The Different meanings of the Term ‘Ummah’

A Famous Term: [The Different meanings of the Term ‘Ummah’–Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah)

The term ‘Ummah’ has been used in the Qur’aan to mean four different things:

[1] At-Taa-ifah [A Group] as stated in the saying of Allaah (The Most High): ”And verily, We have sent among Every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).” [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 36]

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[2]Al-Imaam [Leader], and in this regard is the saying of Allaah (The Most High): ”Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was a Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), obedient to Allah.” [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 120]

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[3]Az-Zaman [A length of time], and in this regard is the saying of Allaah (The Most High): ”But the one who was freed and remembered after a Ummah (i.e. length of time) said: ”I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me forth.” [Soorah Yoosuf: Ayah:45]

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[4] Al-Milla [A way or Religion], and in this regard is the saying of Allaah (The Most High): ”We found our fathers following a certain Ummah (i.e. way and religion)” [Soorah Az-Zukhruf: Ayah:23]

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[Source:Al-Qawlul Mufeed Alaa Kitaab At-Tawheed: page:27, Vol:1]

And Allaah knows best

Abu Mu-aawiyyah (Abdullaah Al-Gambi)