The Intended Meaning of the Ummah of the Call and the Ummah of the Response

Question:
One ummah (the Muslim community). Some people say to the ummah, "It is an Arab ummah and an Islamic ummah." Is it one ummah, such that it is correct to say it is an ummah?

Answer:
The ummah is of two kinds: the ummah of the call, which is the general people, the general inhabitants of the earth, including the Jews, the Christians, the Shi'ah, and others. This is what is called the ummah of the call. As for the ummah of the response, they are those who follow the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and obey him. Among all people, these are the obedient Muslims. As for the fact that the Messenger was sent to the ummah, meaning to the entire ummah, whether its Jews, Christians, or Shi'ah, it is called the ummah of the call. As for the excellence, it is specific to the Muslims; the Jews, Christians, and Shi'ah are not included in it.