Descriptions of the Ummah of Ahmad

The term Ummah is defined as:

Majmoo'aat bashariyyah tarbituhaa 'aqeedatun waahidah
A group of people who are bonded together by the same 'aqeedah (belief). 

Therefore, the term "ummah" does not refer to people who share the same race or colour; it only refers to people who are unified in their beliefs or way of life. As a result, it is not fitting for the term to be translated as "nation", since a nation is a large group of people who inhabit a particular area or state. (An ummah can exist without a state).

Allah (SWT) has categorized mankind into two:
1.      Al-Ummat ul-Islaamiyyah (the worldwide Islamic community)
2.      Al-Ummat ul-Kaafirah (the worldwide unbelieving community)

Hence, there are only two camps; every person is either a Muslim or a Kaafir. The Jews, Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and so forth are all from al-Ummat ul-Kaafirah; in other words, they are all disbelievers in the sight of Allah. The Almighty says: 
He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers. And Allah is All-Seer of what you do. (at-Taghaabun, 64:2)

In addition, the Islamic Ummah is further divided into two: 

1.      Ummatu Muhammad (the Ummah of Muhammad, or Ahmad – also known as al-Firqat un-Naajiyah, or the Saved Sect). 

2.      Ummatu Ahl ul-Qiblah (the Ummah of the Qiblah, from the seventy-two deviant sects – also known as al-Firaq ul-Haarikah, or the doomed sects). 

 

Seventy-two sects from the Islamic Ummah will enter Hellfire (temporarily, for a period of time known only to Allah), and one sect will enter Paradise. Consequently, it is incumbent upon us to seek knowledge about Saved Sect and learn about their attributes. 

 

The role of the Ummah 

The role of the Islamic Ummah is to establish the Hujjah (or divine proof) against mankind, so that they can present no excuse – for their disbelief – on the Day of Judgement when they meet their true Lord. This can only be accomplished by Iqaamat ud-Deen, or establishing the Deen of Allah (i.e. the Sharee'ah) – not the deen of the Kuffaar, such as democracy or freedom. Allah (SWT) says: 

“He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nooh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (oh Muhammad), and that which We ordained for Ibraaheem (Abraham), Moosaa (Moses) and 'Eesaa (Jesus), saying you should establish the Deen (Iqaamat ud-Deen), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion)…” (ash-Shooraa, 42:13) 

 

The attributes of the Ummah of Muhammad (SAWS) 

Allah (SWT) says: 

“Muhammad (SAWS) is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are (1) severe against disbelievers, and (2) merciful among themselves. (3) You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), (4) seeking Bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Eemaan) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of (their) prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Tawraat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise).” (al-Fath, 48:29) 

 

In the above verse, Allah (SWT) informs us of the attributes and qualities of Muhammad and "those who are with him" – referring to the Companions and those who follow them precisely. These attributes are as follows: 

 

1.      Ashiddaa'u 'alal Kuffaar 

One cannot be from the Ummah of Muhammad unless he/she is "severe against the disbelievers". However, this severity must be channelled appropriately. The acronym FTH can help with this: We are firm with the disbelievers while we are under covenant, tough when we speak about their deen and harsh when we fight them in jihaad. 

 

2.      Ruhamaa'u bainahum 

It is not possible for a person to be from the Ummah of Muhammad (i.e. the Saved Sect) unless he/she shows compassion and mercy to other believers, even if they are so-called lunatics, extremists, terrorists, preachers of hate or fundamentalists. This mercy is manifested in: 

Al-Ukhuwwah (brotherhood) 

Al-Muwaalaat (alliance) 

At-Ta'aatuf (kindness) 

 

Nowadays, it is very sad to see how many people from Ahl ul-Qiblah (the deviant Muslims) have confused the aforementioned two points and do the complete opposite. Rather than being severe with the disbelievers they are severe with the believers, and rather than showing compassion to the believers they show it to the disbelievers. 

Maahum bi-Ummati Ahmad, laa walladhi fataras samaa'! (They cannot be from the Ummah of Ahmad. No! By the One who originated the heavens!) 

 

3.      Taraahum rukka'an sujjadan 

The Ummah of Muhammad (SAWS) is an obedient ummah that is always making rukoo' and sujood, i.e. worshipping Allah. They are not a secular people. They do not worship Allah only in the mosque or during Ramadaan, but instead worship Him twenty-four hours a day – even their sleep is 'ibaadah (worship). 

 

4.      Yabtaghoona fadlan minallaahi wa-ridwaana 

They seek "Bounty from Allah and (His) good pleasure." The Ummah of Muhammad do not seek the praise, sympathy, admiration or pleasure of men. They only seek Allah's satisfaction. Consequently, they will be attacked and demonized by Satan's associates. They will be accused of many things, but Allah is aware of what is in their hearts. 

 

Conclusion 

If we wish to be from the Ummah of Ahmad (or the Saved Sect) we must have the same 'aqeedah as the Prophet (SAWS) as well as the four attributes mentioned above. It is not enough just to have the right 'aqeedah but not these attributes – you must have both simultaneously.