Is It True That the Muslim World Needs a Common Enemy?

 

Is It True That the Muslim World Needs a Common Enemy?

Group of Muslims from different backgrounds form circle, vague enemy shadow surrounds, bright crescent symbol at center, distant skyline.


Introduction: A Common Enemy, Unifier or Boomerang?

As a Muslim trying to remain neutral, I often ask myself does the Muslim world truly need a “common enemy” to be united? This question arises not only because of political rhetoric in various Muslim countries, but also because of the long history of this ummah which often places an “external threat” as the reason to close ranks. (Armstrong, Fields of Blood, 2014)

For me, this question is both interesting and challenging. On the one hand, a “common enemy” has often proven to unite what was divided. On the other hand, if Muslims can only be solid when there is an enemy, then how long can we stand on our own without feeling threatened? (Esposito, Islam and the West, 1999)

A Common Enemy in Islamic History: Between Reality and Romanticism

Throughout history, we often hear how the presence of a “common enemy” sparked the emergence of strong leadership. For example, during the Prophet Muhammad’s era, the common enemy in the form of the Quraysh threat in Mecca and Arab alliances made the Muslims of Medina more united. But what is often overlooked is that the foundation of unity was not only the enemy, but a strong spiritual vision, ethics, and moral mission. (Lapidus, A History of Islamic Societies, 2002)

After that, various threats came one after another Crusaders, Mongols, Western colonialism. In every phase, the presence of a “common enemy” made it easier to create rhetoric about jihad and collective sacrifice. Yet behind these heroic stories, it is rarely discussed that the fall of the Islamic world was also often caused by internal conflicts civil wars, power struggles, and sectarian fanaticism. (Maalouf, The Crusades Through Arab Eyes, 1984)

A Common Enemy in the Modern Era: From Physical to Mental Colonization

Entering the modern era, the narrative of a common enemy did not disappear. In fact, in some Muslim countries, the issue of “foreign threats” is used as a shield to cover domestic crises: corruption, poverty, injustice. The rhetoric “the West hates Islam” or “Zionists control the world” is often repeated without being accompanied by substantial solutions. (Said, Covering Islam, 1981)

As a writer trying to be objective, I do not deny the fact that there are global interests that often harm the Muslim world. The invasion of Iraq, the Syrian conflict, the occupation of Palestine these are clear proof that foreign intervention is real. But if we always rely on the “common enemy” excuse, we risk losing the urgency to fix ourselves. (Mamdani, Good Muslim, Bad Muslim, 2005)

Why Does the Common Enemy Narrative Always Sell?

I think the answer is simple: humans tend to unite more easily when facing an external threat than when sitting together to solve internal problems. Political elites both East and West understand this logic. It’s no wonder then, that the narrative of a common enemy is kept alive so that people remain loyal to one camp. (Tyerman, The Crusades, 2004)

We see it clearly in the age of social media: issues of Islam vs the West, Islam vs Zionism, Islam vs Communism these all easily go viral. Meanwhile, discussions about education reform, technological literacy, or legal reform rarely get center stage. (Armstrong, Holy War, 1988)

Does the Muslim World Really Need a Common Enemy?

If I’m honest, I’d say: no. Muslims should not be united only because there is a threat. We are actually required to unite because of a shared vision of goodness. The Prophet Muhammad SAW affirmed, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” This vision is much deeper than simply having a common enemy. (Hadith narrated by Thabrani)

Unity that is built only on fear will crumble once the “enemy” disappears. We can see this in the phenomenon of Arab states after the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate without a common enemy, factions emerged, fighting each other for local influence. (Hourani, A History of the Arab Peoples, 1991)

The Impact of a Common Enemy on the Identity of Muslim Youth

I worry about this pattern being passed down to young Muslims. They grow up with the mentality of “we are always hunted,” but with little initiative to build a new civilization. As a result, the extraordinary potential of Muslim youth from tech research, halal startups, to global diplomacy is held back by walls of fear and hatred. (Esposito, Islam and Politics, 1998)

Yet history shows that this ummah has a progressive tradition of knowledge especially in times of peace. The eras of Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba thrived not because of a common enemy, but because of a culture of learning and openness. (Kennedy, When Baghdad Ruled the Muslim World, 2005)

Is a Common Enemy the Only Way to Prevent Division?

Some say that without a common enemy, Muslims will easily fall apart. I understand this logic, but I also believe division can only be prevented through justice, transparency, and equal access to knowledge. We cannot forever rely on fear. (Roy, Globalized Islam, 2004)

On the contrary, when fear is used as a weapon, people unite only on the surface underneath grows distrust, a culture of anti-criticism, and intolerance. What results is not a strong ummah, but a reactive one. (Mamdani, Good Muslim, Bad Muslim, 2005)

Finding a Middle Way: Unity Through Mission, Not Threat

I believe there is a middle path: Muslims need to update the narrative of unity. No longer by selling fear, but by building an inspiring collective goal. The Muslim world must have an “abstract enemy”: ignorance, corruption, poverty, injustice. This enemy will never run out, but fighting it brings real benefit. (Lapidus, A History of Islamic Societies, 2002)

Reflection: What Can We Do?

As a Muslim writer trying to stay neutral, I think the first step is simple: stop swallowing the rhetoric of a common enemy whole. The younger generation needs to be more skeptical of mass hatred narratives. Be critical of information sources. Use technology to broaden horizons, not just to spread propaganda. (Said, Covering Islam, 1981)

Conclusion: A Common Enemy Is Not a Lasting Solution

If asked, is it true that the Muslim world needs a common enemy? My answer: maybe in the past yes, but in the future no. The Muslim world is too big to keep living in the shadow of an enemy. We need a bigger shared project producing a generation of scientists, building a sovereign economy, fighting for global justice.

Let history be our teacher, not our prison. Let the narrative of the “common enemy” be replaced with a “common mission.” Because in essence, Islam teaches that the “best community” is the one that brings mercy to the universe, not merely united by fear of the same enemy. (Q.S. Ali Imran: 110)

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