Muslims urged to embrace unity and emulate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

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Businessman Mr Mohamed Jaffer has urged Muslims in Kenya to rise above tribal and regional divisions and consider themselves as one people.

Speaking on Sunday at the United Milad un-Nabi celebrations at Jaffery Islamic Centre in Nairobi, Mr Jaffer said Muslims should be happy whenever a fellow believer succeeds.

 “We should be happy whenever a Muslim gets an appointment or succeeds in anything. We should not ask, why not us Somalis, why not us from Mombasa, or any other smaller tribe,” he said.

Mr Jaffer, who owns Grain Bulk Handlers Ltd, expressed joy that, for the first time, a Muslim is heading the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), the national body that brings together faiths for dialogue, peacebuilding and advocacy on national issues.

For decades, Mr Jaffer has been one of Kenya’s most prominent Muslim philanthropists, known for financing schools, hospitals, mosques, and community initiatives across the Coast and beyond. 

His remarks on Sunday carried weight not only as a businessman but also as a respected elder urging the faithful to put aside differences and embrace collective pride in each other’s achievements.

The Pakistani High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Ibrar Khan, encouraged Muslims to emulate the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as their role model.

Quoting the Qur’an, Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21), he said:

 “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.”

Mr Khan further urged the faithful to remain steadfast in unity as was demonstrated by the Prophet.

He noted that Muslims in Kenya had an opportunity to lead by example in interfaith coexistence.

The Iranian Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Ali Gholampour, stressed that the Prophet rejected oppression and always defended the truth.

 “The Prophet (PBUH) said that killing one innocent person is like killing the whole of humanity,” Mr Gholampour said, condemning atrocities committed against civilians in Gaza.

He called on Muslims to speak against injustice wherever it occurs, linking the Prophet’s rejection of oppression to the plight of Palestinians.

The remarks came against the backdrop of renewed condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where thousands of civilians, including women and children, have been killed in nearly a year of war.

 International aid agencies have described the situation as catastrophic, with shortages of food, medicine, and clean water worsening each day.

In Kenya last week, Muslims in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu joined global demonstrations, calling for an immediate ceasefire and for the protection of innocent lives in Gaza. 

Religious leaders also urged the Kenyan government to add its voice to the international demand for peace.

Dr Hassan Kinyua, a University of Nairobi lecturer and lawyer, reminded Muslims of the Qur’anic call for unity.

Quoting Surah Al-Imran (3:103), he said:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”

Dr Kinyua questioned why Muslims continued to divide themselves along sectarian lines.

“Why do we as Muslims keep on asking whether we are Sunni or Shia? Allah tells us not to conflict amongst ourselves. Why then do we go against this? Let us stop any Sheikh who goes to mosques telling people about this or that madh-hab,” he said.

He thanked Dr F. S. Abdallah, the current IRCK chairman, for bringing all people together under one platform of dialogue.

 Dr Abdallah’s leadership has been credited with strengthening Muslim representation in interfaith discussions at the national level, and his election earlier this year was hailed as a breakthrough moment for inclusivity.

The United Milad un-Nabi at Jaffery Islamic Centre drew Muslims from diverse communities under the theme of unity, respect, and love for the Prophet. 

Unlike previous years, this year’s gathering emphasised interfaith solidarity, with speakers highlighting how Muslims can contribute to a stronger, more cohesive Kenya.

As the gathering dispersed, the message remained clear: Muslim unity is not just a spiritual ideal but a practical necessity for a community seeking dignity, justice, and progress in a changing world.