by Dr. Ildus Rafikov
Calls for unity among Muslims are as old as Islam itself, resonating deeply with the shared aspiration of harmony and collective strength. The Qur’an emphasizes the concept of Ummah, a community united under the worship of Allah and guided by shared values. However, this noble aspiration has often been misunderstood, especially when interpreted as a call for uniformity—political, ideological, or otherwise. In some cases, this misunderstanding has fueled destructive agendas that misalign with both the Qur’anic vision and Allah’s universal laws (sunan ilāhiyyah). Among these laws is the principle of entropy, which, when properly understood, offers profound insights into the dynamics of unity, diversity, and transformation in human society.
This essay explores the relationship between entropy and unity, addressing the problematic tendency to politicize the concept of Muslim unity. It argues that true unity does not demand uniformity and that diversity, far from being a flaw, is a divinely ordained aspect of human existence. By misinterpreting these principles, calls for unity can become instruments of conflict, exclusion, and chaos, ultimately undermining the very goals they seek to achieve.
Entropy: A Law of Transformation, Not Disorder
In physics, entropy is often described as a measure of disorder, a tendency for systems to move from states of order to greater randomness over time. Yet, this common understanding is incomplete. A more nuanced view reveals that entropy is not merely about chaos but about transformation and the redistribution of energy, leading to new configurations and forms of order. In natural systems, entropy drives change, adaptation, and the emergence of complexity from simplicity.
Applying this principle to human societies, we see a similar pattern. Communities, like physical systems, transform over time. They evolve through interactions, conflicts, and exchanges, becoming more complex and interconnected. This process, while sometimes tumultuous, is not inherently destructive. It reflects a natural tendency toward adaptation and renewal, a journey from simplicity to complexity that mirrors the diversity of creation itself.
The Qur’an alludes to this dynamic in its emphasis on diversity as a sign of Allah:
“And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.” (Qur’an 30:22)
Here, diversity is celebrated as a manifestation of divine wisdom, not a problem to be eradicated. Entropy, in this context, can be understood as the unfolding of Allah’s plan for transformation and growth, where differences play a vital role in enriching the human experience.
Misunderstanding of Unity in Islamic Thought
The Qur’anic concept of unity is deeply spiritual and moral, emphasizing a shared commitment to worshiping Allah and upholding justice. However, this has often been conflated with political or ideological uniformity. Groups and movements throughout Islamic history have called for the Ummah to unite under a single leader, party, or ideology, portraying this as the ultimate realization of Islamic unity.
This interpretation is not only impractical but also contrary to the Qur’anic recognition of diversity as a divine intention:
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women.” (Qur’an 4:1)
Humanity’s origin from a single source underscores its fundamental unity, but its dispersion into diverse nations and tribes reflects a deliberate act of creation. The Qur’an further states:
“And We made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” (Qur’an 49:13)
Unity, therefore, does not mean erasing differences. It means fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and respect within the framework of shared values.
The Dangers of Politicized Unity
The politicization of Islam by groups like Al-Qaeda and other factions that aim to impose their vision of unity has caused profound destruction. By presenting unity as a primarily political or military objective, these movements disregard the natural laws of transformation and diversity inherent in human societies. Instead of fostering genuine cohesion, they attempt to mold societies into rigid frameworks that suppress individuality and diversity.
When unity is pursued through exclusion or coercion, it often leads to conflict and division. Such impositions breed resentment and resistance among those who hold differing views, further fracturing the Ummah instead of bringing it together. For example, the historical schisms within the Muslim community, whether during the early years after the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) passing or in modern contexts, illustrate how forced unity alienates and marginalizes significant groups, weakening the overall sense of collective belonging.
Moreover, the disruption of natural societal transformation processes creates instability and chaos. Efforts to impose uniformity often lead to the collapse of systems unable to adapt to the inherent diversity of human communities. The Soviet Union (USSR) serves as a stark example of this principle. Having grown up in the USSR, I witnessed firsthand how the communist system did not allow for diversity and operated under an extremely strict and harsh authoritarian regime that brutally suppressed dissent. Whether through censorship, political imprisonment, or even forced exile, any expression of individuality or deviation from the state’s ideology was met with severe consequences. This suppression of diversity and dissent, as well other significant internal and external challenges, created underlying tensions that, over time, became unsustainable. In 1991, these and many other factors resulted in the disintegration of the Soviet Union, an event that underscored the inherent flaws of attempting to enforce uniformity on a diverse population.
The loss of moral authority is another critical consequence of politicized unity. By prioritizing political dominance over spiritual and ethical principles, these movements compromise the moral foundation of Islam. They reduce the rich and profound teachings of the religion to a mere tool for power and control. As a result, the noble principles of justice, compassion, and mercy are overshadowed by political agendas.
History provides numerous examples of these dangers. From the collapse of empires that failed to manage diversity to the rise of extremist movements that fragmented societies, the pursuit of unity through uniformity has often led to destruction rather than renewal. A more sustainable and authentic approach to unity would embrace diversity as a strength, emphasizing shared spiritual and ethical values over rigid ideological conformity.
Entropy as a Framework for Understanding Unity
Entropy teaches us that systems naturally move toward transformation and complexity. Applied to human societies, this principle suggests that unity is not about homogenization but about creating harmony within diversity. The Ummah, like any living system, thrives when it respects and embraces its inherent variety.
The Qur’anic emphasis on consultation (shūrā), justice, and mutual understanding aligns with this perspective. A truly unified Ummah would not be a monolithic entity but a dynamic and adaptive system, where different cultures, traditions, and perspectives coexist and contribute to a shared moral and spiritual vision.
Such a vision requires rejecting the simplistic notion of unity as political or ideological uniformity. Instead, it calls for a deeper understanding of the natural and divine laws that govern human existence.
Toward Constructive Unity
In the modern world, with its nation-states, alliances, and global interconnections, the idea of uniting all Muslims under one leader or system is neither feasible nor desirable. What makes more sense is developing a unity based on shared values—justice, compassion, and service to humanity—while respecting the diversity of nations and communities.
Constructive unity involves:
- Emphasizing education, dialogue, and mutual respect.
- Focusing on common goals like poverty alleviation, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of peace.
- Recognizing diversity as a strength, not a weakness, and allowing societies to evolve naturally within the framework of divine guidance.
This approach aligns with both the Qur’anic vision and the universal law of entropy as transformation. It acknowledges that unity does not require uniformity and that diversity, when managed wisely, can lead to greater harmony and resilience.
Conclusion
The misunderstanding of entropy as chaos and unity as uniformity has led to significant errors in Islamic thought and practice. Calls for the political unification of the Ummah, often driven by narrow ideological agendas, ignore the natural and divine principles of diversity and transformation. Such efforts risk increasing disorder and undermining the very unity they seek to achieve.
True unity, as envisioned in the Qur’an, is a moral and spiritual bond that transcends political and cultural differences. It is based on shared values and mutual respect, reflecting the divine wisdom of diversity. By aligning with God’s universal laws, including the principle of entropy as transformation, Muslims can move toward a more constructive and harmonious understanding of unity—one that celebrates diversity as a sign of God and a source of strength.
This vision offers a path to renewal and growth, not through coercion or exclusion, but through understanding, cooperation, and the dynamic balance of unity within diversity.