[vanillawafer]

Know that all the ties that may exist between Muslims, Islam itself is the strongest. It forms a bond between the easterner and the westerner, between the black and the white. The bond of Islam gathers them, and, through its brotherhood, relationships between widely different groups are harmonized. They are equal regardless of their lineage; the lowest among them can speak on their behalf, and they are united as one hand against all others.

They are concerned about one another irrespective of distance, and each rejoices when good fortune befalls his brethren, and is saddened when they are afflicted by hardships and difficulties. Each prays to God for his brothers in their absence, in gatherings and on pulpits. Each prays that God check those who threaten Islam, whether they be the aggressors, the immoral, the workers of corruption, or the disbelievers.

For the Muslims, Islam is his finest banner, in which he takes pride and by which he is ennobled in every situation, so that he becomes angered when it is slandered or attacked. He sacrifices his own life and what is dearest to him in its defense, for it is his most precious jewel, and the greatest of the gifts bestowed upon him by God. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Muslims to unite in harmony, to help each other and stand shoulder to shoulder against the adversaries of Islam and those who conspire against it and seek to bring harm to its people. It is their duty to sacrifice their lives and their wealth to make the Word of God prevail, and to bring power and honor to Islam and Muslims everywhere. "Islam is the highest grace; ever to bless a people's place." [Key to the Garden]

salam