When the Heart Feels Heavy
Oct 29, 2025
Introduction: Creating a Muslim Community
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) once narrated:
“By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, none of you has believed until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself of goodness.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 5017)
What does brotherhood mean in Islam? And why is it so encouraged by Allah (SWT) and His Messenger?
In our journey of worshipping Allah (SWT), we sometimes feel lonely and isolated, especially in the modern world where hyper-individualism and cynicism are widespread.
Our All-Knowing God, in understanding His Creation, knows that humans, imperfect and prone to sin, need a network of people and a support system to pursue our faith in the face of life’s trials.
He encourages us to stay united as an Ummah and continue supporting one another throughout this Dunya.
He says in Quran:
إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌۭ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And be mindful of Allah so you may be shown mercy. (Surah Al-Hujurat: verse 10)
Throughout history, the Muslim community has been a source of resilience and inspiration, becoming a beacon of mutual support. When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated to Madinah, he built the foundations of Muslim unity, founded on the principles of faith, compassion, and mutual support.
How can we, as carriers of his legacy, contribute to this tradition and create a Muslim community that is welcoming to all and divided by none?
The Importance of Community: A Psychological Perspective
Allah (SWT) has made companionship so important for humans that, even psychologically, it holds tremendous importance.
Renowned psychologists Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary argue that the feeling of belonging transcends basic human desire and can even be considered a fundamental need.
From the start, humanity may not have progressed the way it has without collaboration, where people in a community assist each other to advance in learning and knowledge.
Conversely, loneliness is seen to have damaging effects on individuals’ mental and physical health. Lonely individuals feel more vulnerable and have a reduced ability to self-regulate their thoughts and behavior, which is critical to accomplishing personal goals and following societal rules.
Inherently, humans seek community to improve themselves and the world around them. Without a sense of belonging, individuals may experience loneliness, which can inhibit their ability to stay true to their goals and principles.
The community we belong to also helps reinforce our identity and the values we choose to follow. Most communities have certain common characteristics among all members. They focus on a shared trait and work together, whether to achieve a goal or to build on that trait.
Islamic Brotherhood in the Past
In the rich stories of Islam, there are many cases where Muslims formed societies and forged brotherhoods to support each other. One of the most prominent examples was when Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated to Madinah and created the model Islamic community.
Facing years of oppression in Makkah, the Messenger and his followers settled in Madinah as Muhajireen among the new converts (the Ansar). The Prophet (PBUH) established a system pairing the Muhajireen with the Ansar. As the people from Makkah came as immigrants, lacking money, work, or land, the Ansar helped their brothers not just physically but also spiritually.
Allah (SWT) praises them in the Quran:
وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلْإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِى صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةًۭ مِّمَّآ أُوتُوا۟ وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌۭ ۚ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ
As for those who had settled in the city and ˹embraced˺ the faith before ˹the arrival of˺ the emigrants, they love whoever immigrates to them, never having a desire in their hearts for whatever ˹of the gains˺ is given to the emigrants. They give ˹the emigrants˺ preference over themselves even though they may be in need. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are ˹truly˺ successful. (Surah Al-Hashr: verse 9)
This was the framework for a community that would inspire generations to come. After the Prophet’s passing, his companions (Sahaba) maintained this unity and spread Islam across the world while never forgetting to support each other. They taught us to use the Quran and Sunnah as a guide and always stand by our fellow Muslims, through selflessness, altruism, and empathy. They taught us to build a community that supports one another in all aspects of life, including religion, social life, and work.
But when we look at the world today, do we still see the same community? The world has a population of 8 billion people, of which at least 2 billion are Muslims; where did the unity that existed centuries ago disappear to?
The Need for Togetherness: A Contemporary Struggle
The world we see today is fractured in many ways. The concept of hyper-individualism is promoted, where every person fends for themselves and asking for help is seen as a weakness. This concept also includes beliefs such as not caring much about others, prioritizing personal gain over collective gain, and a general apathy toward community welfare.
This idea stems from certain aspects of Western society and has spread globally, influenced by factors such as the coronavirus and social media. Prolonged isolation has made individualism the norm, diminishing the value of togetherness and mutual support.
While this mentality prevails globally, it’s especially apparent for Muslims in Western countries who struggle to find people sharing the same beliefs and attitudes. The lack of a solid community prevents Muslims from fully embracing their faith and engaging in discussions with like-minded people. Furthermore, it can even separate people from their religion to fit in with the society around them.
So the need to build a strong Muslim community is more important than ever, whether you’re in a Muslim or non-Muslim society, and is especially significant amidst today’s values and principles that bleed into everyday life.
Quranic Verses on the Muslim Community
Throughout the pages of the Quran, Allah (SWT) continuously emphasizes how the Muslim Ummah should be united and together in belief.
Unity of Muslims
Surah Ali ‘Imran, verses 103-110, discuss how Muslims are advised to faithfully follow the words of Allah (SWT), not divided but as a group. He tells us to form a community that holds on to the Quran, calls others towards the path of good, and avoids wrongdoing. True protection can only be attained through the mercy of Allah (SWT), and staying united helps strengthen our hearts.
Guardians of Each Other
وَٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَآءُ بَعْضٍۢ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌۭ
The believers, both men and women, are guardians of one another. They encourage good and forbid evil, establish prayer and pay alms-tax, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they who will be shown Allah’s mercy. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surah At-Tawbah: verse 71)
Muslims are differentiated from the disbelievers in the way they support each other by encouraging good deeds. Similarly, disbelievers are characterized by their encouragement of sin and hypocrisy.
