“and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practise regular charity; and they constantly served Us (and Us only)”.  (21:73)

No human being was exempted from these beliefs and practices.  Each Messenger taught total submission to Allah; and that we are all going back to Him; and in order to successfully meet Him one has to practice that which has been commanded.  

And through these practices the bond among mankind is continuously strengthened.  For example in the institution of Salaat we meet and interact with our follow brothers and sisters.  In the institution of charity we assist and look after those who are in need.  So the beliefs and practices that Allah has ordered us to follow reinforces the union amongst mankind.

In this particular Surah, Surah Anbiyaa, Allah mentions the life of many Messengers; and one thing that resonates in each one of them is, that they had complete faith in their Lord.  They would also put their problems to Him and beg for His interventions and assistance and He responded to them all.  For example, when Prophet Lot (as) complained to Allah that the people of Sodom would not change and they should be destroyed Allah sent upon the disbelievers a terrible punishment.

Why make mention of this?  As Muslims we do not feel that we are better than others.  We do not walk around announcing that we’re the ‘saved and chosen ones’.  We adhere to the principles that we are commanded to follow and in so doing, join with all those who came before.  As Allah says;

“Verily, this nation of yours is one nation, and I am your Lord and Cherisher:  Therefore serve me (and no other)”.  (21:92)

Islam has, in addition to these institutions that make us feel like one family, three additional ‘ingredients’ that will make life pleasant for all.  Allah records them in Surah Balad

“one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion”.  (90:17)

Help one another to find out the truth,  to preserve in life with patience and  to show compassion to others.

If these practices are upheld there will be certain elements in society that will contradict with us.  For example those who have a materialistic and selfish outlooks on life will not be open to these three components as it is not in accordance with their desires.  And as Allah says

But (later generations) cut off their affair (of unity), one from another: (yet) will They all return to us.  (21:93)

On the contray, if we apply these three ingredients to our daily lives society as a whole will change for the better.  And this type of behaviour will have a direct relation to the attitude of the future generations.

May Allah grant us the ability of inculcating these principles in our daily lives and may He strengthen the unity among the followers if His Deen.