t We Just Stick Together?
Rediscovering Unity: Lessons from Faith and Fiction on Standing Together
Why is it that we, as humans, struggle to stay united? We watch movies like Transformers, where characters—despite their differences—come together and fight for a common goal. We cheer for the heroes in The Avengers as they put aside their personal conflicts to save the world. We admire the teamwork in Fast & Furious, where loyalty and family come first, no matter the odds. Even in animated films like The Lion King or Toy Story, we see powerful messages of friendship, unity, and standing by each other through thick and thin.
We get inspired, we talk about teamwork and sacrifice—but when it comes to real life, why do we struggle to put these values into action? Why do we hesitate to help a neighbor, support a friend, or stand up for what's right in our own communities?
It’s not like we haven’t been taught these values before. Islam gave us these principles over 1400 years ago. Christianity brought the same message more than 2000 years ago. Other religions and philosophies have echoed these teachings throughout history. But what do we do today? Instead of embracing the positive lessons that faith offers us, we argue about whether God exists or not. We twist truths, focus on the negatives, and work against each other—often without even realizing it.
Selflessness Without Losing Ourselves
Let’s be honest—how many times do we hesitate to step up when someone close to us needs help? We’re quick to say we care, but when it’s time to act, are we really willing to make sacrifices? Imagine spending years saving up for a personal goal—whether it’s starting a business, buying a home, or planning for the future. Then, one day, a close friend finds themselves in trouble. Would you be ready to step in and offer support, even if it meant adjusting your own plans? Or would you hesitate, worried about your own needs first?
Islam encourages us to be there for each other, to extend a helping hand without expecting anything in return. The Quran reminds us of the beauty of selflessness:
"And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying to themselves], 'We feed you only for the sake of Allah, seeking neither reward nor thanks from you.'"
— (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8-9)
But let’s face it—helping others isn't always easy. Sometimes, we fear losing what we’ve worked hard for. Other times, we convince ourselves that "someone else will help." But if everyone waits for someone else, who will actually step up?
And while Islam teaches us to be generous, it also reminds us to be wise and balanced in our giving. Helping others shouldn’t come at the expense of our own well-being. The Quran provides clear guidance on this:
"Do not be so tight-fisted, for you will be blameworthy; nor so open-handed, for you will end up in poverty."
— (Surah Al-Isra, 17:29)
The key is finding that balance—being there for others without overburdening ourselves. But the bigger question remains: Are we even willing to help when it truly counts? Do we genuinely support those in need, or do we find excuses to look the other way?
The Unity We Talk About, But Don’t Practice
We often complain about the lack of unity in our communities. We say people are selfish, that no one cares anymore. But when was the last time we truly stood by someone without expecting anything in return? The Quran calls us to unity time and time again:
"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not be divided."
— (Surah Aal-E-Imran, 3:103)
Yet, what do we do? We divide ourselves—by race, nationality, ideology, even by the smallest differences in opinion. Instead of focusing on what unites us, we magnify what separates us. If we truly followed the teachings we claim to believe in, would we still be this divided? Would we still prioritize personal gain over collective well-being?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) described the Muslim community as one body:
"The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever."
— (Sahih Muslim, 2586)
So why do we hesitate to reach out? Why do we wait for someone else to take the first step?
Are We Looking for Truth or Excuses?
It’s interesting—Islam, Christianity, and other major religions have been teaching us kindness, respect, and unity for centuries. But instead of applying these values, we spend our time arguing about them. We debate theology, question traditions, and find faults in religion while ignoring the good it promotes.
And here’s the irony—while we focus on these debates, the world around us struggles. Families are breaking apart, friendships are strained, and communities are crumbling. The Quran warns us against getting caught up in endless disputes:
"And do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient."
— (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:46)
So, are we truly searching for understanding, or are we just looking for reasons to avoid responsibility? Instead of questioning whether religion is relevant, maybe we should ask ourselves—are we living up to the values we’ve been taught?
What Can We Do Differently?
It’s easy to complain. It’s easy to say the world lacks kindness and unity. But what are we doing to change that? Here’s what Islam encourages us to do:
Start small: Help those around you first—your family, friends, and neighbors.
Give within your means: Support others, but don’t put yourself in a position of hardship.
Stop dividing, start uniting: Focus on common values instead of differences.
Lead by example: Show respect, kindness, and sincerity in your actions.
Trust in Allah’s wisdom: Do good, and leave the rest to Him.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what we say—it’s about what we do.
Conclusion: Time for a Reality Check
Islam gives us a clear blueprint for living with respect, unity, and balance. The question is—are we following it? Are we really striving to make our communities better, or are we too caught up in our own lives to care?
It’s time to reflect, to ask ourselves the tough questions, and to start making changes—before it’s too late.