The Role of Sectarian Harmony Among Students in Educational Institutions (Schools, Colleges, and Universities) in Achieving Unity of the Ummah In the Light of Lessons Derived from the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ

وحدتِ امت میں تعلیمی اداروں (سکول، کالج اور یونیورسٹی) کے طلبہ کی مسلکی ہم آہنگی کا کردار ( سیرت النبیﷺ سے مستفاد اسباق کی روشنی میں)

Abstract

Unity is a fundamental element in the formation of an Islamic welfare society. When the individuals of a society are united and religious and sectarian harmony exists, the society flourishes. One of the major issues in Pakistani society is sectarian disharmony (sectarianism), which has severely undermined unity. The root causes of this issue lie in misunderstandings, misconceptions, and ignorance about other sects and religious groups. These causes are deeply linked to social and political structures.

Students are the architects of the future, as the nation's and the community's leadership will ultimately be in their hands. The youth are trained on the right path is the one that progresses. To achieve the goal of unity in the Ummah, it is essential to ensure that students are not influenced by sectarianism. Their thinking should embody the spirit of unity and harmony. If this is instilled at the level of schools, colleges, and universities, there is no reason why the dream of national and communal unity cannot be realised.

This paper aims to examine how students in educational institutions can promote sectarian harmony among their peers and within society. It will explore to what extent students are inclined towards sectarian affiliations, whether sectarian and ideological associations are causing distance and hostility among them, and whether such groups exist in educational institutions based on sectarian lines. It will also assess whether students take these groups seriously, what impact religious disharmony has on students’ education and thought processes, and what lessons and points can be drawn from the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ to promote sectarian harmony and unity among students.