Characteristics of a Good Muslim
Surah Al-Hujurat covers the various characteristics Muslims should have towards the Prophet (PBUH) and their brothers. Allah (SWT) commands us to analyze and fact-check knowledge before disregarding it. He also provides a list of habits to avoid:
These guidelines from our Divine Creator clarify how we should interact as Muslims, setting the foundation for mutual respect and integrity.
Allah (SWT) further says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍۢ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًۭا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۭ
O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Surah Al-Hujurat: verse 13)
This verse is a powerful reminder that race and ethnicity hold no weight in Islam. Instead, Allah (SWT) created us in tribes and communities so we could connect, support, and understand one another.
Building a Community: Actionable Steps
Individual Actions
Actively participate in community events held by Muslim institutions and mosques. Take the initiative to join and encourage others to do the same.
Participate in a community that avoids judgement and practices tolerance. Showing patience and understanding creates a safe space for other Muslims.
A community is supposed to be a place for shared growth and learning. As Muslims, we hold the responsibility of striving for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Forge strong bonds with fellow Muslims and help each other grow. If your fellow Muslim does something wrong, gently correct their actions rather than judging harshly.
A strong Muslim community should be supportive in all aspects of life. If your brother or sister is struggling socially, financially, or mentally, assist them to the best of your ability.
Collective Actions
Make the aim of achieving the highest level of piety a collective effort. Organize community events and encourage others to attend. Hold regular study circles to promote continuous growth and learning.
Encourage Muslims of all ages to participate in mosque or Islamic center activities to build a sense of community. Both physical and mental participation make life’s trials easier with a support system.
To create a community that truly reflects the model established by the Prophet (ﷺ) in Madinah, a structured support network is needed. When new members or families join, introduce them properly and establish solid communication channels. Create gatherings for different age groups to allow for intellectual discourse and advice-seeking.
Open and clear communication is necessary for any well-sustained community. Members should openly discuss their thoughts and concerns. When conflicts occur, the community should have a resolution mechanism to help resolve them and support its members through difficult times.
Social Media: Promoting or Preventing Unity?
Social media has played an important role in spreading Islam and increasing the knowledge of Muslims. It promotes the religion itself while also helping connect Muslims, creating a digital community.
However, social media is a double-edged sword. While it has made Islamic knowledge accessible, it has also created a divide among Muslims of varying beliefs and practices.
Cultural and ethnic divides are often emphasized through social media, damaging unity. For example, a Muslim from the US might practice Islam a bit differently from those in Pakistan. While we are encouraged to correct any wrongdoings of our fellow Muslims, digital comments often lack the nuance and gentleness needed for appropriate advice. Instead, it can feel like a wave of criticism, with everyone insulting the original poster.
Some commentators, referred to as the ‘Haram Police’ in the digital space, may be well-intentioned but can inadvertently discourage both Muslims and non-Muslims from exploring or practicing Islam in fear of being judged. In this sense, social platforms have become a breeding ground for gossip, backbiting, and suspicion of innocent individuals and deepened the divide between the Ummah.
In essence, while social media is a great place to create digital Muslim communities and connect with others worldwide, it also perpetuates divides. The solution is to practice tolerance and care when commenting and posting online, and to withhold criticism unless you are in a close enough position to the poster to offer advice.
The Blessings of Successful Communities
A strong and successful community brings rewards in this life and the Hereafter. By building a Muslim community in this world, we create a safety net that keeps us pious and encourages us to pursue our faith. With rising Islamophobia, particularly in the West, we need to stay united to support each other through these difficult times.
It is mentioned in a hadith:
Narrated `Abdullah bin Mas`ud:
A man came to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! What do you say about a man who loves some people but cannot catch up with their good deeds?” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Everyone will be with those whom he loves.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6169)
Surrounding yourself with and loving righteous friends can bring immense rewards, even in the Hereafter. Our Messenger (PBUH) promised that everyone will be with those they love in Jannah. Is there any greater motivation to love each other and form strong connections throughout this life?
A Muslim community won’t just bring you comfort, sincere advice, and good-charactered people in this life, it might just save you in the Hereafter as well.
Islamic Society: An Ode to the Past, A Promise for the Future
We have learned what Islam looked like at its pinnacle during the Prophet’s time with Divine guidance. Muslims were united as one and created a self-serving society where they lifted each other through life. This solidarity continued throughout the centuries, especially during the Golden Age of Islam, leading to many discoveries and inventions.
Over time, we’ve lost the support we gave each other and moved toward a solitary way of living.
But it’s never too late. Visit the masjid. Visit the Islamic center. Or simply build one friendship, then more. And with Allah’s will and your perseverance, we can revive the tradition that raised our Islamic society to the noblest of heights.
Don’t wait for others to start first. Make the intention of pleasing Allah (SWT) and start your journey to create a place for Muslims in this vast world of endless tests.
Conclusion
The strength of a Muslim community is rooted in unity, compassion, and mutual support, as emphasized by both the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Building and maintaining a supportive community is not only a religious obligation but also fulfills a deep psychological need for every individual. The examples set by the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions demonstrate that collective effort, selflessness, and empathy create lasting bonds and drive societal progress.
In today’s world, challenges such as individualism and divisions caused by social media can be overcome by practicing tolerance, fostering open communication, and actively participating in community life. Each person has a vital role to play—by showing up, supporting others, and creating an inclusive environment, we can revive the true spirit of Islamic brotherhood.
A strong Muslim community brings comfort, guidance, and good companionship like no other in this life. It is never too late to begin; even small steps towards unity and togetherness can lead to powerful, positive change for the entire Ummah.
