ONE:
Varying Practices are Acceptable within the Framework of Islam. This is Done with Respect.
Anas (may God be pleased with him) said, “When [we] the Companions would travel, some of us would fast and others would not. Some of us offered the complete prayer while others performed the shortened (qaṣr) prayer. The one fasting did not look down on the one who was not fasting and neither the other way around. The one who shortened prayers did not belittle the one who offered complete prayers, and nor the one who performed complete prayer to the one offering the shortened prayer.” (Bayhaqi)
The people of Madinah under Ibn ʿAbbas (may God be pleased with him) celebrated ʿEid after 30 days of fasting, while in the same Ramadan, in Syria, the residents under the leadership of Muʿawiyyah (may God be pleased with him) celebrated ʿEid after 29 days of fasting. They respected each other’s views and did not make it a big deal. (See: Sahih Muslim)
TWO:
Pray for One Another, Despite the Disagreement
When ʿAli Ibn Abi Talib (may God be pleased with him) had a major difference of opinion during the ‘Camel Campaign’, with Ṭalḥah bin ʿObaidullah (may God be pleased with him), he supplicated with the following words, “I pray to the Almighty that He make us both amongst those whom God will address and say, ‘Enter Paradise in peace, safe [and secure]. I remove whatever is in the hearts of resentment, [so they will be] brothers, on thrones facing each other [in Jannah].’ (Qurʾan 15:47).”
THREE:
We Do Not Show Contempt to One Another’s Viewpoints
When the Companions travelled to Banu Qurayḍah, the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) instructed them to perform ʿAṣr prayers after reaching Banu Qurayḍah. On route, the time for ʿAṣr was near to expire. Some prayed, fearing the expiry of the time. Others chose not to pray until after entering the vicinity of Banu Qurayḍah, adhering to the literal understanding of the Prophet’s words. When the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) was informed of this dilemma and what occurred, “He did not express contempt at either of the two groups.” – (Bukhari)
FOUR:
Speak Positive and Respectful Words of the Other, Despite the Disagreement
ʿAbd Allah Ibn Masʿud and ʿOmar Ibn Khaṭṭab (may God be pleased with both of them) disagreed in over 100 fiqh matters. Yet, they spoke highly of one another.
ʿAbd Allah Ibn Masʿud said about ʿOmar Ibn Khaṭṭab (may God be pleased with both of them), “ʿOmar Ibn Khattab served as a fortified stronghold for Islam. The masses entered his palace and did not leave its protection. When ʿOmar passed away, the fortress has weakened.” (Al-Mustadrak)
Likewise, ʿOmar said about Ibn Masʿud (may God be pleased with both of them), “Ibn Masʿud is a robust shoulder to lean on and an expert jurist of our time whose knowledge has benefited the masses.” (Siyar Aʿalam Al-Nubala)
FIVE
Be Flexible for the Sake of Unity and Higher Purpose
Imam Shafiiʾe (may God’s mercy be with him) led Fajr prayers in Imam Abu Ḥanifa’s local masjid (may God’s mercy be with him). He did not conduct the qunut supplication, nor did he recite bismillah audibly. He did this out of respect to the community and the teachings of their imam, Abu Ḥanifa. (See: Ṭabaqat Al-Ḥanifiyyah)
“Following a weak or uncommon valid fiqh position for a higher objective such as unity is acceptable.” – (Mufti Dr. Taqi Usmani)
“Unity is more important than my fiqh preference.” – (Sh. Dr. Abdullah hakim Quick)
SIX
Views Can Differ, Hearts Cannot!
The Arab poet, Al-Shawqī said, “We can differ with views but not with our hearts.”
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