Reviving the Spirit of Islam: A Call to Unity, Peace, and Inner Reform through Spiritual Teachings

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 3 October 2025 On Tuesday, October 1, 2025, His Eminence the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, expressed his profound sorrow over the current state of weakness and humiliation that has overcome the Muslim Ummah. His comments came during a significant meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the leader of the Ismaili sect and President of the Aga Khan Development Network, held at the Al-Azhar headquarters in Cairo. This meeting, while political in nature, opened the door to a deeper and more pressing issue: the spiritual and moral condition of the Ummah itself. The Grand Imam emphasized that division and discord among Muslims have not only weakened the Ummah internally but have also emboldened its adversaries. He warned that this disunity has created a false sense of power among those who oppose Islam, while Muslims, despite possessing every potential for strength and revival, remain paralyzed by internal conflicts. He reminded all Muslims of the divine command from the Qur’an: “And hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah, and be not divided.” (Surah Aal Imran 3:103) In his remarks, the Grand Imam underscored that the mission of Al-Azhar is to spread peace, promote human brotherhood, and unify Islamic ranks. He referenced Al-Azhar’s leadership in launching the first Islamic–Islamic dialogue conference in Bahrain, an initiative aimed at closing the chapter of past disputes and encouraging cooperation among scholars, communities, and institutions to address today’s shared challenges. Such initiatives reflect a sincere desire to restore the spiritual and intellectual unity of the Ummah. Moreover, the Grand Imam expressed Al-Azhar’s readiness to collaborate with the Aga Khan Development Network on various initiatives, especially those targeting the youth. He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders, which he chairs, has significant experience in empowering young people with tools for peacebuilding, leadership, and ethical development. This cooperation marks a step toward practical solutions that can sow the seeds of harmony for future generations. In response, Prince Rahim Aga Khan expressed his appreciation for meeting the Grand Imam and praised his tireless efforts in promoting the true image of Islam—an image grounded in peace, coexistence, and moderation. He highlighted his desire to form strong partnerships with Al-Azhar, particularly in Europe, where Al-Azhar is widely respected as a global institution of balanced Islamic thought and a beacon of moderation. Beyond the political and institutional dialogue, the Grand Imam’s message speaks directly to the hearts of Muslims everywhere. His words remind us that our greatest battle is not external—it is internal. The challenges we face as an Ummah today are rooted in our loss of spiritual unity, our estrangement from the ethical teachings of Islam, and our neglect of the inner purification that Islam calls for. This is where the timeless wisdom of Sufism becomes critically relevant. For centuries, Sufi masters have taught that true reform begins with the heart. They call on us to conquer the ego (Nafs), to eliminate hatred and arrogance, and to embody compassion and love. These teachings offer a powerful path forward—a spiritual framework to heal the divisions within the Ummah and to eliminate violence and enmity from our lives. Sufism teaches that love for Allah naturally extends to love for His creation. The famous Sufi saying, “Love is the bridge between you and everything,” captures the essence of this path. Violence cannot exist where true love and spiritual presence reside. Peace begins within, and only those who have made peace with their own souls can spread it to others. Through Dhikr (remembrance of God), self-reflection, and service to humanity, Sufism reconnects the Muslim to the inner essence of Islam—one that is merciful, forgiving, patient, and inclusive. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was described in the Qur’an as a “mercy to the worlds” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107), and it is this mercy that Sufism seeks to awaken in every heart. The time has come for Muslims—individuals, scholars, leaders, and communities—to rise above their differences and work towards a future defined by unity, not division; by healing, not harm. We must: • Re-centre our lives around the Qur’an and Sunnah, not just in ritual, but in conduct and ethics. • Seek spiritual purification (Tazkiyah) and strive to embody humility, mercy, and justice. • Reject sectarianism and embrace the diversity within the Ummah as a source of richness, not rivalry. • Support institutions and initiatives that promote dialogue, peace, and education. • Empower the youth, not with dogma, but with purpose, spirituality, and knowledge. As the Grand Imam’s meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan shows, meaningful cooperation is possible, and more than that—it is necessary. But such cooperation must be built on a foundation of spiritual awakening, sincere dialogue, and mutual respect. In conclusion, the way forward for the Muslim Ummah is not in confrontation, but in returning to the heart of Islam—a religion built on peace, love, unity, and divine wisdom. Let us open our hearts to one another, remembering that we are all travellers on the same path, and let us walk together with the light of Sufi teachings, the guidance of the Qur’an, and the vision of true brotherhood to heal our world and uplift our souls. ------ A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is an Alim and Fazil (Classical Islamic scholar) with a Sufi background and English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/reviving-spirit-unity-peace-inner-reform-spiritual/d/137089 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism